KOYO Original Precision 4388/4335 Tapered Roller Bearing

What types of loads can tapered roller bearings handle?

The angled and tapered shape of tapered roller bearings minimizes the stress caused by a combination of radial and axial loads. Radial and axial loads often combine to create different loads upon a bearing assembly. The ability to handle angular loads and changing angular loads – makes tapered roller bearings indispensable to various technical designs and industries. The tapered shape essentially concentrates radial and axial loads into a unified load that is more easily harnessed. Which angular loads can be harnessed depends on the precise angle of the tapered bearing. They can harness a comprehensive range of forces by configuring two or even more tapered bearings.
The steepness of the roller bearing's gradient increases the thrust/axial load it can handle, while a shallow angle increases the radial load capacity. As the radial load increases, the bearing experiences more stress against the sides of the bearing raceways. A more shallow angle minimizes stress, reducing pressure on the rollers. Increased axial load contributes to the stress applied to the top of the rollers. A steeper angle will distribute the pressure more towards the center of the bearing and less onto the rollers themselves.