Ball Bearings, also commonly referred to as rolling-element bearings, are crucial mechanical elements employed in numerous applications. They play a vital role in various machines and systems, ranging from compact automotive components to substantial architectural structures.

What are ball Bearings? Roller bearings are intricately designed components created to facilitate rotational or linear motion by diminishing friction between interacting surfaces. They comprise a set of cylindrical rollers enclosed within a ring or raceway. These rollers distribute the load uniformly, ensuring smooth, low-friction movement. The fundamental function of roller bearings is to sustain radial and axial loads while curtailing friction and wear, thus augmenting the durability and boosting the efficiency of mechanical systems.  

RS offers an extensive array of premium roller bearings in diverse sizes and specifications. Our bearings are accessible in standard open configurations or for more demanding applications where additional protection is necessary, our sealed or shielded bearings provide an excellent solution.

Ball Bearing Types

In contemporary industrial applications, four primary types of ball bearings dominate. These include:

Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Deep groove ball bearings are among the most widely employed bearing types, characterized by their straightforward design and ease of maintenance. Capable of managing radial and axial loads in both directions, they are perfectly suited for scenarios demanding higher load capacities. These bearings are available in either single or double-row configurations.

Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Angular contact ball bearings feature a contact angle that facilitates the transfer of forces between raceways at a precise angle. Optimized for handling combined radial and axial loads, their angled raceways enable them to withstand thrust alongside radial forces. Like deep groove bearings, they come in single and double-row variants.

Self Aligning Ball Bearings

Self-aligning ball bearings function similarly to standard ball bearings but incorporate two rows of balls that assist in alignment by rotating in parallel with the outer ring. The inner ring contains two raceways, while the outer ring houses one, enhancing their aligning capabilities.

Thrust Ball Bearings

Thrust ball bearings are exclusively designed to manage axial loads. Comprising two bearing discs with ball raceways, they are crafted to support axial loads in a single direction, making them ideal for applications requiring substantial axial load capacity.