Crossed roller bearings are designed to support combined loads. One cross roller ring is equivalent to the function of two angular contact ball bearings. Let's see when crossed roller vs ball bearing, which one will be the most suitable one for you.

Crossed roller vs ball bearing - loading capacity

Ball bearings rolling elements are steel balls, they are in point-contact with the raceway. However, crossed roller bearings rolling elements are cylindrical rollers, they are in line-contact with the raceway. So crossed roller bearings will have higher loading capacity than ball bearings.

Crossed roller bearing vs ball bearing - Stiffness

Crossed roller bearings rollers are arranged crosswise on the raceway and have a larger contact area than ball bearings. Besides, cross roller rings clearance can be adjusted to negative clearance. Therefore, cross roller rings rigidity is 3~4 times greater than the ball bearings.

Clearance and precision

BRS uses high precision cylindrical rollers as the rolling elements for bearings, and bearing rings raceways are after super grinding, so BRS crossed roller bearing can reach superb precision. Besides, since bearings clearance can be adjusted, negative clearance will further improve cross roller rings running accuracy and rigidity.

Starting torque

Crossed roller bearings starting torque is higher than ball bearings, that means its rotation will be "tighter", not as flexible as ball bearings. But cross roller rings can keep high accuracy even after repeating the operation.

Mounting

Compared with ball bearings, cross roller rings mounting space and mounting methods have more options. They can be installed in limited space, and some type can be bolted onto the equipment directly.

Applications, cost, and service life

Due to its processing technique, crossed roller bearings cost will be higher than ball bearings. Users shall select based on applications. For example, if higher loading capacity is required, cross roller bearings will be more suitable. If flexible rotation required, and have a limited budget, then it's also ok to choose ball bearings.

For more info. regarding crossed roller bearing, please check the article "Crossed roller bearing wiki".