Tapered roller bearings are particularly suitable where:
- high radial loads occur ➤ section and ➤ section
- high axial loads act on one side ➤ section
- combined loads must be supported (radial and axial forces acting simultaneously) ➤ section
- precise axial guidance of the shaft is required (locating bearing function)
- the bearing arrangement must have very high axial rigidity
- the bearing position is operated clearance-free or under preload (single bearings are adjusted against each other) ➤ section
- high running accuracy is required
- the load carrying capacity of angular contact ball bearings is no longer sufficient and the higher speed suitability of angular contact ball bearings is not required ➤ Figure
- the bearings are not required to compensate misalignments
- the design objective comprises compact, rigid and economical bearing arrangements with a high load carrying capacity
Load carrying capacity and speed comparison – single row tapered roller bearings/single row angular contact ball bearings
Fr = radial load
Cr = basic dynamic load rating
nG = limiting speed
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Design variants
Tapered roller bearings are available in an extensive range of single row and multi-row designs. X-life is the new performance standard for tapered roller bearings and stands for eXtended life ➤ link. The key designs based on single row tapered roller bearings are:
- single row tapered roller bearings
- matched tapered roller bearings
- integral tapered roller bearings
Tapered roller bearings are also available in many other designs and sizes, as well as for specific applications, by agreement. For general availability, please contact Schaeffler. An upgrade to X-life performance is available. X-life bearings TPI 241. Matched tapered roller bearings TPI 245. Integral tapered roller bearings TPI 151. Larger catalogue bearings and other bearing designs GL 1.
Available in metric and inch sizes
Tapered roller bearings are produced in metric and inch sizes.
Classification and designation – bearings in metric and inch sizes
Bearings in metric sizes:
- DIN 720 : 2008
- ISO 355 : 2007
- ANSI/ABMA 19 . 1 : 2011 (prefix KJ)
Bearings in inch sizes:
- ANSI/ABMA 19 . 2 : 2013 (prefix K)
Tapered roller bearings of basic design
Fundamental design features
Tapered roller bearings are part of the group of radial roller bearings. In contrast to the ball, the roller has a larger contact area perpendicular to the roller axis. As a result, it can transmit higher forces, has greater rigidity and allows smaller rolling elements under the same load. The single row and multi-row bearings comprise a ribless outer ring, an inner ring with two ribs of different heights and a cage ➤ Figure, ➤ Figure. The cage contains truncated conical rollers. The roller and cage assembly together with the inner ring forms a unit. The low rib retains, in conjunction with the cage, the rollers on the inner ring raceway; the high rib supports the axial force component arising from the tapered form of the rollers. While the tapered rollers roll on the raceways, they slide on the higher rib of the inner ring. The projected lines of contact of the tapered rollers intersect the projected raceways of the inner and outer ring at a point on the bearing axis ➤ Figure. As a result of this geometrical characteristic, tapered roller bearings are highly suitable for supporting combined loads. This also prevents any kinematic forced slippage at the rolling contact.
The high dimensional and geometrical accuracy of the rollers reduces running noise and vibrations
Due to the dimensional and geometrical accuracy of the tapered rollers, the rolling elements in a roller set are subjected to virtually the same proportion of load in the load range. In operation, this leads to low-noise and low-vibration running, as well as a high adjustment accuracy.
Single row tapered roller bearing: the apex points of the tapered surfaces meet at a point on the bearing axis
Fr = radial load
Fa = axial load
R = roller cone apex
α = nominal contact angle
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X-life premium quality
Single row tapered roller bearings are available in numerous series and dimensions as X-life bearings. These bearings exhibit considerably higher performance than comparable tapered roller bearings without X-life characteristics ➤ Figure. This is achieved, in part, by superior ring materials and optimised contact geometry between roller and raceway, as well as between roller and rib. In combination with an increased surface quality, this leads to improved lubricant film formation.
