In modern mechanical design, space is never infinite. Especially inside robot joints, automotive transmissions, precision reducers and various compact drive modules, every cubic millimeter is subject to careful trade-off. Conventional bearing arrangements typically require separate radial bearings and axial thrust bearings—a single shaft needs at least two or even three bearing sets, occupying substantial axial space while requiring individual mounting shoulders, lubrication channels and sealing provisions for each. This separate-component approach not only increases the axial dimension of the drive system but also introduces additional assembly complexity and cumulative tolerance chains.

 

Japan NMT combined bearings are integrated solutions engineered specifically to resolve this conflict between space and performance. NMT combined bearings integrate radial load-carrying and axial load-carrying structures into a single compact unit—needle rollers handle radial loads while thrust bearings manage axial loads, sharing inner or outer rings to form a single bearing that addresses force requirements in both directions simultaneously. A single shaft requires only one combined bearing installation, reducing axial space by 30% to 50% and enabling shorter, lighter, more compact drive system designs.

 

NMT offers multiple proven structural configurations for combined bearings. Needle roller + thrust ball combined bearings are the most widely used standard type—the needle roller section handles high radial loads while the thrust ball section handles bidirectional axial loads, suitable for moderate-speed, heavy-load applications. Needle roller + thrust cylindrical roller combined bearings are designed for higher axial load requirements, with the thrust section utilizing cylindrical roller line-contact structure for greater axial rigidity and impact resistance. For ultra-compact spaces, NMT also offers inner-ring-less combined bearings, where needle rollers run directly on hardened shaft surfaces to further reduce radial dimensions.

 

In manufacturing precision, NMT combined bearings undergo independent precision control and matching optimization for needle rollers, balls and raceways. Needle roller diameter grouping accuracy exceeds industry standards, ensuring uniform load sharing across all rollers during radial loading. Thrust rolling elements undergo precision screening, with thrust raceway flatness and roughness achieving exceptionally high standards for smooth axial rotation. Cage materials are selected based on application requirements—engineering plastic cages for lightweight low-noise operation, metal stamped cages for high-temperature and impact-resistant applications. The sealing system is integrated within the combined bearing unit, providing dust and contamination protection in both radial and axial directions.

 

Reasons for selecting NMT combined bearings:

 

Radial and axial load functions integrated into a single unit—one bearing replaces two to three conventional bearings

 

Axial space savings of 30% to 50%—shorter, lighter, more compact drive systems

 

Needle roller + thrust ball combination for moderate-speed heavy-load applications

 

Needle roller + thrust cylindrical roller combination for high axial load and impact resistance

 

Inner-ring-less option for further radial dimension reduction

 

Independent precision control and matching optimization for each load-carrying element for uniform load sharing

 

Multiple cage material options for different temperature and operating conditions

 

Integrated sealing system provides protection in both radial and axial directions

 

These performance advantages establish NMT combined bearings as the core integrated components for robot joints, automotive transmissions, precision reducers, industrial drive modules, agricultural machinery gearboxes and various compact-space multi-load applications.

 

Application scenarios

 

Robot joints and collaborative robot drive shafts, automotive transmissions and transfer cases, precision planetary reducers, industrial automation drive modules, agricultural machinery gearboxes and drive axles, construction machinery travel drive systems, power tools and garden machinery, packaging and printing equipment.

 

Precision manufacturing

 

Produced according to Japanese industrial standards and combined bearing manufacturing specifications, NMT combined bearings utilize high-purity bearing steel processed through precision needle roller grinding, thrust raceway superfinishing, precision rolling element grouping, cage precision forming, integrated seal assembly, precision grease filling, independent radial/axial clearance control, rotational accuracy inspection and multi-load durability validation—ensuring every product delivers compact structure, reliable load capacity and smooth operation.

 

Product range

 

Needle roller + thrust ball combined bearings, needle roller + thrust cylindrical roller combined bearings, needle roller + angular contact ball combined bearings, inner-ring-less combined bearings, sealed combined bearings, stainless steel combined bearings and custom non-standard combined bearings.

 

Global industrial service

 

Japan NMT supplies high-quality combined bearings to global robot manufacturers, automotive companies, reducer producers and automation equipment providers, empowering the compactness and lightweight design of advanced global equipment with integrated multi-function precision engineering and efficient space utilization.