The CARB toroidal roller bearing is a completely new type of radial roller bearing. This compact self-aligning roller bearing was developed by SKF and introduced on the market in 1995. In a unique design, it combines the self-aligning capability of the spherical roller bearing with the unconstrained axial displacement ability of the cylindrical roller bearing. It can also have the compact cross section normally associated with the needle roller bearing.
The applicability of CARB bearings covers a wide range with regard to radial loads. They are intended exclusively as non-locating bearings and as such they are excellent with their combination of self-aligning and axial displacement properties, opening up completely new opportunities to save space, weight and production costs. By deliberately displacing the rings axially with respect to each other it is possible to accurately set the radial internal clearance in the bearing.
CARB bearings permit smaller and lighter bearing arrangement designs offering the same or improved performance in a particularly impressive manner, e.g. in planetary gearboxes. They simplify the bearing arrangement design for long shafts that are subjected to temperature variations. When using CARB bearings, it has also been proven that vibration levels are reduced, e.g. in paper machines or fans.