Combined needle bearings (such as type RAX and its derivatives) are engineered to support radial and axial loads simultaneously in a compact bearing arrangement. Unlike using separate radial and thrust bearings, this design integrates the functions into one unit, which simplifies installation, reduces assembly time, and helps save space in the housing.
NRB Industrial Bearings combined needle bearings consist of a needle thrust bearing (or roller thrust bearing) and a needle cage, both retained within a common outer ring. This integrated construction makes storage, handling, and mounting easier while providing high radial and axial load capacities in a cost-effective, space-saving solution.
Another key advantage is how load calculations are approached: calculations for combined bearings are performed by separately considering the axial and radial components, without converting axial load into an equivalent radial load. This supports more accurate selection for applications where both load directions are critical.
Combined needle bearings are designed for demanding mechanical systems where the bearing must guide and support a component under multi-directional loading. The needle thrust element handles axial forces while the needle cage supports radial loads, and both are kept aligned by the shared outer ring design.
Because the combined unit is compact, it is especially useful where design space is limited but performance requirements remain high. The integrated configuration also helps reduce the number of parts, which can improve overall system reliability when assembled correctly.
NRB Industrial Bearings offers standard combined bearings in multiple constructions to suit different environments and protection needs.
These combined needle bearings use a thrust plate and an outer ring that are machined separately and then joined by a strong metal insert. This construction is designed to prevent localized stresses and reduce potential weaknesses between components. As a result, it helps reduce the risk of damage during mounting and supports stable performance during operation in industrial applications.
These bearings include an integrated thrust plate, which is retained by a steel ring mounted on the thrust plate. This construction offers better protection against dust and metal particles, making these variants particularly suitable for use in the spindles of drilling machines and other applications where contamination control is important for bearing life.
To meet different mounting requirements and machine design constraints, combined needle bearings are available with multiple variation options:
These options help match the bearing to different shaft/housing designs, improve fitment security, and support reliable performance under real operating conditions.
Range: RAX 400, RAXPZ 500, RAXZ 500 These series cover common combined-load requirements where compact size and integrated thrust + radial support are needed.
This size coverage supports compact assemblies in machine tools, industrial machinery, and transmission components where both load directions must be supported without increasing the bearing footprint.
Cage design impacts needle guidance, stability, and durability—especially in applications with continuous cycles or variable loading. NRB Industrial Bearings offers the following cage variants:
Combined needle bearings with a welded steel cage are widely used for dependable, general-duty industrial performance. This cage type provides stable needle guidance and is suitable for applications where consistent operation and durability are required.
Combined needle bearings with a machined steel cage are preferred when higher rigidity and enhanced durability are required. This cage option is typically selected for tougher duty cycles where stable guidance and long service life are critical.
Choose a welded steel cage for reliable standard industrial duty and cost-effective performance. Choose a machined steel cage when your application demands stronger cage rigidity for continuous-duty operation or higher mechanical stability under demanding loads.
Combined needle bearings are commonly selected where compactness, combined-load capacity, and reliable operation are required.
RAXPZ and RAXZ variants are particularly suitable for drilling machine spindles due to improved protection against dust and metal particles. The integrated design supports both axial and radial loads without increasing assembly size.
Textile machinery often runs long hours and demands stable performance in compact spaces. Combined needle bearings help support multi-directional loading while maintaining efficient assembly and serviceability.
In machine tool tailstock arrangements, bearings must support axial positioning and radial guidance. Combined needle bearings provide integrated support in a compact setup for dependable operation.
Textile mending and finishing equipment requires smooth motion control and reliable load handling. Combined needle bearings help deliver compact combined-load support in high-cycle mechanisms.
Gearboxes commonly experience both radial forces and axial thrust depending on gear geometry and load direction. Combined needle bearings provide a space-saving solution for combined loads, helping improve assembly efficiency and operational reliability.
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