Cylindrical Roller Bearing Overview

Have you ever think how massive automobile transmission systems, industrial machines, and high-end conveyor belts operate so smoothly? The reason behind their success is cylindrical roller bearings. But what are they? They are basically small bearings that are designed to handle radial loads and reduce friction to a considerably low level.  

Here, we will explain the pros and cons of cylindrical roller bearings, their applications, and how they differ from spherical roller bearings. You will also learn how they work and where to use them appropriately.

What is a Cylindrical Roller Bearing?

cylindrical roller bearing
cylindrical roller bearing

A cylindrical roller bearing is a small mechanical component that helps two adjacent moving parts to rotate without hindrance. But how does it do that? By tolerating heavy radial loads. It is not a single-unit component but is composed of certain tiny elements. Their rolling elements are cylinder shaped rotate inside an inner and outer ring. This typical movement reduces friction between the two mechanical parts. This design not only enables the cylindrical roller bearings to handle radial loads but also increases efficiency at higher speeds.

There are different types of cylindrical roller bearings based on configuration. These types are single row and double row cylindrical roller bearings. Some of these bearings have additional features based on a specific need, such as the presence of ribs and cages to boost performance further.

Cylindrical roller bearings are highly versatile and can be used in multiple applications, including electric motors, machine tools, transmission systems, gearboxes, and electronics.

What are the Types of Cylindrical Roller Bearing?

types of cylindrical roller bearing
types of cylindrical roller bearing

As mentioned, there are two main types of cylindrical roller bearings, which are single-row and double-row cylindrical roller bearings. Besides these, there is a third type also, known as full complement cylindrical roller bearing.

The following are the details of these types:

1. Single-Row Cylindrical Roller Bearing

These are the most frequently used cylindrical roller bearings. These bearings are manufactured to handle higher radial loads and can perform quite well at higher speeds. These cylindrical bearings enable axial disposition in both directions. This makes them highly suitable for applications where the shaft is expanded and contracted very frequently.

Some easily available single-row cylindrical roller bearings are:

NU type

The outer rings of these bearings have fixed ribs and the inner ring is smooth. This configuration allows axial disposition to take place relative to housing.

NJ type

Their outer rings have two fixed ribs, whereas, one is fixed on the inner one. This unique design allow these bearings to handle radial loads only in one direction.

N-type

It is the opposite of NU-type cylindrical roller bearings since they have two fixed ribs on the inner rings instead of the outer one.

NUP type

This cylindrical roller bearing type has two ribs on the inner and outer rings. The difference lies in the fact that the inner ring has one fixed and one loose rib, whereas, outer ring has both fixed ribs.

NF type

It is somehow similar to N type with an inner ring having two fixed ribs but its outer ring also has one fixed rib.

2. Double-Row Cylindrical Roller Bearing

As the name indicates, these bearings have two sets of cylindrical rollers. It enables them to tolerate higher radial load capacity and offer higher rigidity value compared to single-row cylindrical roller bearings. They have applications in gearboxes and machine tool spindles as they need greater radial stiffness.

The following are some configurations of these bearings:

NN type

This type has two rollers’ rows and three fixed ribs on the bearing’s inner ring, whereas, the outer ring is smooth. It allows greater rigidity and load carrying capacity.

NNU type

It is entirely opposite to the NN type. Instead of three fixed ribs and two rows of rollers on the inner ring, this one has them on the outer ring. Their inner ring is smooth.

3. Full-Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings

They are not similar to the standard two types of cylindrical roller bearings. They do not have a cage. This leads to a maximum number of rollers. This specification offers greater load capacity. However, they function at low speeds instead of high. They do so because the number of rollers are more, which means the friction between them is also increased.

The two subtypes of this bearing type are:

Single-row bearings

They have a higher number of rollers, allowing for greater radial load-carrying capacity, but work at considerably low speed.