Advantages
Increased customer benefits due to X-life
These technical enhancements offer a range of advantages, such as:
- up to 20 % higher basic dynamic load ratings Cr ➤ Figure
- a higher running accuracy and smooth running
- running with reduced friction and greater energy efficiency (reduction in friction up to 50 %, in the case of tapered roller bearings with a steep taper, up to 75 %)
- lower heat generation in the bearing
- higher limiting speeds
- lower lubricant consumption and therefore longer maintenance intervals if relubrication is carried out
- a measurably longer operating life of the bearings ➤ Figure
- high reliability and operational security
- lower overall operating costs
- compact, environmentally-friendly bearing arrangements.
Lower operating costs, higher machine availability
In conclusion, these advantages improve the overall cost-efficiency of the bearing position significantly and thus bring about a sustainable increase in the efficiency of the machine and equipment.
Suffix XL
X-life tapered roller bearings include the suffix XL in the designation ➤ section.
Comparison of basic dynamic load rating Cr of X-life tapered roller bearings with bearings without X-life performance
Cr = basic dynamic load rating
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Fatigue running time in Weibull diagram – comparison of X-life tapered roller bearings with bearings without X-life performance
Probability of failure
Running time in hours
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Areas of application
Due to their special technical features, X-life tapered roller bearings are highly suitable for bearing arrangements in:
- mobile hydraulics (axial piston and orbital motors)
- tractors (wheel bearings and gearboxes)
- vertical mills (grinding rolls)
- hot and cold rolling mills (work rolls in roll stands)
- applications for oil and gas extraction
- offshore and onshore wind turbines (gearboxes)
- construction machinery (road rollers, drill head bearings)
X-life indicates a high product performance density and thus a particularly significant benefit to the customer.
Single row tapered roller bearings
Optimised product characteristics give a sustainable improvement in operating behaviour
Tapered roller bearings are individual, single row bearings of open design which, for technical reasons, are always adjusted against a second tapered roller bearing in a mirror image arrangement ➤ Figure. The bearings are designed such that they reliably cover the extensive demands in relation to generally common requirements. For example, in order to improve the lubricant film formation and running characteristics, the sliding surfaces on the guidance rib of the inner ring, as well as the end faces and contact profile of the rollers, have been optimised ➤ link. In addition, the high production accuracy allows the bearings to be adjusted against each other with high functional security. This in turn leads to improved operating characteristics and thus to a higher operational reliability. Tapered roller bearings are not self-retaining. As a result, the inner ring with the roller and cage assembly can be mounted separately from the outer ring. This gives simplified mounting of the bearings.
Single row tapered roller bearing
Fr = radial load
Fa = axial load
α = nominal contact angle
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Matched tapered roller bearings
If the load carrying capacity of a bearing is not sufficient or the shaft is to be guided in both directions with a specific axial clearance, then ready-to‑fit, matched bearing sets are available. Matched tapered roller bearings are essentially available in three arrangements comprising an X, O and tandem arrangement.
Matched tapered rolling bearing pairs in tandem, X and O arrangement, load directions, contact lines
Fr = radial load
Fa = axial load
X arrangement
O arrangement
Tandem arrangement
Fit ring
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X arrangement
For bearing sets in an X arrangement, the contact lines converge relative to the bearing axis ➤ Figure. Axial forces occur from both directions, but are always only supported by one bearing. The X arrangement is of simple design and the most frequently used arrangement of matched tapered roller bearings fitted in pairs.
O arrangement
For bearing sets in an O arrangement, the contact lines diverge relative to the bearing axis ➤ Figure. Axial forces occur from both directions, but are always only supported by one bearing. The support base is at its largest in the O arrangement, which is beneficial if the component with small bearing spacing must be guided with the smallest possible tilting clearance, or tilting forces must be supported. Bearing arrangements in an O arrangement are relatively rigid and can also support loads resulting from tilting moments.
Tandem arrangement
For bearing sets in a tandem arrangement, the contact lines run parallel to each other. In contrast to an X and O arrangement, the tandem arrangement can only support axial force in one direction. This bearing pair is usually adjusted against another tapered roller bearing, which supports axial forces in the opposite direction.
The product tables ➤ link, contain only a few examples of matched tapered roller bearing sets in an X arrangement for reference purposes. Other matched tapered roller bearing sets are available in an X arrangement by agreement.
