This section provides an overview for bearing rollers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 29 bearing roller manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked bearing roller companies as of November, 2024: 1.BNB INT Co., Ltd., 2.Royersford Foundry & Machine Co., Inc., 3.TIMKEN.
Table of Contents
A bearing roller is a bearing that uses cylindrical rollers instead of balls as the rolling elements that support the load while rolling inside the bearing.
Bearing rollers with a larger diameter are called rollers, while those with a smaller diameter are called needles or needle rollers. Compared to ball bearings, which use a rolling element (ball), a bearing roller can support higher loads. There are various types of bearing rollers, depending on the application.
Compared to ball bearings, bearing rollers can support larger loads and are used in automobiles and industrial machinery. The applications vary depending on the type.
Thrust needle bearing rollers are used to support axial loads between parts rotating relative to each other in a planetary gear mechanism (planetary gears).
Needle bearing rollers are used in the crankshafts of competitive bicycles. While ball bearings are used in the crankshafts of bicycles for daily use, needle bearings, and ball bearings are used in competition bicycles to reduce size and weight.
Tapered bearing rollers are used in the transmissions of automobiles. Automatic transmissions for front-wheel drive have a large gear on the final reduction shaft, and these gears are usually helical. The teeth of the helical gears are slanted to reduce noise and vibration when the gears mesh, but they also generate forces in three directions. The role of the tapered bearing roller is to support the forces in these three directions.
Planetary gears are also used in multi-stage step-type automatic transmissions, the forward/reverse switching mechanism of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and some sub-transmissions. The pinion in planetary gears is supported by a needle roller. Although the pinions are usually beveled, the needles can only support loads in two directions. The remaining thrust load is not supported by the needle, but by a washer on the end face of the pinion.
In general, bearing rollers can support larger loads than ball bearings. The reason for this is bearing rollers have a cylindrical rolling element that makes linear contact with the inner and outer rings and raceways with which it comes into contact.
Since ball bearings are in point contact, the bearing roller has a larger contact area. The larger contact area reduces the stress (Hertzian stress) generated at the contact area.
The shape of the bearing can be cylindrical or conical, and changing this shape also changes the amount of load that the bearing can support. This also makes it possible to increase the load that can be supported by a single bearing without using multiple bearings, thus enabling compact specifications through weight reduction and miniaturization.
Similar to ball bearings, bearing rollers can be broadly classified into two types: radial bearings, which support radial loads (perpendicular to the axis of rotation), and thrust bearings, which support thrust loads (in the same direction as the axis of rotation). Bearings with relatively large rollers are called bearing rollers, while bearings with narrower rollers are called needle bearing rollers. Typical types are as follows:
Radial bearing rollers are capable of bearing radial loads acting at right angles to the shaft. Compared to ball bearings, which use balls instead of rollers, radial bearing rollers can support larger radial loads. By changing the shape of the rollers, a wider variety of types is available.
A needle roller is used as the rolling element between the inner and outer rings of a bearing roller. By making the rolling element as thin as a needle, the height of the cross section is smaller than that of a bearing roller, contributing to the reduction of machine weight and size. In addition to radial bearings, thrust bearings are also available and are used in a variety of applications, including automobiles and electrical machinery.
Tapered bearing rollers are radial bearing rollers with tapered rollers and sloped raceways on the inner and outer rings instead of flat. The tapered rollers and beveled raceways can support large radial loads and large thrust loads at the same time.
It is mainly suitable for supporting loads in three directions generated by helical gears. However, a single bearing can only support thrust loads in one direction. It is common to use a combination of two tapered bearing rollers in opposite directions.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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The Timken Company (Timken) was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. Timken designs, manufactures, and manages engineered bearings and industrial motion products worldwide. Timken operates in two segments, Mobile Industries and Process Industries. The Mobile Industries segment’s portfolio includes bearings, seals, and lubrication devices and systems. The Process Industries segment provides industrial bearings and assemblies; industrial motion components, such as gears and gearboxes; and linear motion products, couplings, seals, lubricants, chains, belts, and related products and services to OEMs and end users in various industries.
