Ball bearings are rolling-element bearings that use spherical balls between the inner ring, outer ring, cage and rolling elements. They reduce rotational friction and support radial loads, axial loads, or combined radial and axial loads. Thanks to low friction, high-speed performance and compact structure, ball bearings are widely used in motors, pumps, machine tools, automation equipment, transmission systems and precision instruments. Compared with roller bearings, ball bearings adopt point contact, so they run faster but carry relatively lower load capacity.

Types of Ball Bearing

 

Deep Groove Ball Bearing

Deep Groove Ball Bearing​​​​​​​

The most widely used general-purpose ball bearing. It mainly bears radial loads and can accept moderate bidirectional axial loads. High rotating speed with low friction and low noise; available as open type, shielded (ZZ) or sealed (2RS), pre-greased for long service life.

Applications: Electric motors, fans, water pumps, gearboxes, household appliances, conveyor rollers​​​​​​​

 

Angular Contact Ball Bearing

Angular Contact Ball Bearing

Designed with a contact angle (common 15°, 25°, 40°). It supports combined radial and one-way axial loads; larger contact angle brings higher axial load capacity. Normally installed in pairs (back-to-back, face-to-face or tandem) to resist bidirectional thrust and moment load.

Applications: Machine tool spindles, automotive gearboxes, compressors, high-speed pumps

Self-Aligning Ball Bearing

Self-Aligning Ball Bearing

Double-row ball bearing with spherical raceway on outer ring. The inner ring and ball set can swing automatically to compensate shaft misalignment, deflection or mounting error. It mainly bears radial load plus small axial load.

Applications: Textile machines, blowers, agricultural machinery, long conveyor systems

Thrust Ball Bearing

Thrust Ball Bearing

Specially designed for axial thrust load; it can barely carry radial load. Consists of shaft washer, housing washer and steel balls. Single-direction type takes axial load in one direction; double-direction type supports axial load from both sides. Not suitable for high-speed rotation.

Applications: Vertical shafts, turntables, crane hooks, low-speed rotary support

 Miniature Ball Bearing

Miniature Ball Bearing

Small-size precision ball bearings, mostly deep groove structure. Compact, lightweight and stable for tiny rotating parts; many use stainless steel for rust resistance.

Applications: Micro motors, sensors, medical devices, optical instruments, small precision automation

Flanged Ball Bearing

Flanged Ball Bearing

Adds a locating flange on one side of outer ring. The flange works as a stop shoulder to simplify positioning and prevent axial sliding during installation, saving extra retaining rings.

Applications: Small transmission modules, 3D printers, robotic joints, consumer electronics

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Why Choose Our Ball Bearings

Low friction & high speed — point-contact design for fast, quiet running

Multiple seal options — open, ZZ metal shield, 2RS rubber seal

Pre-greased — maintenance-free long service life

Standard sizes — full metric series in stock, inch sizes available

Ball bearings include deep groove, angular contact, self-aligning, thrust, miniature and flanged ball bearings. Learn their features, load capacity and industrial applications for your mechanical selection.