Deep groove ball bearings uses and applications - Pibsales

Deep groove ball bearings

Deep groove ball bearings are the most common type of bearings used. DGBB has both high radial and axial load capacities as well as high speed capabilities.

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Both outer and inner rings have grooves with a radius only slightly exceeding the ball radius. Due to the curvature ratio, the bearing is capable of supporting radial and axial forces.

When the balls are loaded in this typical non loading slot type of deep groove ball bearing the bearing rings are displaced relative to each other in an eccentric positioning.

The free space is filled with balls whose size and number are so calculated that by utilizing the elasticity of the rings the balls are forced in between the rings evenly. 

As you can see in the example the balls are then surrounded by a retainer.

Most frequently, two-piece stamped sheet steel cages are inserted from both sides and then joined together. Of course, there are many other types of cages where machined cages or polyamide may be used for each type of application requirement.

Deep groove ball bearings applications

Deep groove ball bearings are used in a myriad of applications. Due to its ability to sustain forces in both the radial and axial directions, its low friction and its suitability for high speeds the potential uses are endless.

Applications include:

• Electric motors automobiles
• Windmills
• Power tools
• Engines
• Gearboxes
• Medical devices
• Office machinery 
• Flying cars, robots

Conrad Type ball bearings

There are deep groove ball bearings with filling slots ( also known as Conrad type) which is a predecessor to the more widely used deep groove ball bearing without filling slots.

The primary difference between the two is that the filling slot allows for the addition of one more ball increasing the load carrying capacity. While the deep groove ball bearing with filling slot is better for increasing the radial load capacity it suffers somewhat for carrying axial loads. Since nearly all bearing applications involve axial loads, the deep groove radial ball bearing without filling slots has largely replaced the former deep groove radial ball bearing with filling slots.

Further in the article, you will learn about Single row and Double row angular contact ball bearings.

Single row angular contact ball bearing

In single row angular contact ball bearing, the raceways are so arranged that the forces are transmitted from one raceway to the other under certain a certain contact angle. The angle between the line of action of the force and the radial plane. Angular contact bearings can be manufactured using 15, 18,25,30, 40 and 60 degrees depending upon the application requirements.

This example of an angular contact bearing has a brass cage. The likely application for this type of standard grade bearing is agricultural pumps.

This is an example of a high-speed angular contact bearing with a 15 degree contact angle and would likely be used in high-speed machine spindles. High-speed machining is usually associated with any spindle speed above 15k rpm.

Double row angular contact ball bearing

Double row angular contact ball bearings are of a design where two rows are running parallel in two different raceways in both the outer and inner rings. The design actually corresponds to a ready to mount pair of single row angular contact ball bearings in O-arrangement.

Double row angular contact ball bearings are capable of sustaining large radial and axial forces. They are particularly suitable for applications demanding rigid axial guidance. Generally, each ball set has a pressed steel sheet waved ribbon cage.

For more information, please visit Deep Groove Ball Bearings manufacturer.

This is a track roller bearing with which demonstrates a typical double row combination.

Track rollers – also referred to as idler rollers – are motion transmission components designed to work with all varieties of tracks. They see use in conveyor systems, cam drives, and a wide range of similar material handling systems.

These are just a few examples of the way deep groove ball bearings are applied. In addition to those bearings described here, single row angular contact bearings can be paired, used in threes, or even four or five together to achieve the goals required.

Another category is self aligning bearings.

Self aligning bearings

In the self aligning ball bearing the raceway of the outer ring is spherical while the inner ring has two grooved raceways. The cage combines the two balls sets and the inner ring to form a unit that can align itself with the outer ring. The bearing is therefore not affected by misalignment of shaft and housing nor by shaft deflections.

These bearings are primarily used in agricultural machinery, conveyors, line shafting, woodworking machines etc.

What is the application of single row deep groove ball bearing?

Single row deep groove ball bearings are among the most widely used types of bearings due to their versatility, simplicity in design, and cost-effectiveness. These bearings are characterized by their deep raceways and the ability to bear radial as well as moderate axial loads from both directions. They are designed with a single row of balls, making them a straightforward and a highly efficient bearing solution. The applications of single row deep groove ball bearings span across various industries and machinery, due to their distinctive features and benefits.

General Machinery and Electric Motors
One of the most common applications for single row deep groove ball bearings is in electric motors and general machinery. Their ability to handle moderate speeds and provide quiet and efficient operation makes them ideal for these applications. They are often found in household appliances, power tools, fans, and other small to medium-sized electric motors.

Automotive Industry
In the automotive sector, single row deep groove ball bearings are used in various components such as alternators, starters, clutches, and transmissions. Their robustness and reliability under varying operational conditions make them suitable for automotive applications.

Industrial Gearboxes
Gearboxes, which require precise and efficient rotation, often employ single row deep groove ball bearings. Their ability to handle both radial and axial loads efficiently while maintaining low friction is advantageous in these applications.

Pumps and Compressors
Pumps and compressors, which are essential components in many industrial processes, also utilize these bearings. They are chosen for their capacity to operate reliably under high radial loads and at varying speed conditions.

