Angular contact bearings are specialty ball bearings used in manufacturing and industrial applications. They support a wider range of forces than standard bearings and are made of steel, ceramic, or other metals. They reduce friction and add resistance along axial and radial forces. They are found in motors, engines, power tools, and even hardware.
An angular contact bearing is a type of specialty ball bearing used in many manufacturing and industrial applications. This relatively small device is designed to support a wider range of forces than a standard bearing, and to function within the most precisely engineered machines and equipment. Manufacturers may use steel or other metals to produce an angular contact bearing, although many look to ceramic and similar materials due to their greater strength and durability.
To understand how an angular contact bearing works, it helps to understand the basics of ball bearings. Standard ball bearings consist of two concentric metal rings, or raceways, with a series of metal balls positioned between them. When the bearing is placed within a machine, the balls help reduce friction, improve performance and extend the life of all related components.
For a simple example, consider a skateboard wheel. A ball bearing is located between the axle of the board and the rubber or plastic wheel surface. As the wheel rotates, the balls within the bearing also rotate, which reduces the friction between the axle and the inner ring, or race. This allows the rider to reach higher speeds and enjoy a smoother ride than they would without ball bearings.
On an angular contact bearing, the raceways are inconsistently sized so that one edge is thicker than the other. This causes the balls within the rings to be at an angle to other components within a machine. By placing the balls at an angle to an axle or similar structure, engineers can reduce friction and add resistance along the axial and radial forces applied to the bearing. This means that the bearing can accommodate a force applied along the longitudinal axis, in this case the axis, as well as along the inner and outer radius of the raceways.
Typically, the smaller the angle between the bearings and the axle, the greater the radial force the bearing can support. To support higher axle loads, engineers use an angular contact bearing which creates a deeper angle between the bearings and the axle. Designers or installers also need to consider things like speed, motion, temperature, and deflection when selecting an angular contact bearing.
Angular contact bearings are found in most types of motors and engines, including those found in automobiles, airplanes, and machinery. Miniature versions are also used in portable power tools and some medical and dental equipment. Even hardware, such as hinges and door locks, may contain some form of angular contact bearing.
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