Double-row bearings

Similar to the single-row type, they have maximum rollers but are arranged in two rows instead of one. Their attributes are the same as single-row ones, but they offer more load-carrying capacity than them.

What are the Pros and Cons of Cylindrical Roller Bearings?

So, as mentioned before, cylindrical roller bearings are vital components of different mechanical systems and have versatile uses. While they offer dozens of pros, there are some cons or limitations of cylindrical roller bearings. Some of the pros and cons of these roller bearings are:

Pros of Cylindrical Roller Bearings

ProsDescription
Carry a high radial load These bearings handle high radial loads, which makes them perfect for heavy-duty applications.
Suitable for higher speedsWithout compromising the stability, these bearings perform optimally under higher speed applications.
Higher stiffnessSince they have a unique design, it enables the bearings to offer high durability. It is particularly good for precision shaft positioning.
Prolonged service lifeIf well-managed and maintained, cylindrical roller bearings provide prolonged service life. It reduces downtime and replacement costs.
Design versatilityThere are different configurations like single and double row bearings. You can use them for your specific application needs.

Cons of Cylindrical Roller Bearings

ConsDescription
Limited for axial loadsThey are primarily designed for radial load capacity, which limits their usage for axial loads. You need to use an additional bearing to support axial loads.
Sensitive to misalignmentsThese bearings are sensitive to minor misalignments between the housing and shaft. It causes wear and tear, reducing service life.
Housing structure complexityThe unique structure can be made more complex for some applications, which is a bit costly to manufacture and design.
Loud noiseAs compared to other bearing types, cylindrical roller bearings produce loud noise, which can be a bit annoying.
Cost considerationTheir design and material are more expensive than the rest of the bearing types.

What is the Difference Between Spherical Roller Bearings and Cylindrical Roller Bearings?

cylindrical roller bearing vs spherical roller bearingg
cylindrical roller bearing vs spherical roller bearingg

There are multiple types of roller bearings. The two important are cylindrical and spherical roller bearings. Both of them handle loads but have differences in their design, functions, load-carrying abilities, and applications.
Below is a comparison table between spherical and cylindrical roller bearings:

FeatureSpherical Roller BearingsCylindrical Roller Bearings
Shape of rollerBarrel shapeCylindrical shape
Load capacityHandles both axial and radial loadsMainly used for radial load capacity
Friction levelHigher friction levelLower level
Misalignemnt toleranceSelf-aligning with higher toleranceSensitive to misalignments
Axial load handlingYes, can handle axial loadNo, very limited usage for axial load handling
Speed performanceModerate because of high frictionHigher because of a lower friction level
ApplicationsGearboxes and heavy machineryTools of machines and electric motors

Cylindrical Roller Bearing Application

Cylindrical roller bearings have a wide range of applications and are used in industries with a high demand for radial load-carrying capacity, higher efficiency, and greater durability. They can handle heavy radial loads even at higher speeds. It makes them preferable for different mechanical systems. Some important applications of cylindrical roller bearings are:

Automotive Industry

The first is automotive industry. They are commonly used in transmission systems, wheel hubs, and differentials to cater to heavy radial loads to maintain smooth movement of moving parts.

Electric Motors and Generators

These bearings enhance the longevity and efficiency of electric motors and generators by reducing friction and the generation of heat.

Industrial Gearbox

Cylindrical roller bearings are quite important to decrease friction and handle high-speed applications in different gear-driven machinery and systems.

Steel and Paper Mills

Such bearings also have applications in this industry as they can tolerate extreme loads and harsh conditions to make sure they continuously operate without hindrance.

Machine Tools

They are also used in machine tools where they offer precision and higher load carrying capabilities for rotary mechanisms and spindles.

Railway and Aerospace

You can see these bearings used in aircraft engines and train axles to provide higher speed performance and reliability in high-stress conditions.