Royerford Foundry & Machine Co., Inc., established in 1890 and based in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, is a manufacturer specializing in precision power transmission products and machine tools. Its comprehensive product portfolio encompasses various vital components catering to diverse applications, which includes a range of bearings, such as pillow blocks and flange bearings, essential for industrial machinery and automotive engines. The company also produces couplings, from flexible to rigid, facilitating seamless power transmission between shafts. Further offerings include safety set collars for shaft security and arbor presses pivotal in machining operations across industries like aerospace and automotive.
Roller Bearings Incorporated was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut. RBC manufactures and markets precision bearings and related components globally, mainly to the aerospace, agricultural, automotive, industrial, and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. The company’s products are primarily divided into two market segments: aerospace and industrial. Both segments include basic components such as airframe control ball bearings, needle track rollers, ball bearing rod ends, and thin-section ball bearings. The Aerospace Segment also includes special machine components while the Industrial Segment also includes heavy-duty needles roller bearings and self-lubricating bearings subsegments.
Isotech was founded in 182 and is headquartered in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Isotech is a manufacturer’s representative and distributor of proprietary mechanical and electromechanical products to the industrial, medical, and military OEM and in-plant markets. Some of Isotech’s products include linear slide assemblies & rail sets, shock/vibration mounts & pads, linear bushings & shafting, telescoping lifting columns, positioning stages, air bearings, gas springs/air cylinders, motorized positioning tables, laser marking cutting systems, foamed aluminum/metal/composites, stamped metal, noise control products, and belt driven actuators.
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP. is a Japanese manufacturer of industrial machinery and tools, such as bearings, hydraulic equipment, robots, and cutting tools. They also provide services such as machine maintenance and repair. The company's products are used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics. One of NACHI-FUJIKOSHI's renowned products is their robotic arm, the "MZR series," which is designed for precision assembly and inspection tasks in industries. They received several awards for their technological advancements and contributions to the industry, including the 2021 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal for new hydraulic equipment technology and the 2020 Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Grand Technology Award.
JTEKT was born from the merger of bearing maker Koyo Seiko and machine tool maker Toyoda Machine Works. JTEKT focuses on environmental sustainability to create automotive-specific components as well as industry-agnostic components including sensors, gears, displays, storage devices, and hydraulic units. JTEKT also creates and designs machine tools and equipment necessary for machine production. JTEKT is also developing "internet of everything" (IoE) solutions for modern industry.
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. was incorporated in 1951in Japan and manufactures and supplies machined components, and electronic devices and components globally. It operates through four segments: machined components, electronic devices and components, MITSUMI Business, and the U-Shin business segment. MinebeaMitsumi specializes in bearing products including spherical, roller, rod end, and ball bearings for aerospace. MinebeaMitsumi also produces products including precision mechanical assemblies, fasteners, other special components including clutches and brakes, motors, blowers, sensors and lighting devices. Additionally, MinebeaMitsumi offers its products for use in PCs and peripheral equipment, information and telecommunications equipment, household electrical appliances, automobiles, and aerospace.
NOSE SEIKO CO., LTD. established in May 1964 and headquartered in Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan is a manufacturer and supplier of needle roller bearings. The company's product range includes needle roller bearings, cam followers, roller followers, S Lube needle bearings, and roller followers. These products are integral in various mechanical setups, ensuring optimized operations. They typically serve industries in need of precision bearings and related parts. As for its services, the company offers technical support, research and development, diversity management, and proactive response to market changes.
FREEBEAR CORPORATION, established in 1948 in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of ball transfer systems. Its products, including Freebear, Mega Slider, Freebear Slider, Pneumatically Actuated freebear unit, and Freebear unit/table, enable effortless movement of heavy objects in any direction. These systems find applications in various manufacturing sectors, especially the automobile industry. It holds numerous industrial property rights and patents, holding a significant market share. The company also holds ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification, and its products comply with RoHS standards, ensuring quality and environmental responsibility.
