Taper Roller Bearings VS Angular Contact

[mxtras]

When to use which?

They serve the same purpose - is cost the issue? Assembly?

I have an application for which either will work (speed, load, function), but the lead engineer (at work) looks at me as if I have antlers when I suggest using taper roller bearings.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Scott

[2muchstuff]

Comparing the two bearings, tapered ones will have a larger contact surface area between the race and rollers than angular ones. With this being said, tapered ones will require more of a clamping force to minimize backlash thus requiring more torque to rotate the bearing. Lets not forget the resistance of the grease and because of the physical size there is a larger rotational inertia. They are designed for low speed and heavy loads.
Angular contact bearings are smaller, lighter in weight, less rolling friction and will operate at a higher rotational speed. Yes they do cost more but they are worth it in the long run.

[miljnor]

yeppers Tappered roller bearings = heavy loads, lower speeds, usually less accuracy.

angular = high speed, very accurate, and less load.

[mxtras]

Which is used more frequently for middle-of-the-road applications? Sounds like angular contact bearings are more popular??

I worked for an Austrian machine builder (GFM) - they liked taper rollers.
Now I work for a Japanese company (Mitsubishi) - they like angular contact.

I know it sounds like it, but I am not hung up on this - it's just one of those things I keep thinking about.

If your application sat right in the middle of the considerations which bearing would you employ?

Scott

[miljnor]

well assuming your building a non-commercial hobby sized machine (considered light duty from a commercial standpoint) Angular gives the higher rpm and better tolerance, not to mention easier to design around (IMO of coarse)

I would use angular. Even the heavy duty machines use angular they are just MUCH bigger than what a hobbiest would generaly consider (also more expensive)

[mxtras]

This is for a production environment - but I take everything I learn home with me....and they can't stop me

Scott

[Halfnutz]

So once set on angulars, where do I get them reasonable? Any source of bargain basement closeout prices for 1/2 inch ID angulars?

[DareBee]

You never did mention your application or RPM range for these bearings?
If your side load isnt insane (and you are trying to be frugal) you can stack regular "deep-groove" bearings. A deep grove is not specifically meant for side load but the are rated for some. In some cases it works really well to put in 2 or 3 (instead of 1 angular) $5 bearings and just replace when necessary.
Another option would be to design in a thrust bearing and radial bearing combo. This takes alot more physical space and machining but your bearings are still inexpensive ($5) and endplay is adjustable to zero (angular contacts can be difficult to build to zero endplay).
some food for thought - mud for mudpies

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Halfnutz So once set on angulars, where do I get them reasonable? Any source of bargain basement closeout prices for 1/2 inch ID angulars?

Tapered rollers can be a lot cheaper than angular contact. But finding tapered rollers with a 1/2" ID might be tough.

[mxtras]

Originally Posted by Halfnutz So once set on angulars, where do I get them reasonable? Any source of bargain basement closeout prices for 1/2 inch ID angulars?

A good source - http://bearingsdirect.com/products/

They show prices, availability - buy online.

I would suggest you design in MM - lots more options for metric sizes than english!!!

Scott

[mxtras]

Originally Posted by DareBee You never did mention your application or RPM range for these bearings? .... Another option would be to design in a thrust bearing and radial bearing combo. This takes alot more physical space and machining but your bearings are still inexpensive ($5) and endplay is adjustable to zero (angular contacts can be difficult to build to zero endplay). some food for thought - mud for mudpies

I did not mention the specs on purpose - I knew someone would ask, but I did not want to contaminate the information pool too early!

The speeds are less than 1500RPM. Loads not to exceed about 300 pounds peak dynamic thrust, 50 pounds or less radially. Precision is a concern, but not super critical, so I find either arrangement to be suitable.

The one thing I like about taper rollers for this application is that they are very stout and can be adjusted to give the desired endplay. I can't really see any reason not to use them.

All of the ideas you mention are excellent options, too!

Scott

[Halfnutz]

Great, bearings direct has some good prices! I know I should have been more specific also, its just a router lead screw that Im working on. I think I'm going to try the double row angular's. They can be had for 8.50 each. Its a trip that you can spend so much money on a single bearing. Some of them are two hundred bucks!