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Differences between single row and double row ball bearings

A ball bearing is a rolling-element bearing that relies on balls to keep the bearing races apart. A ball bearing’s job is to decrease rotational friction while also supporting radial and axial stresses.

Ball bearings are typically made from chrome steel or stainless steel. Surprisingly, glass or plastic balls also have uses in certain consumer applications. They are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from miniature bearings for hand tools to large bearings for industrial machinery. Their load capacity and their reliability usually rate ball-bearing units.When selecting ball bearings, it is essential to consider the operating conditions and the required level of reliability.

Two Types of Ball Bearings

Single-row ball bearing and double-row ball bearing are the two main types of ball bearing units. Single-row ball bearings have one row of balls and are suitable for applications where radial and axial loads are relatively low. Double-row ball bearings have two rows and are used in applications where higher loads are expected or where higher levels of reliability are required.

 

Single Row Ball Bearings

1. Single Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings

These bearings can only support axial loads in one direction, often adjusted against a second bearing with non-separable rings. They include a large number of balls to give them a relatively high load-carrying capacity.

 

Advantages of single row angular contact ball bearings:

High load-carrying capacity

Good running properties

Easy mounting of universally matched bearings

 

2. Single Row Deep Groove Ball Bearings

The most common form of ball bearing is a single-row deep groove ball bearing. Their usage is quite common. The inner and outer ring raceway grooves contain circular arcs that are somewhat bigger than the radius of the balls. In addition to radial loads, axial loads can be applied in either direction. They are well suited for applications requiring fast speeds and minimum power loss because of their low torque.

 

Applications of Single Row Ball Bearings:

Medical diagnostic equipment, flow meters, and anemometers

Optical encoders, electrical motors, and dental hand tools

Power hand tool industry, industrial blowers, and thermal imaging cameras

 

Double Row Ball Bearing

1. Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings

They can support radial and axial loads in either direction and tilting moments, with a design comparable to two single-row bearings put back-to-back. Two single bearings often take up too much axial space.

 

Advantages of a double row angular contact ball bearing:

Less axial space allows for radial as well as axial loads to be accommodated in either direction.

Bearing arrangement with a lot of tension

Allows for tilting moments

 

2. Double Row Deep Groove Ball Bearings

In terms of design, double-row deep groove ball bearings are similar to single-row deep groove ball bearings. Their deep, unbroken raceway grooves are closely osculated with the balls, allowing the bearings to support radial and axial stresses. These ball bearings are ideal for bearing systems when a single-row bearing’s load-carrying capability is insufficient. Double-row bearings in the 62 and 63 series are somewhat broader than single-row bearings in the same bore. Deep groove ball bearings with two rows are only available as open bearings.

 

Applications of double row ball bearings:

Gearboxes

Rolling mills

Hoisting equipment

Machines in the mining industry, e.g., tunneling machines

 

Main Differences Between Double and Single Row Ball Bearings

Single-row ball bearings are the most common type of ball bearing. This bearing has one row of rolling parts, with a simplistic construction. They are non-separable, appropriate for high speeds, and durable in operation. They can handle both radial and axial loads.

Double-row ball bearings are more robust than single-row and can handle higher loads. This type of bearing can take radial loads and axial loads in both directions. It can keep the shaft and housing axial movement within the bearing’s axial clearance. However, they are also more complex in design and require more precise manufacturing tolerances.

To ensure proper bearing functioning, all ball bearings must endure a minimum load, especially at high speeds or strong accelerations or when the load direction changes rapidly. The inertial force of the ball, the cage, and friction in the lubricant will adversely influence the bearing’s rolling, and a sliding motion between the ball and the raceway may occur, potentially damaging the bearing.