Rollenlagers

Rollenlagers, also known as rolling bearings, are mechanical elements that constrain relative motion between moving parts to a single axis while reducing friction. They achieve this by employing rolling elements, such as balls or rollers, between inner and outer raceways.

A rolling bearing typically consists of inner and outer races, rolling elements, and a cage that spaces and guides the elements. The rolling motion converts sliding friction into rolling friction, enabling the bearing to support radial and/or axial loads with minimal friction and wear. Bearings are designed for specific load directions, speeds, and misalignment tolerances.

The main types are ball bearings and roller bearings. Ball bearings use spherical balls and are well suited for high-speed applications and moderate loads. Roller bearings use cylindrical, needle, spherical, or tapered rollers and generally handle higher radial loads and greater stiffness. Angular-contact ball bearings and tapered roller bearings are examples that also support axial loads in one or both directions. Roller bearings typically offer higher load capacity per size, while ball bearings can provide lower friction at high speeds.

Performance and selection depend on dynamic and static load ratings, lubrication, seals, and fit. Life expectancy is commonly described by L10 life, the number of revolutions or hours that 90% of bearings will complete under a given load. Lubrication (grease or oil), seals or shields, contamination control, and precise mounting are crucial for reliability and longevity.

Applications are widespread, including automotive drives, machine tools, conveyors, electric motors, and aerospace. Standards and practices come from organizations such as ISO, ABMA, DIN, and various manufacturers, which guide bearing selection, installation, and maintenance.