INA Axial-Needle Roller Bearings are a special type of bearings that are primarily designed to carry axial loads. The design features of these bearings include a slender needle roller and cage assembly and are typically used where radial space is limited. They typically mate directly with the journal surface and housing bore surface to ensure adequate load capacity and operating performance without an inner ring. INA Axial-Needle Roller The main structural features of the bearings include:

‌Slender needle rollers: The needle rollers have a small diameter and a long length, usually with a diameter D≤5mm and a length-to-diameter ratio L/D≥2.5. This design makes the bearings more compact in radial structure.

‌No inner ring design: In some applications, the bearings can be designed without an inner ring and directly fit with the shaft neck and housing bore surface, simplifying installation and reducing space requirements.

‌High load bearing capacity: Despite the small cross-section, this bearing still has a high load bearing capacity due to the slender design of the needle rollers, and is particularly suitable for occasions with limited radial space.

This bearing is particularly suitable for the following scenarios:

‌Radial space limited occasions: Due to the compact structure, it is suitable for occasions with limited installation space.

‌High-speed equipment: In high-speed equipment, the no inner ring design reduces friction and resistance and improves efficiency.

‌Heavy industry applications: In heavy industrial fields such as metallurgy, rolling mills, mining and petroleum, this bearing can withstand large radial and axial loads and is suitable for environments with high impact loads.

In the relentless pursuit of miniaturization and efficiency within modern machinery, where axial space is measured in millimeters and thrust loads are substantial, INA Axial-Needle Roller Bearings stand as engineering marvels. These specialized components, a core product of the Schaeffler Group’s INA brand, are meticulously engineered to deliver exceptionally high unidirectional axial load capacity within the absolute minimum possible axial cross-section (height). Unlike Axial Needle Roller and Cage Assemblies (like AXK/AS) which require separate washers, these bearings are complete, ready-to-mount units incorporating integrated raceway washers, offering a compelling solution for designers battling severe axial space constraints without sacrificing performance.

INA Axial-Needle Roller Bearings are the undisputed solution when the design mandate is maximum axial thrust capacity in minimum axial space, coupled with the convenience of a pre-assembled, ready-to-mount unit. Their integration of precision needle rollers, advanced cages, and hardened raceway washers into an ultra-thin package delivers unparalleled load density. The availability of self-aligning variants (ZARF) and sealed options (AXW-RSR) further extends their applicability to challenging real-world environments. From the heart of cutting-edge automotive transmissions enabling electrification and efficiency, to compact industrial actuators and precision medical devices, these bearings provide the robust, space-saving foundation essential for innovation. While demanding careful attention to radial load handling, lubrication, and mounting precision, their performance advantages in space-constrained applications are unmatched. INA’s leadership in materials, manufacturing tolerances, and optimized design ensures these bearings deliver reliable, high-performance operation where every millimeter counts. Always consult detailed INA technical resources for specific product data, application engineering support, and precise mounting and lubrication guidelines.