Different Types of Ball Bearings

Different Types of Ball Bearings

Ball bearings come in different shapes and sizes. Each serves a different purpose. Let’s take a look at the types of ball bearings that are widely used:
1. Roller bearings

This rolling-element bearing use rollers or cylinders for maintaining the gap between the moving parts of the bearing. The main purpose of this type of bearing is to reduce rotational friction apart from supporting the axial and radial loads. Roller bearings can easily support heavy radial loads. However, these can support limited axial loads. These bearings can operate at moderate and high speeds. However, the maximum speed is generally below the highest speeds of all ball bearings.

2. Ball thrust bearings
This type of bearing is mainly used for low-speed applications. Ball thrust bearings cannot handle the excess radial load. An example of common application includes barstools.
3. Roller thrust bearings

These bearings can support huge thrust loads. These bearings are often used in gear-sets (between gears) and between the rotating and the housing shafts. The helical gears that are widely used in most transmissions have angled teeth. These teeth produce a thrust load which needs to be supported by a bearing.

4. Tapered roller bearings
These bearings can support large thrust loads along with huge radial loads. Tapered roller bearings are mainly used in car hubs. Here, these bearings are mounted in pairs and face opposite directions. In this way, they can handle thrust in both directions.
5. Magnetic bearings
These types of bearings support moving parts rely on a magnetic field instead of a physical load for carrying loads. These bearings need continuous power input for keeping the load stable and thus, need a backup bearing (in the case the control or power system fails). Magnetic bearings have extremely low and predictable friction. These can run without lubrication and even in a vacuum. The magnetic bearing is mostly used in industrial machines such as motors, generators, and turbines.
6. Flexure Bearing

In this type of bearing, one part joins two others, just like a hinge, where the motion is supported by a load which bends. Flexure bearings need continuous bending. And that’s why material selection is crucial. Some materials fail with continuous bending, even when the load is low; however, with the right material and bearing design, a flexure bearing can last really long. Another significant characteristic of this bearing is that it is resistant to fatigue.

7. Jewel bearings

This type of bearings is plain bearings and come with a metal spindle. This spindle turns in a pivot-hole that’s jewel-lined. They roll the axle (which is just a bit off-centre) for carrying loads. These are generally used in mechanical watches or clocks. It’s because of their low and predictable friction that helps in improving the watch’s accuracy.

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Knowell is a company that’s synonymous with quality. We have been a distributor of standard and durable ball bearings from leading brands across the world. We have in-depth knowledge of the industry and that’s why we always ensure an innovative solution to our customers.