Thrust ball bearings, also known as ball thrust bearings, are a solution that can be used in many applications. These bearings provide effective solutions for carrying thrust loads in one or both directions. Their design includes two rings with separate raceways, equipped with a special ball assembly embedded in the basket. This ensures stable operation even at very high speeds. Thrust ball bearings are synonymous with the effective transmission of axial forces.
Different versions for different applications
Thrust bearings come in two main versions: single-direction and double-direction. Both types are designed to withstand large axial forces, but do not tolerate lateral loads.
One-way thrust ball bearings consist of one inner ring, which is mounted on the shaft, and one outer ring, which is mounted in the housing with a cage with balls. Thrust ball bearings of this design can only support axial loads in one direction, radial loads are not permitted.
Double direction thrust ball bearings consist of an inner ring on the shaft, two outer rings mounted in the housing and two cages with balls. These bearings consist of one inner ring mounted on the shaft, two outer rings mounted in the housing (flat or spherical seating surface) and two cages with balls. They ensure shaft stability in two directions, eliminating vibrations during movement.
Bearings with a flat and spherical face ring.
In addition to the version in which the outer ring has a flat thrust face, there are also thrust ball bearings with spherical outer rings and spherical washers. Thrust bearings with flat outer rings do not compensate for any misalignment (skew) of the shaft relative to the housing. Bearings with rings with a spherical surface are suitable for use with appropriate washers with a concave surface to compensate for misalignment or deflection of the shaft relative to the housing. The contact surfaces of the bearing rings must be parallel. Angular deviations can be compensated by using spherical washers.
In the case of thrust ball bearings, the bearings are separable, which allows for independent installation of the inner and outer rings. Thrust ball bearings are manufactured in normal accuracy classes.
Suitable for various conditions
Thrust ball bearings are available in a variety of configurations, including flat thrust faces, spherical outer rings, and spherical washers. Each type is adapted to specific operating conditions, offering unique possibilities of compensating for misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing.
Installation and accuracy class
Manufactured in the normal accuracy class, the thrust bearings are separable, which facilitates the independent installation of both rings. The rings' parallel contact surfaces and the ability to compensate for angular deviations make them an effective solution in a variety of applications.