Advantages of matched bearing sets
Matched bearing pairs in an O or X arrangement provide an economical solution to various bearing arrangement problems due, for example, to:
- their ability to support high radial loads as well as axial loads in both directions
- the simplified mounting of bearings, as the insertion of fit rings is no longer required and mounting defects are thus avoided
- the precise axial guidance of the shaft; the axial clearance of the bearing pair is already defined in bearing production
- simple lubrication; the lubricant can be easily fed to the rolling system by means of lubrication holes in the fit ring
Ordering and designation system
In order to simplify the ordering process, the ordering designation is modified for matched tapered roller bearings fitted in pairs:
- The first module letter D = 2 (duplex) represents the number of bearings
- The second module letter represents the bearing arrangement:
- B = O arrangement - Back to Back
- F = X arrangement - Face to Face
- T = tandem arrangement
- Where necessary (special design), a third module letter is added as a continuous counter for describing a variant. Example: A, B, … = different set width, variant of intermediate ring design
- The axial internal clearance is indicated explicitly in the designation. For example, A80-120 means that the axial internal clearance of the unmounted bearing pair (delivered condition) is between 80 μm and 120 μm. Ordering example ➤ Figure
The number of bearing pairs must be stated when ordering matched tapered roller bearings.
Integral tapered roller bearings (JK0S) – fitted in pairs
The bearings are predominantly fitted in pairs
Integral tapered roller bearings are ready-to-fit bearing units, which are greased, sealed on one side and predominantly mounted in pairs in an O arrangement ➤ Figure. The bearings are not separable.
There is no need to set the axial internal clearance
The precise axial internal clearance is not achieved by adjusting the bearings, but is set automatically when the recommended bearing seat tolerances are observed. As a result, there is no need to adjust the bearings against each other in the manner normally required. When integral tapered roller bearings are mounted in pairs, a slot is formed on the outer ring for the retaining ring (snap ring BR). Schaeffler integral tapered roller bearings are interchangeable with each other.
When ordering, please always state the number of individual bearings and not the number of bearing pairs. The snap ring must be ordered separately, for example:
- 2 tapered roller bearings JK0S080-A ➤ link
- 1 snap ring BR125
Paired integral tapered roller bearing, load directions
Fr = radial load
Fa = axial load
Integral tapered roller bearings (JK0S), fitted in pairs in an O arrangement, sealed, clearance preset
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Bearings of basic design
Capable of supporting axial loads in one direction and radial loads
Single row tapered roller bearings can support axial loads in one direction and high radial loads ➤ Figure and ➤ Figure. However, they must always be axially adjusted against a second bearing fitted in a mirror image arrangement. This bearing combination is then fitted in an O or X arrangement.
The larger the contact angle, the higher the axial load carrying capacity
The axial load carrying capacity of the bearings is dependent on the nominal contact angle α ➤ Figure. The greater this angle, the higher the axial load to which the bearing can be subjected. The size of the contact angle – and thus the load carrying capacity of the bearing – is indicated by the value e in the product tables ➤ link. The nominal contact angle α in most bearing series is between 10° and 20°. In special series, α is approximately 28° to 30°. Bearings of series 313, 323..-B, T5ED and T7FC have a very high axial load carrying capacity due to their particularly large contact angle.
Basic load rating and fatigue limit load for bearing pairs comprising single bearings
If two bearings of the same size and design are fitted immediately adjacent to each other in an O or X arrangement, the basic dynamic load rating Cr, the basic static load rating C0r and the fatigue limit load Cur of the bearing pair are as follows:
- Cr = 1,715 · Cr single bearing
- C0r = 2 · C0r single bearing
- Cur = 2 · Cur single bearing
Values for single bearings in the product tables ➤ link.
Matched bearings
Capable of supporting radial loads, axial loads in both directions and moment loads
Matched tapered roller bearings support higher radial forces than single row tapered roller bearings. In X and O arrangements, axial forces and moment loads are supported in both directions. The tandem arrangement can only support axial forces in one direction.
Basic load rating and fatigue limit load for matched bearings
For matched bearing pairs of design DF, the basic load ratings and fatigue limit loads are given in the dimension tables ➤ link.
Integral tapered roller bearings – fitted in pairs
Capable of supporting axial loads in both directions and radial loads
Single row tapered roller bearings fitted in pairs in an O arrangement support high axial loads in both directions and high radial loads ➤ Figure.
