In this article, we’ll discuss angular contact ball bearings.
There are several types of ball bearings, including deep groove ball bearings, thrust bearings, and angular contact ball bearings. These differ in the environments where they are used. For example, when looking at the types of loads they can handle:
| Type of Bearing | Load Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Deep groove ball bearings | Can support both thrust (axial) loads parallel to the shaft and radial loads perpendicular to the shaft, in both directions. They are the most common general-purpose bearing. |
| Thrust bearings | Can support thrust loads in one direction only. |
| Angular contact bearings | Can support radial loads and thrust loads in one direction. |
Angular contact bearings look very similar to deep groove ball bearings, but their performance is different. The difference lies in the raceway design.
Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Structure and Contact Angle
Deep groove ball bearings consist of an inner ring and an outer ring (the raceways), a cage, and balls. Angular contact bearings are made of the same components, but the shape of the grooves is different.
In deep groove bearings, the grooves are symmetrical with respect to the centerline. In angular contact bearings, the grooves are offset at an angle so that forces are transmitted from one groove to the other along a diagonal path. This angle is called the contact angle.
A larger contact angle allows the bearing to support greater thrust loads, but it also reduces the permissible rotational speed. Standard contact angles are generally 15°, 30°, and 40°, although some manufacturers offer 25° or have different standards.
Types of Angular Contact Bearings
- Single-row angular contact bearings: Look similar to deep groove ball bearings.
- Double-row angular contact bearings: Combine two single-row bearings into a single integrated inner and outer ring.
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Single-row angular contact bearings Look similar to deep groove ball bearings. |
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Double-row angular contact bearings Combine two single-row bearings into a single integrated inner and outer ring. |
There are also paired angular contact bearings, in which two single-row bearings are mounted together. The characteristics vary depending on the arrangement, so the pairing method is chosen according to the application environment.
Choosing the Right Bearing
If a bearing needs to handle loads from both radial and thrust directions, a single-row angular contact bearing is not always the best choice. The decision between deep groove and angular contact bearings depends on the operating conditions.
As mentioned earlier, deep groove bearings can handle both radial and thrust loads, but they are not ideal for high thrust loads. Angular contact bearings, with their contact angle, can handle higher thrust loads than deep groove bearings, but only in one direction.
Care must be taken to select the right bearing type for the application environment.
Examples of Use
- Plating equipment where copper sheets pass vertically between rollers.
- Transfer components in semiconductor-related equipment where thrust loads are also applied.
Contact Us
We can assist you from material selection onwards. If you have any issues with bearings in special environments or questions about plastics, feel free to contact us—even for advice only.
Kashima Bearings is a manufacturer of plastic bearings. We work with many different plastic materials and have extensive machining know-how. If you have any difficulties, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
