Angular contact ball bearings

An angular contact ball bearing is a type of bearing that can support both radial and axial loads simultaneously. Its design features an inclined contact angle between the balls and the rings, which allows for this combined load capacity. They are available in single-row and double-row versions, with single-row bearings suited for high speeds and single-direction axial loads, and double-row bearings able to handle axial loads in both directions.
Key characteristics
Contact angle: The line of contact between the ball and the raceways forms an angle with the bearing's axis. This angle is key to its ability to handle combined loads.
Load capacity: The axial load capacity increases as the contact angle increases.
Design options:
Single-row: Can handle high speeds and axial loads in one direction. They are available in open and sealed designs and have limited angular adjustment.
Double-row: Can support axial loads in both directions and high radial loads, providing rigid axial guidance.
Applications: Angular contact ball bearings are used in applications requiring high accuracy, high rotational speed, and combined loads, such as in semiconductor manufacturing, machine tools, and pumps.
Cage materials: Cages are often made of pressed steel, but polyamide resin cages are sometimes used for high-precision bearings.
Mounting: They can be mounted in different arrangements (like back-to-back or face-to-face) to achieve specific load-carrying characteristics.