Compensation of angular misalignments possible
The modified line contact between the tapered rollers and the raceways ensures optimum stress distribution at the contact points and prevents stress increases at the edges. As a result, the bearings can tolerate certain angular misalignments and give better support of moment loads ➤ Figure.
Uniform load distribution due to optimised roller and raceway profile
F = load on the roller
Straight profile
Logarithmic profile
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Permissible angular misalignment
If the load ratio P/C0r ≦ 0,2, the tilting of the bearing rings relative to each other must not exceed 4 angular minutes. This is, however, subject to the position of the shaft and housing axis remaining constant (no dynamic movements).
If larger loads/misalignments or dynamic angular defects are present, please consult Schaeffler.
Single row and matched tapered roller bearings
Oil or grease lubrication is possible
Single row and matched tapered roller bearings are not greased. These bearings must be lubricated with oil or grease.
Compatibility with plastic cages
When using bearings with plastic cages, compatibility between the lubricant and the cage material must be ensured if synthetic oils, lubricating greases with a synthetic oil base or lubricants containing a high proportion of EP additives are used.
Observe oil change intervals
Aged oil and additives in the oil can impair the operating life of plastics at high temperatures. As a result, stipulated oil change intervals must be strictly observed.
Integral tapered roller bearings
Usually maintenance-free due to initial greasing
Integral tapered roller bearings are supplied already greased with a quality grease to DIN 51825. The grease filling is measured such that these bearings are maintenance-free during their operating lives in most applications.
Single row and matched tapered roller bearings
Provide seals in the adjacent construction
Single row and matched tapered roller bearings are not sealed, i. e. sealing of the bearing position must be carried out in the adjacent construction. This must reliably prevent:
- moisture and contaminants from entering the bearing
- the egress of lubricant from the bearing position
Integral tapered roller bearings
Integral tapered roller bearings are sealed on one side with a contact seal (lip seal).
Limiting speeds and reference speeds in the product tables
The product tables give two speeds for most bearings:
- the kinematic limiting speed nG
- the thermal speed rating nϑr
Limiting speeds
The limiting speed nG is the kinematically permissible speed of the bearing. Even under favourable mounting and operating conditions, this value should not be exceeded without prior consultation with Schaeffler ➤ link.
Reference speeds
nϑr is used to calculate nϑ
The thermal speed rating nϑr is not an application-oriented speed limit, but is a calculated ancillary value for determining the thermally safe operating speed nϑ ➤ link.
Bearings with contact seals
For bearings with contact seals, no speed ratings are defined in accordance with DIN ISO 15312:2004. As a result, only the limiting speed nG is given in the product tables for these bearings.
Speeds for matched bearings fitted in pairs
Observing the thermal balance
For matched bearing pairs, the limiting speeds nG given in the product tables are permissible if the less favourable thermal balance of the bearing pair is taken into consideration in the operating conditions.
The Schaeffler Noise Index (SGI) has been developed as a new feature for comparing the noise level of different bearing types and series. As a result, a noise evaluation of rolling bearings can now be carried out for the first time.
Schaeffler Noise Index
The SGI value is based on the maximum permissible noise level of a bearing in accordance with internal standards, which is calculated on the basis of ISO 15242. In order that different bearing types and series can be compared, the SGI value is plotted against the basic static load rating C0.
This permits direct comparisons between bearings with the same load carrying capacity. The upper limit value is given in each of the diagrams. This means that the average noise level of the bearings is lower than illustrated in the diagram.
The Schaeffler Noise Index is an additional performance characteristic in the selection of bearings for noise-sensitive applications. The specific suitability of a bearing for an application in terms of installation space, load carrying capacity or speed limit for example, must be checked independently of this.
Schaeffler Noise Index for tapered roller bearings
SGI = Schaeffler Noise Index
C0 = basic static load rating
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Limiting values
The operating temperature of the bearings is limited by:
- the dimensional stability of the bearing rings and tapered rollers
- the cage
- the lubricant
- the seals
Possible operating temperatures of tapered roller bearings ➤ Table.
Permissible temperature ranges