The paper deals with the unique functional characteristics that the use of hollow rolling elements induce in a radial type cylindrical roller bearing. The ability to consistently and successfully preload these hollow rollers between the inner and the outer races together with, of course, the necessary but usual degree of precision of the bearing components, provides an effective control of the shaft run-out. This makes the bearing especially suitable for high precision applications. The roller preloading also eliminates the need for a roller guidance from a retainer which, combined with the lighter rollers, generally means higher speed capabilities. In addition to the inherent superior rotational accuracy of the hollow roller bearing, it is also demonstrated as to why, contrary to the common belief, the preloading ability of the hollow rollers results in significant stiffness improvements over, say, a corresponding solid roller bearing. The significance of the roller hollowness is discussed with regard to the stiffness, load capacity and life characteristics of this bearing. Finally, the suitability of the various lubrication systems for this bearing are discussed.

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The rotational characteristics of the cageless, hollow roller radial bearing are investigated. The preloading of the hollow rolling elements in the annular space between the inner and the outer races in such a bearing provides a well controlled and consistent shaft rotational pattern. This pattern is determined by the dimensional and geometrical features of the rollers’ external and internal diameters and roundnesses, the outer and inner ring raceway roundnesses and the eccentricity of the inner race with respect to the shaft axis. The various patterns of shaft runout associated with these causes are identified and the sensitivity of the shaft runout to these factors is examined qualitatively and quantitively. The shaft runout in the present context is not merely the initial static offset of the shaft axis, but is a dynamic, cyclic pattern consisting of certain frequencies resulting from the geometrical features of the bearing components. The somewhat elusive, complex and dynamic nature of this apparent shaft runout makes it difficult to be measured. In addition, the importance of the need to control the circumferential clearance to a minimum is demonstrated. It is thus shown that through the proper control of the component geometry and certain design parameters, the hollow roller bearing can provide an extremely accurate bearing for precision applications.

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