What type of load do roller thrust anti-friction bearings primarily carry?

Roller thrust anti-friction bearings are specifically designed to handle axial loads. These bearings consist of rollers positioned between the races in such a way that they can support forces applied parallel to the axis of rotation. The unique design allows the rollers to effectively distribute the load over a large surface area, which minimizes wear and enhances performance during heavy loading conditions.

Axial loads occur when the force is applied along the axis of the shaft, as opposed to radial loads that are perpendicular to it. Roller thrust bearings are optimized for this type of loading, making them ideal for applications like gear assemblies, vertical shafts, or heavy machinery where vertical or horizontal thrust loads are prevalent.

In contrast, other types of loads such as radial, angular, and shock loads refer to forces that act differently and require different bearing designs to manage effectively. Radial loads are not suitable for roller thrust bearings as they are designed to resist lateral forces, while angular loads involve components that can create combined loads, and shock loads are sudden forces that require robust design but are not the primary function of roller thrust anti-friction bearings.