Characteristics of Rolling Contact Bearings

Ball bearings are a common type of rolling contact bearings. Radial ball bearings can support radial loads and a lesser amount of thrust loads in either direction. Angular contact ball bearings can support both radial and thrust loads and are often used in pairs. Because of the much smaller contact between balls and rings, ball bearings cannot support loads as high as equal sized roller bearings; however, ball bearings can operate with lower torque and higher speed and precision than roller bearings. Radial ball bearings can be furnished prelubricated and sealed, and operate for life without maintenance. Ball and roller bearings can be furnished with snap rings installed in grooves in the outer ring for mounting purposes.

Roller bearings are also a common type of rolling bearings. Cylindrical roller bearings can support higher radial loads than similar size ball bearings but lack the capacity to support substantial thrust loads. Tapered roller bearings can support high radial and thrust loads and are often used in pairs.

The following is a summary of the characteristics of ball and roller bearings presented below:

. Radial ball bearings have fair radial and thrust load carrying capabilities. They are excellent for high speed, high accuracy and low torque. They are also good for shaft misalignment. They can be used together on both ends of a shaft. Angular contact ball bearings have good radial and thrust load carrying capabilities. They are excellent for high speed and high accuracy, fair for low torque, but poor for shaft misalignment.

. Angular contact pairs are good for radial and thrust loads. They are good for high speed and high accuracy but are poor for shaft misalignment. They are commonly used on both ends of a shaft.

. Some forms of cylindrical roller bearings have good radial load and fair thrust load carrying capabilities. Others are excellent for high speed and high accuracy. All are fair for shaft misalignment. Some forms are good for mounting on both ends of a shaft.