Application and selection of tapered roller bearings for rolling mills

Jan 19, 2024

1. The importance of tapered roller bearings in rolling mills

Tapered roller bearings play a vital role in rolling mills. Due to the important position of rolling mills in producing metal products, their performance and stability directly affect production efficiency and product quality. As an important support and transmission component of a rolling mill, tapered roller bearings are responsible for bearing high loads, transmitting large torques, and ensuring rolling accuracy.

2. Application of tapered roller bearings in rolling mills

Characteristics of tapered roller bearings

Tapered roller bearings have the characteristics of being able to withstand heavy loads, impact resistance, high rigidity, high precision, and high stability. They are especially suitable for heavy machine tools such as rolling mills, grinders, milling machines, lathes, and high-precision CNC machines such as machining centres.

Specific applications of tapered roller bearings in rolling mills

Tapered roller bearings are mainly used in work rolls, backup rolls, main drive shafts and other parts in rolling mills. These parts must withstand huge rolling forces, rotational speeds and torques, and the bearings must adapt to high-speed rotation and high-precision positioning requirements. Using tapered roller bearings in rolling mills improves stability and accuracy and extends service life while reducing failure rates.

3. Selection of tapered roller bearings

Selection principles

When selecting tapered roller bearings, you need to follow the following principles:

(1) Choosing the perfect rolling mill bearing ensures efficient and reliable performance. Consider the load, speed, temperature, and working conditions carefully to make an informed decision. Ensure you don't compromise on quality, as a subpar bearing can lead to costly downtime and repairs. Trust your selection process to keep your rolling mill running smoothly and maximize productivity.

(2) Consider the convenience of bearing installation and adjustment;

(3) Ensure the accuracy and stability of bearings and choose high-quality bearing brands and manufacturers;

(4) choose bearings with long service life and low maintenance costs within an economically reasonable range.

The picture above is an FV brand metric tapered roller bearing.

Selection steps

(1) Determine the bearing's working conditions, including rolling force, rotation speed, operating temperature, and environmental factors.

(2) Calculate the life of the bearing: Calculate the expected life of the bearing based on the working conditions and the load capacity of the bearing;

(3) Selecting the appropriate tapered roller bearing to achieve the best performance which is important. By carefully considering the working conditions and desired lifespan, you can select the perfect bearing type to ensure smooth and reliable operation. So don't compromise on quality; make the right choice and select the appropriate tapered roller bearing type today.

(4) Determine the bearing size: According to the structure and transmission requirements of the rolling mill, determine the overall dimensions and installation dimensions of the bearing;

(5) Check if the bearing's tolerance fit meets the rolling mill's working accuracy requirements.

(6) Select the appropriate lubrication method: Select the appropriate lubrication method and lubricant according to the working conditions and the bearing manufacturer's recommendations;

(7) Confirm that the selected bearing's supply cycle and delivery date align with the production and maintenance plan of the rolling mill to meet production requirements.

4. Analysis of application examples

Let me rephrase the text for you to make it more clear and concise: 

For instance, let's consider the rolling mill of a specific steel company. The diameter of its work roll is 400mm, and its rotation speed ranges from 15 to 200 revolutions per minute. The rolling force it exerts is 5000kN, and the working temperature is maintained below 50°C. Based on these working conditions and requirements, a large tapered roller bearing, model 342300, was selected. This bearing has high load-bearing capacity and rigidity and can meet the requirements of the rolling mill. At the same time, a lubrication method that combines forced lubrication and oil-air lubrication is adopted to improve the service life and maintenance convenience of the bearings.

The picture above shows the high-quality grease used by FV

5. Conclusion

Through the application and selection analysis of tapered roller bearings in rolling mills, the following conclusions can be drawn:

(1) Tapered roller bearings play an important role in rolling mills, which can improve the stability and accuracy of rolling mills and extend the service life;

(2) When selecting tapered roller bearings, factors such as working conditions, life requirements, installation and maintenance need to be comprehensively considered;

(3) Using the right type of tapered roller bearings can help reduce maintenance expenses and enhance production efficiency. In practical applications, it is also necessary to pay attention to the maintenance of bearings and regularly check and replace lubricants to ensure the normal operation and service life of bearings. At the same time, rolling mills with special working conditions and specific requirements need to be specially designed and customized according to actual conditions to meet production needs and technical requirements.