Ball bearings are an important mechanical part that is used in all types of machinery and objects that have moving parts within them, from robotics, airplanes, automobiles, electric generators, conveyors to everyday household appliances such as vacuum cleaners refrigerators, and air-conditioning units. Here at Cromwell, we stock a wide range of ball bearings from leading suppliers such as FAG, NTN SNR, Koyo, SKF and INA to suit your every need.
The main purpose of ball bearings is to reduce rotational friction and provide support to axial and radial loads, which it achieves by using balls to maintain separation between the bearing races and keeps the part in the correct position. This reduces the over energy costs and allows the machinery to be used repeatably.
There are various types of ball bearings which have been designed to suit the machinery, object and conditions they are used in and are available as sealed or open bearing types outside and inside diameters, and in a range of widths.
• Thrust ball bearings - a unique type of ball bearing that is made to specifically to support axial loads and permit standard movement and interaction between moving machinal parts. They are available in styles that either have an aligning seat or are flat, which is relational to the outer ring design. Used in applications such as automotive, mining, aerospace or industrial fans.
• Deep groove ball bearings - also known as shielded or shield ball bearings, these are the most common type of ball bearings. The are available in snap- ring, shielded and sealed arrangements and able to provide both axial and radial support but unable to be adjusted to suit the contact angle. They are used in applications including office machinery, vehicle motors, electric motors and gardening tools.
• Self-aligning ball bearings - designed to cope with minor angular misalignment caused by either incorrect mounting or deflections. Often placed within long shafts to avoid difficulty when mounting housing bores and used commonly within mechanical systems that are at risk of the shaft becoming bent. They are predominantly in final drive transmissions and gearboxes.
What material are ball bearings made of?
Most commonly a ball bearing is made from stainless steel due to the corrosion resistance properties and tough durability. They are also available in plastic, ceramic and nylon.
How do ball bearings reduce friction?
The main objective of a ball bearing is to allow objects that have moving parts within them to smoothly roll past each rather than the objects sliding and banging against each other. The smoothness of the ball bearing combined with a lubricator such as oils or greases all although the outer and inner surfaces to glide easily.