Cylindrical roller bearings have exceptionally low friction torque characteristics that make them suitable for high speed operation. They also have high radial load carrying capacity. They are typically used in machine tools, transmissions, vibration machines and as wheelset bearings for rail vehicles.
The surface finish of the tracks and rolling elements is critical to the running performance and noise characteristics of these bearings. Taylor Hobson have a range of Form Talysurf systems which are suitable for measuring the surface finish characteristics of cylindrical roller bearings. For further details click the link below.
Also of critical importance is the roundness and waviness of the tracks and rolling elements. Typically these features are measured using roundness instruments, for further details click the link below.
Along with general geometrical features there is also a requirement to analyse the cross sectional shape of the bearing track and rolling elements. These typically have a crowned (barrel) type shape to avoid a build of peak stresses at the edge of the bearing.This shape can be defined in a number of ways, which includes a simple large radius or a mathematical equation. Typically the nominal profile has a defined upper and lower tolerance.
Roller bearing analysis can consist of comparing a measured profile against a nominal, upper and lower tolerance band. This analysis can be completed using special geometrical software from Taylor Hobson Ltd.