Cylindrical Roller Bearing Size Chart

BearingBoundary dimensionsBasic load RationgsLimiting speedsMass
No.mmKNRPM
 dDBrminr1minDynamic CrStatic CorGreaseOilKG
NUP2203ETN11740160.60.321.513.614000180000.097
N204E20471410.625.12213000160000.114
NF204E20471410.625.1221300016000–
NU204E20471410.625.1221300016000–
NJ204E20471410.625.1221300016000–
NUP204E20471410.625.1221300016000–
N2204E20471810.629.727.513000160000.145
NF2204E20471810.629.727.51300016000–
NU2204E20471810.629.727.51300016000–
NJ2204E20471810.629.727.51300016000–
NUP2204E20471810.629.727.51300016000–
N304E2052151.10.630.82612000150000.152
NF304E2052151.10.630.8261200015000–
NU304E2052151.10.630.8261200015000–
NJ304E2052151.10.630.8261200015000–
NUp304E2052151.10.630.8261200015000–
N2304E2052211.10.641.33811000140000.212
NF2304E2052211.10.641.3381100014000–
NU2304E2052211.10.641.3381100014000–
NJ2304E2052211.10.641.3381100014000–
NUP2304E2052211.10.641.3381100014000–
N205ETN125521510.628.62711000140000.136
NF205ETN125521510.628.6271100014000–
NU205ETN125521510.628.6271100014000–
NJ205ETN125521510.628.6271100014000–
NUP205ETN125521510.628.6271100014000–
NJ20525521510.627.12511000140000.137
N2205E25521810.634.13411000140000.163
NF2205E25521810.634.1341100014000–
NU2205E25521810.634.1341100014000–
NJ2205E25521810.634.1341100014000–
NUP2205E25521810.634.1341100014000–
N305ETN12562171.11.140.236.59500120000.246
NF305ETN12562171.11.140.236.5950012000–
NU3052562171.11.126.623.59500120000.25
NU305ETN12562171.11.140.236.5950012000–
NJ305ETN12562171.11.140.236.56950012000–
NJ3052562171.11.126.623.5950012000–
NUP305ETN12562171.11.140.236.5950012000–
N3052562171.11.126.623.59500120000.24
NF3052562171.11.126.623.5950012000–
N2305E2562241.11.156.1559000110000.347
NF2305E2562241.11.156.155900011000–
NU2305E2562241.11.156.155900011000–
NJ2305E2562241.11.156.155900011000–
NUP2305E2562241.11.156.155900011000–
N206ETN130621610.63836.59500120000.208
NF206ETN130621610.63836.5950012000–
NU206ETN130621610.63836.5950012000–
NJ206ETN130621610.63836.5950012000–
NUP206ETN130621610.63836.5950012000–
N20630621610.620.419.19500120000.219
NU20630621610.620.419.1950012000–
NJ20630621610.620.419.1950012000–
NUP20630621610.620.419.1950012000–
N2206E30622010.648.4499500120000.262
NF2206E30622010.648.449950012000–
NU2206E30622010.648.449950012000–
NJ2206E30622010.648.449950012000–
NUP2206E30622010.648.449950012000–
N306ETN13072191.11.151.2489000110000.368
N306EM/SO3072191.11.151.2489000110000.41
NF306E3072191.11.151.2489000110000.368
NU306E3072191.11.151.248900011000–
NJ306E3072191.11.151.248900011000–
NUP306E3072191.11.151.248900011000–
N3063072191.11.135.233.29000110000.355
NU3063072191.11.135.233.2900011000–
NJ3063072191.11.135.233.2900011000–
N2306E3072271.11.173.775800095000.526
NF2306E3072271.11.173.77580009500–
NU2306E3072271.11.173.77580009500–
NJ2306E3072271.11.173.77580009500–
NUP2306E3072271.11.173.77580009500–
N207ETN13572171.10.648.4488500100000.305
NF207ETN13572171.10.648.448850010000–
NU207ETN13572171.10.648.448850010000–
NJ207ETN13572171.10.648.448850010000–
NUP207ETN13572171.10.648.448850010000–
N2207E3572231.10.659.4638500100000.403
NF2207E3572231.10.659.463850010000–
NU2207E3572231.10.659.463850010000–
NJ2207E3572231.10.659.463850010000–
NJ2207EM3572231.10.659.4638500100000.461
NUP2207E3572231.10.659.4638500100000.403
NUP2207EM3572231.10.659.4638500100000.474
N307E3580211.51.164.463800095000.492
N307ETN13580211.51.164.46380009500–
NF307E3580211.51.164.46380009500–
NF307ETN13580211.51.164.46380009500–
NU307E3580211.51.164.46380009500–
NJ307E3580211.51.164.46380009500–
NUp307E3580211.51.164.46380009500–
N3073580211.51.142.941.5800095000.479
NF3073580211.51.142.941.580009500–
NU3073580211.51.142.941.580009500–
NJ3073580211.51.142.941.580009500–
N2307E3580311.51.191.398700085000.723
NF2307E3580311.51.191.39870008500–
NU2307E3580311.51.191.398700085000.723
NJ2307E3580311.51.191.39870008500–
NUP2307E3580311.51.191.39870008500–
N208ETN14080181.11.153.953750090000.383
NF208ETN14080181.11.153.95375009000–
NU208ETN14080181.11.153.95375009000–
