Ball bearings represent a traditional category of bearings, used to reduce friction between two objects that are in rotational or translational motion relative to each other.
But what are the main types of bearings ? And what are its characteristics?
Deep radial ball bearings
Let's start with a quick look at Deep Groove Ball Bearings , which are characterized by a very simple structure and can be made up of one or two ball crowns. They can withstand a radial load (i.e., they can support a force directed orthogonal to the axis) and a light axial load (i.e., they can support a light force directed in the axial direction), and they can operate under conditions of versatility, and even in quite high speeds.
This specific category of ball bearings is generally non-separable and has different protection schemes that prevent dirt and debris from entering, either tight (leaving no radial clearance) or non-tight (leaving radial light).
Radial self-aligning ball bearings
Another category of ball bearings is represented by swivel radial ball bearings, characterized by the presence of two rows of balls and used mainly in all those cases where a high rotation capacity between the rings is required. Their structure is very different from those belonging to the previous category: in fact they have an inner ring made up of two tracks, and the outer ring made up of a single spherical track. The lubrication holes guarantee correct movement: they cannot be dismantled, they can be watertight or not watertight.
Angular ball bearings
Another category of ball bearings is represented by angular contact ball bearings, which are made up of particular races of inner and outer rings, offset relative to each other in the direction of the bearing axis: contact between the balls and the races occurs along a axis oblique to the bearing axis. As a rule, these bearings are used in all those situations where it is necessary to support combined loads, that is, when radial loads (those that generate force directed orthogonally to the axis) and axial loads (those that generate force directed in the axial direction) act simultaneously. The axial load capacity will increase as the angle between the line joining the contact points between the ball and the raceways and the perpendicular to the bearing axis increases. These bearings are separable and can be made with a single row of balls, which must always be opposed in pairs, or with two rows of balls.
About Bearings and Components you will have the opportunity to identify all the main categories of ball bearings for any type of application: in case of doubts and perplexities, we invite you to contact our team of consultants, at your disposal to share the best technical solutions and identify the right component for your needs!
