How roller bearings are different from ball bearings?

Have you seen different types of bearings like ball bearings and roller bearings? They look very similar as they are both bearings and perform the same function. However, there is a huge difference in the way they are used. Let us see what the difference between ball bearing and roller bearing is.

Why we need bearings?

The shaft is used to transfer power from one point to another. For example, one end of the shaft is connected to an electric motor, and the other end is connected to a belt or some other component where you want to transfer power.

Because of the motion, the shaft will be subject to a variety of loads such as axial loads and radial loads. Up and down deflection of shaft and shock will be possible while moving. Due to this vibration, the load transfer is not done properly. To solve this problem we need continuous moving supports, called bearings.

A bearing is a machine component that supports a machine element and allows relative motion between the contact surfaces of the members when carrying a load.

Miniature Ball Bearings
Deep Groove Ball Bearing
Spherical Roller Bearings
Cylindrical Roller
Needle Roller

 

KZ Ball bearing

Bearings consist of three components: bearing rings, rolling elements, and cages. When the rolling elements are spherical balls, they are called ball bearings. They are commonly used in smaller wheels and hard drives. These are mostly standardized and sold as assemblies. These ball bearings are generally used at higher speeds and lighter loads.

KZ Roller bearing

In the case of roller bearings, the rolling element forms a line contact instead of point contact like in ball bearings. They can take heavier loads and shocks than ball bearings. These are usually taken apart and turned into parts. These bearings are more sensitive to angular misalignment.

HOW ROLLER BEARINGS ARE DIFFERENT FROM BALL BEARINGS?