Angular Contact Ball Bearing Concept

Single-row angular contact ball bearings can only withstand axial loads in one direction; when subjected to radial loads, they will generate additional axial forces. Moreover, these bearings can only restrict axial displacement of the shaft or housing in one direction. The contact angle of angular contact ball bearings is 40 degrees, enabling them to handle substantial axial loads. Angular contact ball bearings feature a non-separable design, with shoulders of differing heights on both sides of the inner and outer rings. To enhance the bearing's load-carrying capacity, the shoulder on one side is machined lower, allowing more steel balls to be accommodated within the bearing.

Double-row angular contact ball bearings can withstand significant radial loads as well as combined radial and axial loads and moment loads, and they effectively limit axial displacement of the shaft in both directions. These bearings are primarily used in components where axial displacement of the shaft and housing in both directions needs to be restricted. The tilting capability between the inner and outer rings of double-row angular contact ball bearings is limited; the allowable tilt angle depends on the bearing’s internal clearance, bearing size, internal design, and the forces and moments acting on the bearing. The maximum permissible tilt angle must ensure that no excessive additional stresses develop within the bearing. If a tilt angle exists between the inner and outer rings, it will reduce the bearing’s service life, degrade its operational accuracy, and increase operating noise. Double-row angular contact ball bearings typically employ either nylon cages or solid brass cages. When installing double-row angular contact ball bearings, it should be noted that although these bearings can handle bidirectional axial loads, if one side has a ball-retaining groove, care must be taken not to allow the primary axial load to pass through the groove-side raceway. During operation, attention should be paid to ensuring that the raceway on the side without the ball-retaining groove bears the primary load.

Pair of Double-Row Ball Bearings

If installed in pairs as a matched set, the outer rings of the two bearings should be oriented so that their wide faces face each other and their narrow faces face each other. This arrangement avoids generating additional axial forces and allows the shaft or housing to be constrained within the axial clearance range in both directions.

Because the raceways of its inner and outer rings can undergo relative displacement along the horizontal axis, it can simultaneously withstand both radial and axial loads—known as combined loads. (Single-row angular contact ball bearings can only withstand axial loads in one direction; therefore, they are typically installed in pairs.)

The materials used for retainers include brass, synthetic resins, and others, which vary depending on the bearing type and operating conditions.

Angular contact ball bearings are mostly manufactured by foreign bearing manufacturers, while domestically they are more commonly used in imported equipment—for example, angular contact ball bearings such as the 3204RS.

The narrow edge is on the outside, the wide edge is on the inside; the other wide edge is on the inside, and the narrow edge is on the outside—this is back-to-back contact.

1. General-purpose matched bearings

Universal matched bearings undergo special machining processes. When these bearings are installed closely adjacent to one another, any combination method can achieve the specified internal clearance or preload as well as uniform load distribution—without the need for shims or similar devices.

Matched bearings are used in the following situations: when the load-carrying capacity of a single bearing is insufficient (using an in-line arrangement), or when the bearing needs to withstand combined loads or axial loads acting in two directions (using a back-to-back or face-to-face arrangement).

2. Bearings for basic design (not suitable for general matching), used in configurations for single bearings.

Single-row angular contact ball bearings in basic design are primarily used in configurations where only one bearing is installed at each location. Their width and protrusion dimensions are subject to standard-grade tolerances. Therefore, they are not suitable for installing two single-row angular contact ball bearings directly adjacent to each other.