Glossary

Ball bearings - What are ball bearings?

ball bearings are the most well-known type of rolling bearings, used to carry radial and axial loads. The balls are the rolling elements.

  • Question: What is a ball bearing used for?
    • Answer: Ball bearings are used in applications where both radial and axial forces occur, such as in motors, wheels, and gearboxes.

  • Question: What types of ball bearings are there?
    • Answer: There are various types of ball bearings, including deep groove ball bearings, miniature ball bearings, self-aligning ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, thrust ball bearings, and axial ball bearings, depending on the specific requirements of the application.
    • Example article: Category of ball bearings

  • Question: What should be considered when mounting ball bearings?
    • Answer: The assembly of ball bearings is a crucial step to ensure they function optimally and have a long lifespan. Here are some important aspects of bearing assembly:
      • Careful Alignment: Precise alignment of the bearings is critical to ensure that the bearing forces are evenly distributed. Inaccurate alignment can lead to excessive stress, premature wear, and ultimately failure.
      • Clean Environment: Assembly should be carried out in a clean environment to prevent dirt, dust, or foreign objects from getting between the rolling elements and the raceways. Contaminants can impair bearing performance and lead to premature wear.
      • Proper Fastening: The bearings should be properly fastened to the housing or shaft. It is important to ensure that the fastening is not too tight or too loose to ensure a secure and stable connection.
      • Suitable Lubrication: The selection and application of the right lubrication is of great importance. Insufficient lubrication can lead to excessive wear, while excessive lubrication can increase friction and overheat the bearings.
      • Control of Play Specifications: For some types of bearings, the play is crucial. The precise specifications for axial and radial play should be observed during assembly to ensure the desired functionality.