Agricultural Machinery
In the agricultural sector, equipment like tractors, combines, and other machinery often incorporate single row deep groove ball bearings due to their durability and ability to operate effectively in environments with dust and moisture.

Material Handling Systems
Conveyor systems and other material handling equipment rely on these bearings for smooth operation. Their ability to support radial loads and handle moderate axial loads is essential in the smooth and efficient movement of materials.

Precision Instruments
In precision applications, such as in medical equipment or high-speed machinery, single row deep groove ball bearings are valued for their running accuracy and low noise levels.

Recreational Applications
They are also used in recreational applications like skateboards, inline skates, and bicycles, where their compactness and efficiency in handling both radial and axial loads are crucial.

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Those are some precision grade bearings, hence the price. I'm wondering what grade the OEM bearings are? Am I correct to recall that sometimes the grade is etched at the end of the bearing number?
Sounds like the US distributor was not very helpful, they must not hold spare bearings?

I have had some very good success changing the bearings in my Asian drill press and an old Buffalo 15" to DOUBLE row angular contacts. I just true up the quill (as close as I can get it- 0." max TIR) in the lathe and bore the quill a little deeper to fit the new bearing. Of course, the quill must have room for this and the spindle should have a little extra dimension at the ID mount (not totally necessary). These bearings will accommodate axial loads in both directions and give a good deal of "stability" to the spindle. They are available plain, shielded, or sealed.

I use VX Bearings in California as much as possible, because they are very reasonable on most bearings, https://www.vxb.com/ VX has a vast inventory of current bearings. Their web site is somewhat difficult to navigate, but their and on line chat contacts are very, very good. I hope that my answer actually addresses your question in part. I do agree that it would be a good thing to have at least shielded bearings at the bottom location. I use sealed because I don't run my machines everyday.

Not every (Asian) manufacturer is all that astute when it comes to spindle design. My bench model "Dura-Craft" drill press had a conventional radial ball bearing at the bottom of the spindle and a (cheap) ball thrust bearing above that. The thrust bearing was doing nothing but performing as a spacer because until the balls in the lower bearing wore to a large degree those balls were accepting all the operational axial thrust. Since that lowest bearing was just a single row RADIAL bearing this was just a good design formula for bearing failure. The system would run for a while and then the characteristic rattling of a failed bearing would develop. Geoff

The -AC bearing could be a old "U" series, where the internal race is split in the middle. It has a single row of balls and when assembled, can handle thrust from both directions. It could be a single row bearing without a split inner race, too. Back in it's day could be had in a class 3, 5, or 7 precision bearing. I've personally never seen a set or use them. My surface grinder has a similar bearing arrangement, too, according to the parts manual. They do come up on eBay at times, and you just about have to have a old bearing manual to help identify one, and sometimes that's still not enough. The guys that know what they have want $$$ for them. If you find one, expect to pay around $100-$200 for one. Go to a bearing house like Motion Industries, and pay much more.

BTW- Is this bearing a double row bearing?

Hi, 4gsr,

Thanks for your comments. This is a current production mini-mill, so the AC should be a current production bearing. It is a single-row bearing. Due to the low price of the complete mill, I would be surprised if the bearing was that expensive, but who knows?

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It's actually the leading 7 that indicates angular contact. The AC indicates that it is a 30 degree contact angle (A) if I am reading it correctly. The Nachi site actually has a lot of info

http://nachi-tool.jp/bearing/

Angular contact bearings will only take load in one direction (at least the single row version, which the 7xxx series is), so make sure you get them back in the right way. Angular contact bearings make much better spindle bearings than radial contact bearings. The will take much higher axial loads, and tend to be built to tighter tolerances. Deep groove bearings (6xxx series) are cheaper, that's about the only reason to use them.

DMS,

Thanks for the very useful information...

DMS 100% agree, BUT he has only ONE bearing not a pair. Thats the reason for suggesting the series deep groove bearing. It will handle thrust, not as much as a series. I doubt very seriously he's going to find the U series or a "QJ" series bearing.

Here's a QJ series bearing

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SKF-EXPLORE...=BI_Heavy_Equipment_Parts&hash=item3cd1e622e5

Hi...

To clarify, the spindle has two bearings. In the parts list for the mill, these are both listed as RS bearings, which I understand are sealed, deep-groove bearings. The actual mill (mine and current production; I checked with the US distributor) has a RZ sealed, deep-groove, upper spindle bearing and a AC non-sealed, angular contact, lower spindle bearing. So there are a pair of bearings but they are not matched. I'm assuming that the lower bearing is an angular contact to take more thrust load when plunging or drilling, but I know relatively little about bearings. I am very unhappy about the lower bearing not being sealed because it is at the bottom of the spindle and chips and such can actually enter the bearing directly, so I'd like to use a sealed, or at least a shielded, bearing in this position.

As I said, I know relatively little about bearings, so I don't know what the difference is between a "U" or "QJ" series bearing and a AC...