Single row deep groove ball bearings are the most widely used bearing types, known for their high versatility, low friction, and suitability for high speeds. Discover the basics of deep groove ball bearings, their benefits, and what makes them so useful in various industry operations.
What are ball bearings?
Ball bearings are a type of rolling-bearing using balls to retain separation between the bearing races. The main purpose of ball bearings is to reduce rotational friction, as well as support radial and axial loads, achieved by using at least two races to contain the balls and transmit loads through the balls.
Generally, ball bearings are used to ensure smooth operations in everything from rotating machinery, including engines, car wheels, and turbines, as well as medical equipment. Although ball bearings commonly have lower load-carrying capacity than other rolling-element bearings, they can tolerate some misalignment of the inner and outer races.
To summarize, in addition to facilitating motion, this bearing has three main functions: carrying loads, reducing friction, and positioning moving parts.
Single row deep groove ball bearings
Single row deep groove ball bearings are the most widely used bearing types. These bearings are characterized by their deep raceway grooves in which the race dimensions are close to the dimensions of the balls in them. The inner and outer rings have circular arcs of a slightly larger radius than the balls. They also consist of non-separable rings.
Single row deep groove ball bearings are highly versatile, have low friction, and are optimised for low noise and vibration levels, as well as high rotational speeds. What’s more, these deep groove ball bearings accommodate radial and axial loads in both directions, allow for easy mounting, and have lower maintenance requirements compared to other bearings.
However, timely maintenance is key to ensuring maximum lifespan of these bearings.
Benefits of deep groove ball bearings
Some of the main benefits of single row deep groove ball bearings include:
- Cost savings: by creating less friction torque, deep groove ball bearings help lower operating temperatures and reduce energy costs, whilst extending bearing service life
- Versatility: with the ability of carrying radial and axial loads, these bearings are fitting in a wide range of industry applications
- Lower maintenance needs: deep groove ball bearings have a longer expected shelf life than other bearings due to their simple design, low operating temperature, and low friction. No additional lubrication is required, lowering maintenance needs and downtime
Different types of deep groove ball bearings
Single row deep groove ball bearings with filling slots
Single row deep groove ball bearings with filling slots have a filling slot in the inner and outer rings, allowing them to accommodate more balls than the standard model.
These bearings boast higher radial load-carrying capacity than bearings without filling slots, however, their axial load carrying capacity is more limited. Single row deep groove ball bearings with filling slots are also not able to operate at the same high speeds as bearings without filling slots.
Stainless steel deep groove ball bearings
Stainless steel deep groove ball bearings are corrosion resistant when exposed to moisture and several other media. They come open or capped including with seals or shields.
Compared with same-sized bearings made of high chromium steel, stainless steel deep groove ball bearings have lower load carrying capacity.
Double row deep groove ball bearings
In applications where the load carrying capacity of a single row bearing is insufficient, the double row deep groove ball bearings are a great option. With the same bore and outer diameter, double row bearings are slightly wider than certain single row bearings, but have considerably higher load carrying capacity. Double row deep groove ball bearings designs are only available as open, excluding seals and shields.
Industry applications of deep groove ball bearings
Some common applications for deep groove ball bearings include:
- Food and beverage
- Agricultural
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
- Hydrocarbon processing
- Medical/Pharmaceutical
- Wind energy
- Railway and transportation
- Printing
- Machine tool
Tips on bearing selection
When putting together bearing specifications for your given application, it’s always good practice to consider the following:
- Bearing rating life
- Type of sealing
- Mounting methods
- Maintenance requirements
- Precision requirements
- Bearing clearance class
- Shaft and housing fits
- Lubricant type and supply method
When selecting deep groove ball bearings, check that they are made of chrome steel and verify the maintenance requirements and service life.
Popular bearing categories on Marketplace
Search for your desired bearing type below. Can’t see the bearing(s) you’re looking for on the list? Not to worry, you can also search for bearings using the simple search tool on Marketplace, discovering all the brands currently listed, or by checking out our full range of bearings. Don’t forget, as a first-time user on the site, you can claim an exclusive 5% off your first order – that includes the whole basket. Claim your discount here.
On top of getting your bearing selection right, why not future-proof the entire spare parts buying process? Discover our 8 crucial tips on how to streamline the purchasing process and save money while doing so.
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