NJ208ETN14080181.11.153.95375009000–
NUP208ETN14080181.11.153.95375009000–
N2208E4080231.11.170.475750090000.494
NF2208E4080231.11.170.47575009000–
NU2208E4080231.11.170.47575009000–
NJ2208E4080231.11.170.47575009000–
NUP2208E4080231.11.170.47575009000–
N308ETN14090231.51.580.978670080000.631
NF308ETN14090231.51.580.97867008000–
NU308ETN14090231.51.580.97867008000–
NJ308ETN14090231.51.580.97867008000–
NUp308ETN14090231.51.580.97867008000–
N3084090231.51.551.255.2670080000.66
N2308E4090331.51.5112120630075000.951
NF2308E4090331.51.511212063007500–
NU2308E4090331.51.511212063007500–
NJ2308E4090331.51.511212063007500–
NUP2308E4090331.51.511212063007500–
N209ETN14585191.11.160.564670080000.44
NF209ETN14585191.11.160.56467008000–
NU209ETN14585191.11.160.56467008000–
NJ209ETN14585191.11.160.56467008000–
NUP209ETN14585191.11.160.56467008000–
N2209E4585231.11.173.781.5670080000.534
NF2209E4585231.11.173.781.567008000–
NU2209E4585231.11.173.781.567008000–
NJ2209E4585231.11.173.781.567008000–
NUP2209E4585231.11.173.781.567008000–
N309E45100251.51.599100630075000.909
NF309E45100251.51.59910063007500–
NU309E45100251.51.59910063007500–
NJ309E45100251.51.59910063007500–
NUp309E45100251.51.59910063007500–
N30945100251.51.578.147630075000.867
NU30945100251.51.578.14763007500–
NJ30945100251.51.578.14763007500–
N2309E45100361.51.5138153560067001.31
NF2309E45100361.51.513815356006700–
NU2309E45100361.51.513815356006700–
NJ2309E45100361.51.513815356006700–
NUP2309E45100361.51.513815356006700–
N210ETN15090201.11.164.469.5630075000.49
NF210ETN15090201.11.164.469.563007500–
NU210ETN15090201.11.164.469.563007500–
NJ210ETN15090201.11.164.469.563007500–
NUP210ETN15090201.11.164.469.563007500–
N2105090201.11.151.757.563007500–
N2210E5090231.11.178.188630075000.573
NF2210E5090231.11.178.18863007500–
NU2210E5090231.11.178.18863007500–
NJ2210E5090231.11.178.18863007500–
NUP2210E5090231.11.178.18863007500–
N310E501102722110162500060001.17
NF310E50110272211016250006000–
NU310E50110272211016250006000–
NJ310E50110272211016250006000–
NUp31050110272269.976.3500060001.21
NUp310E501102722110162500060001.16
N31050110272269.970.3500060001.12
NU31050110272269.970.350006000–
NJ31050110272269.970.350006000–
N2310E501104022161186500060001.75
NF2310E50110402216118650006000–
NU2310E50110402216118650006000–
NJ2310E50110402216118650006000–
NUP2310E50110402216118650006000–
N211E55100211.51.184.295600070000.67
NF211E55100211.51.184.29560007000–
NU211E55100211.51.184.29560007000–
NJ211E55100211.51.184.29560007000–
NUP211E55100211.51.184.29560007000–
N21155100211.51.156.159.4600070000.626
N2211E55100251.51.199118600070000.798
NF2211E55100251.51.19911860007000–
NU2211E55100251.51.19911860007000–
NJ2211E55100251.51.19911860007000–
NUP2211E55100251.51.19911860007000–
N311E551202922138143480056001.5
NF311E55120292213814348005600–
NU311E55120292213814348005600–
NJ311E55120292213814348005600–
NUp311E55120292213814348005600–
N311551202922103107480056001.46
NF31155120292210310748005600–
NJ31155120292210310748005600–
NUp31155120292210310748005600–
N2311E551204322201232480056002.24
NF2311E55120432220123248005600–
NU2311E55120432220123248005600–
NJ2311E551204322201232480056002.52
N212E60110221.51.593.5102530063000.836
NF212E60110221.51.593.510253006300–
NU212E60110221.51.593.510253006300–
NJ212E60110221.51.593.510253006300–
NUP212E60110221.51.593.510253006300–
N2212E60110281.51.5128153530063001.09
NF2212E60110281.51.512815353006300–
NU2212E60110281.51.512815343006300–
NJ2212E60110281.51.512815343006300–
NUP2212E60110281.51.512815343006300–
N312E60130312.12.1151160430050001.83
N312EM60130312.12.1151160430050002.01
NF312E60130312.12.1151160430050001.83
NU312E60130312.12.115116043005000–
NJ312E60130312.12.115116043005000–
NUP312E60130312.12.115116043005000–
N31260130312.12.1123132430050001.79
NU31260130312.12.112313243005000–
NJ31260130312.12.112313243005000–
NUP31260130312.12.112313243005000–
N2312E60130462.12.1224265430050002.75
NF2312E60130462.12.122426543005000–
NU2312E60130462.12.122426543005000–
NJ2312E60130462.12.122426543005000–
NUP2312E60130462.12.122426543005000–