Schaeffler Japan Co., Ltd., founded in 1955, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a subsidiary of Schaeffler Group, a German manufacturer and supplier of precision components and systems for automotive and industrial applications. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including bearings, precision components, and systems for engines, transmissions, and chassis applications. The company’s products are utilized in various industries, ensuring the upmost performance. The company also offers a range of customer services, including technical assistance, product consulting, and after-sales support.
NSK Ltd., based in Japan, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and motion control solutions which started its journey in 1916. The company has established itself as a major supplier for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses ball bearings, roller bearings, and linear motion components. Their Motion & Control products and technologies support the motion that brings comfort and convenience in cars, planes, wind turbines, satellites, and almost anything with moving parts.
SKF UK is the British division of SKF, originally founded in 1907 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. SKF designs, develops, and manufacturers bearings, seals, lubrication systems, and services worldwide, with industrial and automotive segments, providing solutions for industries including aerospace, agriculture, transportation, food and beverage, general machinery, material handling, mining, energy, paper, and wind energy. SKF UK offers rolling bearings, mounted bearings, automotive seals, lubrication management, vehicle aftermarket services, waste electric products, and electronic equipment products as well as services including maintenance, remanufacturing, customization, and training.
BNB Int Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of bearings and motors that was established in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, in 1990. The company’s products include ball bearings and related products, such as ball and spring plungers and ball transfer units for conveyor systems or robots. It also offers various motors for industrial applications, including stepper motors and DC motors, as well as motor parts for repair such as rotary dampers. The company’s products are mainly used by its clients in the semiconductor, automotive, and rail industries.
igus GmbH, established in 1964 and based in Cologne, Germany, is a manufacturer and distributor of technical products made using polymers for movement. Its products include injection molding frames, motor control systems, and plain bearings, and it has over 240,000 products in over 1,000,000 variations. It serves 188,000 companies from over 80 countries worldwide in 50 different industries, including packaging, automotive, and renewable energy. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001 certified, and in 2023, it recorded €1.115 billion in sales. Since 2021, the company has purchased 380 new injection-molding machines and has replaced 275 old ones.
CIXI HOTO METALLIC PRODUCT CO., LTD, founded in 2005 and located in Ningbo, Zhejiang, is a Chinese manufacturer and supplier of ball bearings and related components. The company specializes in rolling ball bearings, designed to withstand radial loads in applications across diverse industries, including automobile, agricultural machinery, and household appliances. It also offers a range of bearing sleeves, including water pump bearing sleeves, commonly employed in settings like hotels, printing shops, and restaurants. Bearing equipment is another segment of its product line, encompassing ball bearing assembling machines and fully-automatic grinding machines. The company also provides a range of seamless steel pipes.
MARC Bearings Pvt. Ltd. is a manufacturer and supplier of precision bearings. Established in 1995, the company is headquartered in Rajkot, Gujarat, India. The company specializes in manufacturing a wide range of precision ball and roller bearings, including deep groove ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and angular contact ball bearings. These bearings find applications in various industries, such as automotive, industrial machinery, and agriculture. MARC Bearings Pvt. Ltd. also offers customization and technical support for specific bearing requirements.
American Roller bearing Company is headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina and is a manufacturer of heavy duty industrial class bearings that are used in various industries in the US and around the world. The company’s capabilities include maximum manufacturing diameters of 84 inches for ball bearings, cylindrical, spherical, custom, and tapered roller bearings in both radial and thrust configurations. The company’s service capabilities include bearing modification, service engineering, employee training, bearing repair & reconditioning, and engineering design services.
NTN Bearings began in 1918 in Kuwana, Mie, Japan, and is now headquartered in Osaka. The company is a manufacturer of bearings, velocity joints, and precision equipment, as well as a maintenance and service provider. The company serves the aerospace, automotive, construction, wind energy, and infrastructure industries. The company operates via BCA Bearings, Bower Heavy Duty Bearings, and NTN SNR brand of velocity joints, linear modules, distribution rollers, and suspension parts. Other components the company manufactures include linear motion, flanged discs, and condition monitoring equipment.
