The two basic types of rolling element distinguish the two basic types of SKF rolling bearing:
- Ball → SKF ball bearing
- Roller → SKF roller bearing
Balls and rollers are different in how they make contact with the raceways.
SKF rolling bearings are also classified into two groups based on the direction of the load they predominantly accommodate:
- SKF radial bearings
Radial bearings accommodate loads that are predominantly perpendicular to the shaft. - SKF thrust bearings
Thrust bearings accommodate loads that act predominantly along the axis of the shaft.
The contact angle determines which group the bearing belongs to. Bearings with a contact angle ≤ 45° are radial bearings, the others are thrust bearings.
Each SKF bearing type has characteristic properties that make it more or less suitable for use in a given application. Different rolling bearing types exhibit varying and unique characteristics and features that cater to diverse requirements.
SKF ball bearing types
SKF deep groove ball bearings
Deep groove ball bearings are the most widely used bearing type and are particularly versatile. They have low friction and are optimized for low noise and low vibration which enables high rotational speeds. For this types, SKF offers:
- Single row deep groove ball bearings
- Stainless steel deep groove ball bearings
- Single row deep groove ball bearings with filling slots
- Double row deep groove ball bearings
SKF insert bearings
SKF Y-bearings are based on sealed deep groove ball bearings in the 62 and 63 series, but have a convex outer ring and in most cases an extended inner ring with a specific locking device, enabling quick and easy mounting onto the shaft.
SKF angular contact ball bearings
Angular contact ball bearings have inner and outer ring raceways that are displaced relative to each other in the direction of the bearing axis. This means that these bearings are designed to accommodate combined loads, i.e. simultaneously acting radial and axial loads. For this type, SKF offers:
- Single row angular contact ball bearings
- Double row angular contact ball bearings
- Four-point contact ball bearings
SKF self-aligning ball bearings
Self-aligning ball bearings have two rows of balls, a common sphered raceway in the outer ring and two deep uninterrupted raceway grooves in the inner ring. They are available open or sealed.
SKF thrust ball bearings
SKF thrust ball bearings are manufactured as single direction or double direction thrust ball bearings. They are designed to accommodate axial loads only and must not be subjected to any radial load.
- Single direction thrust ball bearings
- Double direction thrust ball bearings
SKF angular contact thrust ball bearings
SKF angular contact thrust ball bearings are separable, i.e. the washers and ball and cage assemblies can be mounted independently of each other. Although originally designed to support the rotary tables of drilling rigs, they are also suitable for other applications.
SKF roller bearing types
SKF cylindrical roller bearings
SKF cylindrical roller bearings are available in a wide range of designs, series, variants and sizes. For this type, SKF offers:
- Single row cylindrical roller bearings
- High-capacity cylindrical roller bearings
- Double row cylindrical roller bearings
- Four-row cylindrical roller bearings
- Single row full complement cylindrical roller bearings
- Double row full complement cylindrical roller bearings
- SKF Cooper split cylindrical roller bearings
SKF needle roller bearings
SKF needle roller bearings are bearings with cylindrical rollers that are small in diameter relative to their length. For this type, SKF offers:
- Needle roller and cage assemblies
- Drawn cup needle roller bearings
- Needle roller bearings with machined rings
- Alignment needle roller bearings
- Combined needle roller bearings
- Universal joint bearings
SKF tapered roller bearings
Tapered roller bearings feature a cup and cone assembly. The cup is comprised of the outer ring and the cone assembly consists of inner ring, rollers, and cage. This bearing construction accommodates combined loads and provides low friction during operation.
For this type, SKF offers:
- Single row tapered roller bearings
- Matched tapered roller bearings
- Double row tapered roller bearings
- Four-row tapered roller bearings
SKF spherical roller bearings
The Spherical roller bearings have an inner ring and an outer ring with an internal spherical shape. They are precision-engineered to accommodate both static and dynamic misalignment and can handle heavy radial and thrust loads.
SKF CARB toroidal roller bearings
CARB toroidal roller bearings are unique: as well as accommodating misalignment without increased stress levels, they also provide frictionless axial movement within the bearing in the non-locating position in self-aligning bearing arrangements.
SKF cylindrical roller thrust bearings
SKF cylindrical roller thrust bearings are designed to accommodate heavy axial loads and impact loads. They must not be subjected to any radial load. The bearings are very stiff and require little axial space.
SKF spherical roller thrust bearings
SKF spherical roller thrust bearings have specially designed raceways and asymmetrical rollers. The bearings can accommodate axial loads acting in one direction and simultaneously acting radial loads.
SKF needle roller thrust bearings
SKF needle roller thrust bearings are fitted with a form-stable cage to reliably retain and guide a large number of needle rollers. Needle roller thrust bearings provide a high degree of stiffness within a minimum axial space.
SKF tapered roller thrust bearings
SKF tapered roller thrust bearings are designed to accommodate heavy axial loads and peak loads. The bearings are very stiff and require little axial space.
SKF track roller types
SKF cam rollers
SKF cam rollers (yoke-type track rollers based on ball bearings) are designed to run on all types of tracks and to be used in cam drives, conveyor systems, etc. The outer ring running surface is crowned as standard. Double row cam rollers are also available with a cylindrical (flat) outer ring running surface.
SKF support rollers
SKF support rollers (yoke-type track rollers) are designed to run on all types of tracks and to be used in cam drives, conveyor systems, etc.. They are based on needle or cylindrical roller bearings. SKF supplies them ready-to-mount.
SKF cam followers
SKF cam followers (stud-type track rollers) are designed to run on all types of tracks and to be used in cam drives, conveyor systems, etc. They are based on either needle or cylindrical roller bearings. Instead of an inner ring, they have a threaded solid stud (pin). SKF supplies them ready-to-mount.