Characteristics of an Angular Contact Ball Bearing

Manufacturing standards and the design of angular contact bearings are what enable them to function at a high level of precision.

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In this article, we’ll describe the main characteristics of angular contact bearings and what makes them unique and a good choice for precision machinery.  

The first noticeable difference you’ll see is that it has only one high shoulder on the outer ring. This design allows the angular contact bearing to have a high load capacity. This high shoulder also creates two intersecting lines, which form the contact angle of the bearing. Standard contact angles are usually 15° and 25° (compared to 8° on radial bearings).  

The contact angle allows the bearing to also support higher loads as well as faster speeds. Typically, the 15° contact angle supports faster speeds than the 25° contact angle   

There are three main parts that make up the angular contact bearing they are the rings, cage, and ball material.

Below is a description of each component and the material used when it’s manufactured. Note: Other material options are available depending on your manufacturer. If you are ordering GMN angular contact bearings, contact us if you need a different material that isn’t listed here.   

1. Bearing Rings (a.k.a. Bearing Races or Bearing Raceway)

Our bearing rings are manufactured with vacuum degassed chrome steel (100Cr6) and are heat stabilized for temperatures up to 302°F (150°C).

An additional heat treatment can be performed for working temperatures up to 572°F (300°C). For working temperatures above 572°F (300°C), we manufacture the rings with high temperature tool steel.

2. Bearing Cage

A standard TA cage made from phenolic resin with fine mesh cotton webbing allows operating temperatures of 248°F (120°C).

TXM (PEEK) cages are available on request and provide an optimized performance over the TA cages.

Here are some benefits of selecting a TXM cage:

• Made with PEEK and that is lighter than the TA cage material
• Great for grease lubrication vs the TA cage is best for oil lubrication

3. Ball Bearing Material

Here are the two common options for ball material:

• vacuum degassed chrome steel (100Cr6), commonly referred to as bearing steel
• Ceramic, Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) which can operate at faster speeds and has lower rolling friction. Read all about the benefits of ceramic ball material.

Understanding Precision

Understand the differences between angular contact bearings and radial bearings to select the right bearing for your application’s needs.

Once you understand those ball-bearing differences, you can see how these angular contact bearing characteristics really set them apart and allow them to carry heavy loads at high speeds.

Angular contact ball bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing that is designed to support both radial and axial loads.

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This is achieved by axially displacing the inner and outer ring raceways relative to each other, which causes the balls to contact the raceways at an angle.  This contact angle allows for the bearing to support both axial and radial loads. 

There are many different configuration of angular contact bearings, but the two main subsets are single row and double row, or often times referred to as duplex bearings.  Single row bearings can only support axial loads in one direction, while duplex sets can support axial loads in both directions as well as overturning moment loads. 

Angular contact bearings are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of a particular application. They are also available with a variety of features, such as seals and shields, to protect them from contamination.

Angular contact ball bearings are used in applications where there is a need to support both radial and axial loads. Their design allows them to handle combined loads, making them versatile for many mechanical and industrial applications. Here are some common examples:

Machine Tool Spindles

Angular contact ball bearings are widely used in the spindles of machine tools, where they provide the precision and rigidity needed for high-speed and high-accuracy machining operations. They can accommodate high radial loads, high axial loads in one direction, and combined loads.

Automotive Applications

In the automotive industry, angular contact ball bearings are used in gearboxes, pumps, and clutches. They help manage the loads generated by high-speed rotation and directional changes, providing durability and reliability under various driving conditions.

Electric Motors

These bearings are commonly used in electric motors and generators where both radial and axial loads need to be supported, particularly in applications requiring high rotational speed and precision.

Aerospace

In the aerospace sector, angular contact ball bearings are used in jet engines and other components where high performance, precision, and reliability are critical. They can withstand the complex load combinations experienced in flight.

Agricultural Equipment

Angular contact ball bearings are used in agricultural machinery like harvesters and tractors. They are ideal for withstanding heavy loads and harsh environments.

Wind Turbines

In wind turbines, angular contact ball bearings are used in the gearbox and rotor shaft to handle both axial and radial forces generated by wind.

Pumps and Compressors

They are used in various types of pumps and compressors to manage the combined loads due to the pumping action and to ensure smooth and reliable operation.

Robotics and Automation

In robotics and automated machinery, these bearings are used in joints and pivots to provide smooth, precise movement and to handle both radial and axial forces that occur during operation.

Medical Equipment

Precision medical equipment, such as MRI machines and surgical robots, utilize angular contact ball bearings to ensure accurate and reliable motion control.

Railway and Transportation

They are also used in a number of transportation applications such as railway axle boxes and bogies to handle the dynamic loads these components experience providing needed stability and reliability in these applications.