Needle roller bearings enable more energy efficient systems

Available with new downsizing options, the modules include the X-life machined needle roller bearing version D; the X-life machined needle roller bearing with TWin Cage; and a slimline drawn cup needle roller bearing, which has a radial section height of 1.5mm. The X-life machined needle roller bearing version D benefits from a new profiled steel cage, which provides a higher load carrying capacity and is designed so that the number and length of needle rollers can be increased, without increasing the overall dimensions of the bearing. Schaeffler claims that by using more rolling elements and by extending their load bearing length, the new X-life needle bearing offers an increase in load ratings of up to 25%. Similarly, the machined needle roller bearing with TWin Cage uses two short needle rollers, which are inserted next to one another in a single cage pocket to reduce friction by up to 25%. The third new addition to Schaeffler's new offering is the slimline drawn cup needle roller bearing, which has a section height of just 1.5mm and is said to reduce friction by up to 60% compared to conventional plain bearings. According to Schaeffler, it also helps to simplify any adjacent structures or components and increase the accuracy and reliability of the system.