What Are Deep-Groove Ball Bearings? - Ritbearing Corporation

Not all ball bearings are created equal. Different types are designed to meet specific requirements, so if you’re not an engineer or distributor (and sometimes even if you are), it’s not always easy to pick out the one that best fits your needs. 

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Take one of the most commonly used type of bearing – deep-groove ball bearings. Just because it’s used often doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your particular application. Let’s take the next few minutes to learn more.

Deep-groove ball bearings are great for handling large loads and fast operating speeds. They can withstand a radial load and a limited axial (or thrust) load. In short, deep-groove ball bearings are a good option if there will be pressure applied to the bearing from both the side of a shaft (radial) and along the shaft (axial).

Here’s a good article that explains the difference between radial and axial thrust load.

Angular contact ball bearings feature internal and external ring raceways, which are disconnected from each other in relation to the bearing axis. These bearings allow for the support of loads with a combination of axial and radial forces. It is not possible to dismantle these bearings and remove the races or balls. However, they may feature a relatively large number of balls for increased support of axial and radial loads. Such bearings allow for the optimisation of speed and minimisation of friction specific to different loads.

The three different types of angular contact bearings are single row bearings, double row bearings, and four-point contact bearings.

Common applications:

• Compressors and pumps
• Metal rolling mills
• Electric motors and generators
• Machine tool spindles
• Vehicle hub bearings

Axial deep groove ball bearings are suitable for highly specific purposes. They provide exclusive support for the axial forces projected by loads. The deep groove bearings consist of shaft-locating washers, housing-locating washers, and ball and cage assemblies. While some feature flat washers, others come complete with spherical housing-locating washers for the prevention and correction of static misalignment. It is absolutely essential to avoid the projection of any radial force upon these bearings.

Found in these industries:

• Agricultural
• Machine tool
• Material handling
• Printing
• Wind energy

Deep groove ball bearings are the most commonly used variety of ball bearings and can be purchased in seal, shield, and snap-ring arrangements. The race dimensions within these kinds of bearings closely match the dimensions of the balls that are contained. They are also well suited to the support of weighty loads. Deep groove bearings provide both radial and axial support. However, the contact angle can’t be adjusted in order to vary the relative levels of such loads.

Types of deep groove ball bearings include single row deep groove bearings, extra small and miniature bearings, maximum type ball bearings, and magneto deep groove ball bearings.

Common applications:

• Electric motors
• Vehicle motors
• Office machinery
• Garden tools

Self-aligning ball bearings feature an inner ring and ball assembly, which is held securely within an outer ring with a spherical raceway. The design of these ball bearings is such that they can tolerate a minor angular misalignment occurring as a result of either deflections or incorrect mounting.

For more information, please visit Deep Groove Ball Bearing.

Such ball bearings are typically incorporated within long shafts due to the associated difficulty of properly mounting housing bores. It is also quite common for such bearings to be included in mechanical systems where there would otherwise be a risk of shaft bending during operation. However, the use of self-aligning bearings should be restricted to light axial load applications because the outer ring raceway provides a limited amount of support for the rolling elements.

Common applications:

• Gearboxes
• Final drive transmissions

As we have discussed, bearings can have many different design configurations. To help navigate these and easily identify the bearing you require, they usually have a code that relates to the bearing type, size and even material.

Bearing manufacturers can create their own codes or prefixes, please note these may differ depending on the brand, so it is always recommended to check the details from the specific manufacturer.

Bearing Code Example - 6 2 02 2RS

Let's break down this example by each part:

(6) 2 02 2RS - The first number refers to the Bearing Type. 6 = Single row deep groove ball bearing.

6 (2) 02 2RS - The next digit donates the Bearing Series or durabilityof the bearing. 2 = Light

6 2 (02) 2RS - These numbers relate to the Bore Size. 02 = 15mm

6 2 02 (2RS) - Finally the suffix contains any further details around the bearing such as seals or shields. 2RS = Both Sides Sealed.

A bearing with the code RS is a Single row deep groove ball bearing with light toughness, bore size of 15mm and has both sides sealed.

Despite the slight differences between manufacturers, most bearings will follow this structure for their codes. So you can use the information below to determine the bearing you have or require.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Self-Aligning Ball Bearings.