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BEARINGS BY TYPE

ANGULAR CONTACT ball BEARINGS

WHAT IS AN ANGULAR CONTACT BALL BEARING?

An angular contact ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that is designed to support both radial and axial loads. The line of action of the load, at the contacts between balls and raceways, forms an angle with the bearing axis. 

How They Work

Angular contact bearings work by axially displacing the inner and outer ring raceways relative to each other, which causes the balls to contact the raceways at an angle.  The contact angle allows for the bearing to support both axial and radial loads. 

Single Row and Double Row (Duplex) 

There are many different configurations of angular contact ball bearings, but the two main subsets are single row and double row, or often times referred to as duplex bearings.  

  • Single row bearings can only support axial loads in one direction.
  • Double row, or duplex set,s can support axial loads in both directions as well as overturning moment loads. 

Angular contact bearings are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of a particular application. They are also available with a variety of features, such as seals and shields, to protect them from contamination.

angular contact bearings, larger image with angle of contact shown

Single Row Angular Contact Bearings

Single row bearings can only support axial loads in one direction.

angular contact bearing in tandem

Double Row Angular Contact Bearings

Duplex sets can support axial loads in both directions.

PRODUCT TYPES

Schatz makes angular contact ball bearings with angular (A-type), radial (C-type), or four-point (X-type) contacts in different cross-sectional dimensions and ABEC tolerances. There are 11 different series of products, as shown below.

6900 Series

  • 22-mm to 140-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 15-degrees
  • Extremely Light Duty

6100 Series

  • 30-mm to 180-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 15-degrees
  • Extra Light Duty

6200 Series

  • 22-mm to 140-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 15-degrees
  • Light Duty

6300 Series

  • 35-mm to 215-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 15-degrees
  • Medium Duty

7900 Series

  • 22-mm to 140-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 30-degrees
  • Extremely light duty

7100 Series

  • 26-mm to 150-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 30-degrees
  • Extra Light Duty

7200 Series

  • 30-mm to 180-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 30-degrees
  • Light Duty

7300 Series

  • 35-mm to 215-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 30-degrees
  • Medium Duty

7100H Series

  • 26-mm to 150-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 40-degrees
  • Extra Light Duty

7200H Series

  • 30-mm to 180-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 40-degrees
  • Light Duty

7300H Series

  • 35-mm to 215-mm Outside Diameter
  • 10-mm to 100-mm Bore
  • Standard Contact Angle 40-degrees
  • Medium Duty

Single Row vs. Double Row

principles of preloading angular contact bearings graphs showing axial preload force vs preload gap and max hertzian contact stress (psi) vs preload gap

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Manufactured to ABEC 1, 3, 5, and 7 tolerances per ABMA standard 20
  • Bearing bores from 10-mm to 100-mm
  • Outside diameters from 22-mm to 215-mm
  • SAE 52100 steel is typical. Other material options are available.
  • Standard contact angle is 15, 30, or 40 degrees
  • Available in preloaded sets for increased performance
  • Face-to-face, back-to-back, tandem, and universal preloaded set configurations
  • Custom configurations are also available.

Use angular contact bearings in applications such as:

  • gearboxes
  • pumps
  • electric motors
  • clutches
  • compressors
  • elevator hoists
  • belt conveyors
  • automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

APPLICATIONS FOR ANGULAR CONTACT BALL BEARINGS

Angular contact bearings are quite versatile and find applications in diverse industries due to their ability to handle combined radial and axial loads.

Overall, angular contact bearings are a versatile type of bearing that can be used in a wide range of applications. Their robust design, high load capacity, and ability to handle combined loads make them valuable components in numerous industries.

airframe control bearings diagram of aircraft with color coding for types of bearings used in an aircraft including airframe bearings, precision bearings, thin section bearings and custom bearing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Angular contact ball bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing that is designed to support both radial and axial loads.

This is achieved by axially displacing the inner and outer ring raceways relative to each other, which causes the balls to contact the raceways at an angle.  This contact angle allows for the bearing to support both axial and radial loads. 

There are many different configuration of angular contact bearings, but the two main subsets are single row and double row, or often times referred to as duplex bearings.  Single row bearings can only support axial loads in one direction, while duplex sets can support axial loads in both directions as well as overturning moment loads. 

Angular contact bearings are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of a particular application. They are also available with a variety of features, such as seals and shields, to protect them from contamination.

Angular contact bearings offer several advantages compared to other types of bearings, such as high load capacity, good high-speed performance, low friction, and increased stiffness.  This makes them the preferred choice in many applications.

While these are the main advantages, it’s important to remember that other bearing types have their strengths. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific application requirements.

Angular contact bearings offer several advantages compared to other types of bearings, such as high load capacity, good high-speed performance, low friction, and increased stiffness.  This makes them the preferred choice in many applications.

While these are the main advantages, it’s important to remember that other bearing types have their strengths. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific application requirements.

Despite their numerous advantages, angular contact bearings have some drawbacks that need to be considered when choosing the right bearing for your application.

Compared to simpler radial bearings, they are more complex to manufacture and install, leading to potentially higher costs.  Depending on the chosen configuration, particularly if a duplex set is selected, they might require slightly more space compared to other bearing design families.

It’s crucial to weigh these disadvantages against the benefits in the context of your specific application’s requirements.

Preloading refers to intentionally applying a small, controlled axial force, either during manufacturing or assembly, to an angular contact bearing. This force eliminates internal clearance between the balls and raceways. 

Preloading angular contact bearings offers significant advantages in terms of rigidity, load distribution, vibration reduction, and adaptability to various different load cases.  However, careful preload selection and bearing installation are crucial to ensure optimal performance.

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angular contact bearing in tandem

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Cutaway view of a ball bearing assembly.

Preloaded Angular Contact Bearings

Preloaded angular contact bearings lock in the precision axial displacement of the bearing’s outer rings relative to its inner rings. If the thrust load is bi-directional, use a duplex arrangement for optimum performance. The benefits of preloading an angular contact

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SCHATZ MAKES ANGULAR CONTACT BEARINGS

Schatz Bearing Corporation has an ongoing commitment to quality and innovation, and is continually expanding our capabilities. Through our experience and expertise, we help our customers solve their bearing application problems.

Schatz has numerous OEM and MS approvals. We will use standards when appropriate, or we will create special bearing designs tailored to specific applications. Also, we have a long history in development and design of custom bearings that meet demanding application requirements. We have manufactured almost every type of commercially available ball bearing design.

Made in USA

Our customers always come first and that philosophy is woven into the fabric of our organization. We also take pride in our straightforward approach, and frequently can respond to your needs much faster than large companies with complex organizations. Your goals, your deadlines and your priorities are what matter.

At Schatz, we are committed to your satisfaction. Give us an opportunity to work with you on your next bearing project.

Our goal is simple. We strive to be flexible and responsive. You deserve a supplier that has no minimum order quantities, short prototype lead-times, and world-class design capabilities. Our customers get personal service, which includes quick and accurate answers to all questions and requests.