INA Needle Roller & Axial Ball Bearings: Precision Solutions for Space-Constrained Load Transmission
Introduction: Mastering Compact Load Scenarios
INA’s Needle Roller Bearings and Axial Ball Bearings (Thrust Ball Bearings) represent Schaeffler Group’s engineered response to critical mechanical challenges: maximizing radial load density and controlling axial thrust in minimal space. These technologies enable breakthroughs in automotive, robotics, aerospace, and industrial equipment where conventional bearings fail.
INA Needle Roller Bearings: Radial Load Dominance
- Advanced Structural Designs
Drawn Cup Variants (HK/BK Series):
0.3–1.5 mm cold-formed steel shells
Needle rollers Ø0.8–6 mm (±1 μm tolerance)
Dynamic radial load capacity: Up to 220 kN at 60 mm bore
Yoke Track Systems (RNAO Series):
Rollers run directly on hardened shafts (HRC ≥58)
Eliminates inner ring – 40% space savings
INA Axial Ball Bearings: Precision Thrust Control
- Load-Optimized Architectures
Single Direction (511/512 Series):
Shim-controlled axial clearance (0–50 μm)
Dynamic load to 185 kN at 100 mm bore
Double Direction (522/523 Series):
Center shaft washer + two housing washers
Moment load tolerance: 8 kN·m at Ø200 mm
- Raceway Engineering
Polymer-Embedded Design:
PEEK-filled grooves dampen vibration by 25%
Thermal expansion compensation: ±0.8 μm/°C
Ball Guidance Systems:
Cage Type Material Speed Limit
Stamped Steel 3,000 rpm
Machined Brass 6,000 rpm
Molded Polyamide 66+GF 10,000 rpm
- Specialized Variants
Miniature Thrust Bearings (AS Series):
Ø4–30 mm bore, height 1.5–4 mm
Ceramic balls (Si3N4) for 80,000 rpm
Alignment Washers (ATS Series):
Spherical seats compensate ≤1.5° misalignment
Ground steel surfaces (Ra 0.1 μm)
Conclusion: Precision Engineered for Extreme Demands
INA’s Needle Roller and Axial Ball Bearings deliver uncompromising performance where conventional solutions fail:
Needle Rollers conquer radial space constraints with industry-leading load density
Axial Ball Bearings provide friction-optimized thrust control with micron-level precision
Through OPTIWAVE® hardening, advanced tribology, and application-tuned designs, these bearings enable:
40% size reduction in transmissions and robotics
300,000-hour maintenance-free operation in critical systems
35% energy savings versus roller thrust alternatives
For engineers designing at the edge of mechanical possibility, INA provides certified reliability where compromise is not an option.
