A ball bearing enables low friction and smoother motion throughout multiple rotary applications. They can also ensure higher performance and durability of these parts.
In 1794, Philip Vaughan developed the first modern ball bearings. His design, with a ball running along a track, is the basis of different bearing types. These tracks are known as races. Usually, a bearing runs along an inner and outer track. One race remains stationary while the other one rotates. As the ball moves along the races, it transmits load for smoother movement.
The balls have limited contact with the outer and inner races owing to their shape, which is spherical, and because this helps them to spin more smoothly.
However, the balls may become flattened with time and usage. Excessive pressure on the outer races may also cause this. This may lead to ultimate failure at times. Yet, the parameters like load ratings should be carefully examined when choosing between ball bearing types.
Types of Ball Bearings
There are different types of ball bearings and you should know how to choose the right ones as per your specific requirements.
1. Radial Ball Bearings
These are tailored to bear both the axial and radial loads, while the thrust ball bearings help in carrying only the pure thrust loads.
2. Deep-Groove Bearings
These bearings can also accommodate both axial and radial loads in diverse degrees, although they come into play whenever there is a primary load positioned in a radial direction. This ball bearing comes with an inner ring and also an outer ring while there are also the balls and also a cage which separates and contains these balls.
3. Angular Contact Bearings
These bearings are tailored in a manner where the contact angle between the balls and races is developed whenever the bearing is used. The key design attributes of such ball bearings include the fact that either both or a single-ring race should come with a shoulder that is higher than another.
The bearing may have an in-built preload and this may also be created whenever an assembly has a bearing inserted into the same as well. There are varying contact angles from 15-40 degrees and the measurement is relative to the line that runs perpendicularly towards the bearing axis.
4. Thrust Ball Bearings
These ball bearings help bear pure thrust loads. They may take smaller or almost zero radial loads. The core rolling element may be a needle, ball, or even a roller. A turntable or slewing ring bearing may help in taking radial, axial, and moment loads. They are not housing-mounted or shaft-mounted, while they may be attached to a seating surface directly. Both the outer and inner rings may have mounting holes.
5. Magnetic Bearings
Magnetic bearings are ball bearings types which use magnetic levitation to support the shaft without contact. They are made in zero-wear and are capable of handling very high speeds. They can also self-adjust for minor shaft irregularities.
6. Plain Bearings
They are also known as sleeve bearings. These are the simplest type of bearings with no rolling elements. They have a bearing surface that fits into a bore around a shaft. They are compact, lightweight and cost-effective. It can handle high loads and allow motion. It has smooth movement and can handle slight misalignments.
7. Fluid Bearings
These bearings use pressurised gas or liquid to support loads and eliminate friction. They are used instead in machines that run at high speeds and heavy loads. This helps reduce noise, vibration and damage. With zero contact between elements during operation, they offer near-zero wear and longer lifespan despite higher initial costs.
These are all the different types of bearing you should know about.
What Is the Purpose of Bearings?
- They prevent direct metal-to-metal contact between moving parts. It reduces friction, heat and damage.
- They help guide and support either rotational or sliding motion. It depends on the design.
- They enable machinery to run at high speeds and carry significant loads efficiently.
Ball Bearing Uses
If you are wondering what are ball bearing used for, here is how:
- Internal combustion engines and electric motors: They help the rotating output shaft stay steady and work smoothly
- Gearboxes: Hold and support rotating gear shafts and input or output shafts
- Centrifugal pumps: Support the rotating shaft between the engine output and the fan input
- Agricultural machine: Help the moving parts of tractors, ploughs and other machines work smoothly
- Construction: Supports many machines like cranes, excavators, compactors and more
You can find ball bearings in many more devices also.
Sizing of Ball Bearings
Besides ball bearing types, you must also understand the right sizing. Ball bearings come with reference numbers. This lets you determine the size.
However, it is useful to know how to measure it yourself. You must measure the width, inner diameter, and outer diameter. A vernier caliper is the best tool for this. Then, you will be able to choose the right type of bearing for the device that you wish to use it for.
You should also note the clearance value of different bearing types. The more the chances of the bearing getting hot, the larger the clearance required. A larger clearance allows the heat to escape, preventing the failure of the ball bearing.
Choosing the right types of ball bearings is a process which requires patience and some careful consideration. You should take several factors into the equation for this purpose. L&T-SuFin is a one-stop solution for finding the best ball bearings in various avatars as per your specific requirements. This is one platform which can successfully cater to all your requirements with aplomb.
Consider factors like the installation space or area, the magnitude, direction, and type of the load, the speed of rotation, and also the accuracy of running among others. Other important aspects include misalignment in terms of the various operating circumstances along with the total rigidity aspect. There are dismounting and mounting features available for such ball bearings as well.
Conclusion
Ball bearings may look small. But they keep your machines working easily. All types of bearings you choose should be of the right type and size. It can improve your machine’s performance and also extend its life.
So, take your time to understand what is ball bearing before selecting the right one. It makes all the difference.
Explore the best options of SKF NTN, FAG, KOYO deep groove ball bearings from India’s top B2B marketplace –L&T-SuFin!
FAQs
1. What is the most common ball bearing?
The deep-groove ball bearing is the most common one. It can handle both radial and axial loads and works well in many machines.
2. What are 3-figure bearings?
Three-figure bearings show direction in degrees on a compass. For example, 090° means east, 180° means south and 270° means west. It is a way to describe direction, not a type of mechanical bearing.
3. Which type of bearing is best?
The best bearing depends on where you are using it. For everyday machines, deep-groove ball bearings are great. You can use angular contact or magnetic bearings for high-speed and other needs.
4. How to identify ball bearings?
You can identify ball bearings by checking their number or code printed on the side. You can also measure the inner diameter, outer diameter and width using a vernier calliper to find the right size and type.
Top Blogs Post’s
Top Products