Rolling elements

Rolling elements are part of a bearing between the inner and outer ring. The rolling elements are usually kept at a distance by a cage.

Rolling elements are the moving components of a rolling bearing that roll or slide between the raceways of the inner and outer ring of the bearing. They are used to support the loads and reduce friction between the moving parts of the bearing. There are different types of rolling elements, which can vary depending on the design and application of the bearing. The most common types of rolling elements are:

1. Balls: Balls are round, spherical rolling elements that are used in ball bearings. They are usually made of steel or ceramic and can support a variety of loads. Ball bearings are often used in applications that require low friction and high speeds, such as electric motors, gearboxes and bicycles.
2. Cylindrical rollers: Cylindrical rollers are elongated, cylindrical rolling elements that are used in cylindrical roller bearings. They have a larger contact area than balls and can therefore support higher radial loads. Cylindrical roller bearings are often used in applications that require high radial loads, such as in rolling mills, crankshafts and gearboxes.
3. Spherical roller bearings: Spherical bearing rollers are special rolling elements used in spherical bearings to support both radial and axial loads. They are barrel-shaped and can self-center to compensate for misalignment. Spherical roller bearings are often used in applications that require high loads and movements in different directions, such as in cranes, conveyor belts and construction machinery.
4. Needle rollers: Needle rollers, colloquially known simply as needles, are elongated, cylindrical rolling elements with a very small diameter compared to their length. They are used in needle roller bearings and are particularly suitable for applications with very high loads and limited installation space, such as in gearboxes, camshafts and reciprocating piston motors.

The choice of a suitable rolling element depends on various factors, including the type of load, speed, temperature and lubrication of the bearing as well as the specific requirements of the application.

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