Craig Ball Sales is a manufacturer of balls that is headquartered in Seaford Delaware and was founded in 2006. The company offers a product catalog that includes aluminum, tungsten carbide, chrome steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and glass materials. Aside from that, the company also provides gaskets, mallets, and other metals. The company, as an industrial engineering company, serves industrial industries in need of ball weights in different sizes, models, and materials based on application.
Saginaw Products Corp., dba CIGNYS, founded in Saginaw, MI in 1919 is a manufacturer of stamping and tool & die. The company's product portfolio includes Helicopter Dollies, Military Grade Electrical Enclosures, Mobilizers, Rollers and Trailers & Running Gears. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, customer support Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
Schaeffler Japan Co. Ltd., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision products such as chassis, automotive engine components, industrial bearings, and transmission products. The company's product portfolio comprises rolling and plain bearings, housings, linear guidance systems, and low-backlash precision planetary gearboxes. It also offers software solutions such as autinityHub, autinityVC, and autinityDAP, which help industries in energy management, traceability, remote maintenance, and process monitoring, serving the automotive, medical, construction machinery, and aerospace industries.
MiMotion was founded in 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama and today operates under Genuine Parts Company. The company operates as a distributor and supplier of custom parts for both maintenance repair and operating replacement part market and the OEM market. The company’s product line includes many types of products including abrasives, chemicals & lubricants, hand & power tools, hose & fittings, and process pumps & equipment. The company also provides maintenance repair and operating replacement parts as well as OEM parts ensuring compatibility with existing customer operations.
SERVICE COMPANY was founded in the 1930s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today BEARING is a manufacturer and national distributor of bearings and power transmission parts and components. BEARING offers services such as field service inspections, damage analysis, surveys, reverse engineering, repair, part identification, and selection. BEARING parts include seals, gaskets, accessories, couplings, electric motors, gearboxes & gearing, chains, sprockets, belts, sheaves, material handling equipment, linear motion equipment, lubrication, and, naturally, many varieties of bearings.
Bearing Boys Ltd, established in 2006 and based in the United Kingdom, is a supplier of online bearing and power transmissions. The company procures different products such as grease, lubricants, castors, gearboxes, and fixings from Boeing, Dyson, Rolls Royce, and BAE systems. Apart from this, the company also sells metrology and measuring tools, janitorial equipment, site safety equipment, and PPE by partnering with various brands and distributors. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications and is working towards ISO 50001 certification.
Terashi Sangyo Co., Ltd., a company established in 1956, is based in Tokyo, Japan, as a distributor of machine components. Its product portfolio includes TOCOS potentiometers, linear bearings, rotation sensors, mega torque motors, and electromagnetic clutches and brakes. The company is part of Terashi Hong Kong Ltd. Group. It has partnered with several brands, such as Tocos, Ozak Linear Bearings, ISC, SMT Ball Bearings, and Koyo. Its products are utilized for manufacturing, machinery, automotive, and construction industries across Japan.
BDI Exppress was established in 1935 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. BDI develops and deploys custom distribution and supply chain solutions for customers across Asia, Europe, and North America. BDI serves multiple industries including automotive, primary metal, food processing, public utilities, pulp and paper, mining, material handling, bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical power transmission and motion control, linear motion, pneumatic and hydraulic fluid power, industrial, safety, and material handling.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | BNB INT Co., Ltd. |
8.2%
|
2 | SKF |
7.1%
|
3 | Royersford Foundry & Machine Co., Inc. |
6.6%
|
4 | TIMKEN |
6.6%
|
5 | Bearing Boys Ltd |
5.5%
|
6 | NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD. |
5.5%
|
7 | MARC Bearings Pvt. Ltd |
4.4%
|
8 | NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA |
4.4%
|
9 | TERASHI SANGYO co.,Ltd. |
4.4%
|
10 | Roller Bearing Company Inc. |
4.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the bearing roller page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 11 | 64.7% |
United States of America | 4 | 23.5% |
Sweden | 1 | 5.9% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 5.9% |