Types of Ball Bearings

There are many types of Ball Bearings available on the market, but which one is best for your application? Here, we will discuss the differences between Angular contact, Single-row, High-carbon steel, and Ceramic ball bearings. These types of bearings also feature races, or a groove in the center of each. These races are important in keeping the balls contained within the cylinder. They also provide a groove-baed pathway.

Ceramic

The ceramic ball used in ball bearings has many advantages. It is lightweight, operates at lower temperatures, has reduced skidding, and is resistant to electrolysis. The ball also exhibits longer fatigue life. All of these factors make the ceramic ball a good choice for many applications. But, how do you know if a ceramic ball bearing is right for your application? Read on to discover why ceramic ball bearings are a better choice than steel or stainless steel ones.
The ceramic balls are 40% more dense than steel. This means less centrifugal force is generated on the bearing, which suppresses heat generation. Because of this reduced friction, ceramic bearings are more efficient at transferring energy. Compared to steel bearings, ceramic balls have longer life spans. Nonetheless, these ceramic balls aren’t as strong as steel. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations of the ceramic ball bearing before buying one.
The ceramic materials used for ball bearings are resistant to micro-welding. Metals undergo this process when imperfections in the surfaces interact. Eventually, this results in a brittle ball that reduces the life of a bearing. Unlike metals, ceramic materials have a stable behavior at high temperatures and exhibit less thermal expansion. This means that they can be used for applications where lubrication isn’t an option.
While steel balls can easily absorb contaminants and foreign particles, the ceramic ball is insensitive to this, and doesn’t require lubrication. This means they’re not susceptible to corrosion and other common problems. These are just a few reasons why ceramics are a better choice. This technology has a wide range of uses. It’s easy to see why it is so popular. If you’re looking for a new bearing for your application, be sure to contact an AST Applications Engineer. They can analyze your operating conditions and potential failure modes.

Angular contact

An Angular Contact Ball Bearing (also known as an angular-contact bearing) has an axial component that is generated when radial loads are applied. They are generally used in pairs, triplex sets, or quadruplex sets. These bearings are also available with Super Finished Raceways to reduce noise and improve lubricant distribution. Angular contact ball bearings have various design units, such as bore size, outer diameter, and outer ring width.
A single-row angular contact bearing has a radial contact angle that is equal to the angular distance between the two rings. Double-row angular bearings are designed for two-way thrust capability. These types of bearings can be purchased at Grainger and other online retailers. A typical angular contact bearing will last up to a million revolutions. They are often used in industrial angular contact bearings.
Single-row angular contact ball bearings feature a set contact angle. These bearings can support radial and axial loads, but they can’t withstand high speeds. Single-row angular contact ball bearings may also have one or two shoulders relieved. Thrust load is a pressure placed on the bearing when it is installed in an assembly, and it is used to create an angle between the races.
Angular contact ball bearings come in single and double-row configurations. They differ in the axial load they can carry and the type of lubrication they use. Angular contact ball bearings are ideal for high-speed applications and can accommodate both radial and axial loads. The type of contact and lubrication used in angular-contact ball bearings depends on the intended use for the bearing.

High-carbon steel

Carbon steel is a low-alloy and high-carbon steel used in bearings. This material provides superior strength and fatigue properties for ball and roller bearings. Its mechanical properties are ideal for applications where the temperature is less than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. High-carbon steel is also used to make bearing components for chrome steel bearings. These types of steels are softer than chrome steel but provide superior durability in applications where the material is exposed to severe conditions.
Hardened carbon steel balls with an AISI 1015 hardness index are used in a variety of automotive, commercial, and semi-precision applications. In addition to automotive applications, they are also used in slides, trolleys, and conveyors. AISI 1015 carbon steel balls are used in bearings. They can be purchased in a variety of weights and diameters. Carbon steel balls can also be purchased in nickel-plated or uncoated varieties for decorative purposes.
In order to determine whether a ball bearing is made of high-carbon steel, the material must be tested for its hardness. An ordinary pocket magnet will work well, but an ordinary rare earth magnet isn’t powerful enough to measure the hardness. If it attracts the magnet strongly, the metal is steel, while a weak magnet indicates a non-ferrous material. A hardness test requires a special microhardness test.
A lower-carbon steel is another option. Some miniature bearing manufacturers use a material with less carbon than AISI 440C. This material is also known as KS440 or X65Cr13. After being heat-treated, it develops smaller carbides, resulting in superior low-noise characteristics and the same corrosion-resistance as 440C. These materials are a less expensive alternative than chrome steel, but they are often less durable than chrome alloy steel.

Single-row

Single-row angular contact ball bearings accommodate axial loads in one direction. These are normally adjusted against a second bearing. Unlike other ball bearings, they are non-separable and contain an upper and lower shoulder. Single-row ball bearings are made of Chromium Steel (GCr15) which is heat-treated to achieve high uniform hardness and excellent wear resistance. They are the most commonly used type of bearings in the world.
Because of the angular contact between the radial plane and the raceway, single-row ball bearings transmit radial forces from raceway to raceway. A higher a, the greater the axial load carrying capacity of the bearing. Single-row angular contact ball bearings are ideal for high axial loads. However, they have limited preload capabilities and must be installed in pairs. Hence, they are best used for applications where axial forces must be distributed.
Single-row ball bearings can be pre-lubricated and have steel shields. They are also available with rubber seals or snap rings on the outside edge. They are available with various retainers, including pressed steel cages, plastic shields, and rubber seals. A tapered bore is also available upon request. They are ideal for applications where space is limited. The 6200 series of bearings are especially well suited for electrical motors, dental hand tools, and optical encoders.
Single-row angular contact ball bearings are widely used for axial loads. The outer and inner rings have slightly larger radii than the balls. These bearings can accommodate high speeds and low torque. They can also be supplied with different grease levels. If grease is needed, you can choose a lubricant that has different characteristics depending on the application. They are easy to install and maintain. However, they are not recommended for adjacent mounting.

Plastic

A plastic ball bearing is a highly versatile component that can be mounted in a variety of components, including wheels, pulleys and housings. The outer ring of a plastic bearing is usually the pulley profile. The inner ring can be made of a shaft or polymer. The integrated design of a plastic ball bearing helps to reduce assembly time and cost. Here are some of the benefits of this type of bearing:
First and foremost, plastic balls are lighter than metal balls. They also have less magnetic properties than steel balls, making them the best option for applications requiring low weight and noise. Glass balls are also lighter than stainless steel balls, making them the ideal metal-free choice. They are also very corrosion-resistant, which makes them a great choice for some applications. In addition to being lightweight, polymer ball bearings are also quiet. And because of their low weight, plastic ball bearings are ideal for applications that require fast speed.
Another advantage of plastic bearings is their ability to withstand high temperatures. This material is also abrasion and corrosion-resistant. It meets FDA and USDA acceptance requirements. Aside from its abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties, these plastics do not transfer heat. Aside from being extremely durable and flexible, most plastics are also self-lubricating. Common plastics include phenolics, acetals, nylon, and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Nonetheless, plastics have limitations, and these materials may be damaged by extreme temperatures or cold flow under heavy loads.
Other advantages of plastic ball bearings include their low density, high hardness and low friction coefficient, and ability to withstand heat and corrosion. Ceramics are also lightweight, non-conductive, and have superior resistance to friction. These products can withstand temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re in the market for a plastic ball bearing, it’s important to choose the right type of material. And if you’re looking for a high-quality bearing, look no further.

editor by CX 2023-04-20