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Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings
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Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings

by Kevin Sweeney
26 June, 2023
8 min read

Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings are manufactured in single and double row types by two major manufacturing brands, SKF and INA. Full Complement Cylindrical Roller bearings are manufactured without a cage separating the rollers, therefore carrying more load in a more compact envelope.

Single Row Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Single Row full complement cylindrical roller bearings are designed to handle extremely high axial and radial loads. Full Complement type cylindrical roller bearings chiefly operate at lower speeds than those with cages but can be higher.

SKF Full Complement Single Row Cylindrical Roller Bearing
Fig.1 SKF Full Complement Single Row Cylindrical Roller Bearing

SKF and INA single row full complement cylindrical roller bearings are designed with a maximum number of rollers with no cage. The features and benefits for using single row full complement cylindrical roller bearings include:

  • An extremely high load carrying capacity
  • Being designed with a maximum number of rollers makes them suitable for very heavy radial loads
  • High stiffness due to the increased number of rollers increasing radial stiffness
  • The separable components of SKF and INA single row full complement cylindrical roller bearings are interchangeable within the brand
  • Interchangeable components facilitate mounting and dismounting, which makes it convenient when doing maintenance inspections
  • Usually have an exceptionally long extended service life when properly installed and maintained
Full Complement Type
Fig.2 Cage Type, Fig.3 Full Complement Type

Above are INA Cylindrical Roller bearings depicted with cage and without. One bearing (fig.2) shows a shoulder on the inner ring and two shoulders on the outer ring with a cage. The other bearing (fig.3) is a full complement type with no cage, having two shoulders on the outer ring.

Double Row Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings

SKF Cylindrical Full Complement Roller Bearing
Fig.4 SKF Cylindrical Full Complement Roller Bearing

Full Complement bearings without a cage have two sets of rollers, the first set increases load carrying capacity while the second set of rollers increase radial stiffness. This type of bearing has a long service life.

An application example for Double row full complement cylindrical roller bearings is rope sheaves. The Full Complement Cylindrical roller bearing is designed to accommodate tilting movements and is suitable for crane and lifting device applications. Other uses include Material handling, Marine, Construction, and Oil & Gas.

Double Row Cylindrical Roller bearings are very suitable for different crane operating environments and are offered in pre-sealed and pre-greased units from the factory. The bearing can be manufactured to allow relubrication through the inner or outer ring, with the possibility of not using spacer rings for the inner ring and mating components available. Most manufacturers also offer optional black oxide coating, which is helpful in preventing bearing failures.

More information on SKF’s Double Row Bearing.

Where would a Single Row Full Complement Cylindrical Roller bearing be used?

The absence of a cage allows for more rollers to be included, increasing the load-carrying capacity of the bearing. These bearings are particularly suited for applications where they are required to withstand heavy radial loads. However, this design usually limits their ability to operate at high speeds due to increased friction and heat generation. Here are some typical applications where full complement bearings are used:

Heavy Industry Machinery
Full complement bearings are often used in heavy industry machinery such as mining equipment, steel rolling mills, and heavy-duty gearboxes. The high load capacity of these bearings makes them ideal for handling the intense loads and stresses encountered in these applications.

Lifting and Material Handling Equipment
Equipment like cranes, hoists, and conveyors, which carry heavy loads, often utilize full complement bearings. Their ability to support heavier loads without compromising on performance is crucial in these applications.

Robotics and Automation
In robotics and automation, precision and load capacity are key. Full complement bearings are used in robotic arms and other automated machinery where they provide the necessary load support while maintaining accuracy and stiffness.

Medical Equipment
High-load-bearing capacity is also a requirement in certain medical equipment like MRI machines and CT scanners. Full complement bearings are used in these applications for their ability to support the heavy rotating parts of these machines.

Printing and Textile Machinery
In the printing and textile industries, machinery often requires bearings that can handle high radial loads at moderate speeds. Full complement bearings are ideal in this setting due to their load-carrying capabilities.

Aerospace Applications
Some aerospace applications, where the load capacity is more critical than high rotational speed, also use full complement bearings. These applications include cargo systems and certain types of aircraft landing gear.

What are cylindrical roller bearings made of?

The materials used in the manufacturing of cylindrical roller bearings are selected based on their ability to withstand physical stresses, environmental conditions, and the specific requirements of the application they are intended for. Here’s an overview of the materials commonly used in these bearings:

Bearing Rings and Rollers

  • High Carbon Chromium Steel: This is the most commonly used material in cylindrical roller bearings. High carbon chromium steel is valued for its excellent wear resistance, high hardness, and high load-carrying capacity. It is usually heat-treated to achieve a combination of high hardness and toughness, which is crucial for bearing performance and longevity.
  • Case-Hardened Steel: In applications where bearings are subjected to shock loads or heavy wear, case-hardened (carburized) steel is often used. This material has a hard outer surface and a relatively softer core, providing a balance between resistance to surface wear and shock load capacity.
  • Stainless Steel: For applications that require corrosion resistance, such as in food processing or chemical industries, stainless steel cylindrical roller bearings are preferred. Stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance while maintaining high strength and wear resistance.
  • Offer good wear resistance and are suitable for high-speed applications.

Seal and Shield Material

Some cylindrical roller bearings include seals or shields to prevent the ingress of contaminants and retain lubrication:

  • Rubber Seals: These are commonly made from nitrile rubber or silicone rubber, chosen for their elasticity, wear resistance, and compatibility with various lubricants.
  • Metal Shields: Typically made from stamped steel, these shields provide a physical barrier against contaminants.

Looking to purchase full complement single row INA cylindrical roller bearings? PIB Sales is ready to assist you. Reach out to us for any queries or discussions related to your bearing requirements. We’ll ensure that you receive comprehensive support and expert advice. Contact us for your full complement single row INA cylindrical roller bearing needs – we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and satisfaction.

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Written by

Kevin Sweeney

Founder and CEO at Pacific International Bearing Sales Inc (PIB)
Education: BS Business and Economics California State University Hayward Ca
CBS (Certified Bearing Specialist)

My role with Pacific International Bearings (PIB) is currently CEO. Since 1976, I have been deeply involved in the bearing industry, working in manufacturing sales at NTN Bearing and subsequently in Bearing Distribution. Before establishing PIB in 1990, I gathered valuable experience in bearing manufacturing and distribution. The last 45 + years in the bearing industry have been both rewarding and challenging, assisting customers across a large number of diverse bearing applications.
Outside of the bearing industry, my interests are family, woodworking, motorcycling, cars, gardening, and golf.
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