Conclusion

Cylindrical roller bearings are exceptional components of any mechanical system that handle radial load by reducing friction and improving efficiency. However, they have certain limitations as well. They cannot be used for axial load handling and are sensitive to slight misalignments. They have three types which are single-row, double-row, and full-complement cylindrical roller bearings.

Want more information? Contact BYWB Bearing for all your bearing-related queries. We are leading bearing manufacturers and suppliers in China, providing custom solutions for your specific bearing needs.

Jimmy-Shen-Head
Jimmy Shen

Hi, I'm Jimmy Shen, funder of bywbbearing.com, I've been running a factory in China that makes bearings for 16 years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to beairngs from a Chinese supplier's perspective.

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1人评论了“Cylindrical Roller Bearing Overview”

  1. Really clear cylindrical roller bearing overview — the rib-configuration breakdown (NU vs. NJ vs. NUP vs. NF) finally made it obvious which one I needed for my gearbox rebuild: a floating NU setup to let the shaft expand axially, with a locating NUP on the far side. The comparison against spherical roller bearings was the most useful part for me; it’s exactly why I went cylindrical for the high-speed motor end instead of a self-aligning unit, even though it meant tightening up my housing alignment. The size chart with the dynamic Cr and limiting speed values saved me a cross-reference against the catalog. Great technical read!

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