Angular Contact Ball Bearing
Angular contact ball bearings are a type of precision bearing designed to support axial loads in addition to radial loads. They have raceways in the inner and outer rings that are offset from each other at an angle, allowing them to accommodate both types of loads simultaneously. This design enables angular contact ball bearings to provide high rigidity and accuracy in applications where both radial and axial forces are present.
The contact angle, which is the angle formed between the line of contact of the balls and the raceways in the inner and outer rings, determines the type of axial load the bearing can support. Common contact angles include 15°, 25°, and 40°, with smaller angles providing higher axial load capacity but lower radial load capacity, and vice versa.
Angular contact ball bearings are widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and robotics, where they are employed in applications such as machine tool spindles, pumps, gearboxes, and steering systems. Their ability to handle combined loads efficiently makes them essential components in many mechanical systems.