From plain bearings to linear ball bearings and roller bearings, and even tapered roller bearings, thrust bearings and sleeve bearings, these mechanisms are found everywhere in modern life, from domestic appliances to electronic equipment.

Typesof bearingwith diagram

Hydrostatic bearings use positive pressure to retain clearance between rotating and stationary elements, with the lubrication kept under pressure between the moving surfaces. These bearings are capable of supporting heavy loads at low speeds and can be used for linear or rotary motion with heavy radial loads.

Type of bearing nameand function

Load is an important consideration – axial load, radial load or axial and radial combined loads? Thrust loads? Heavy loads? High radial loads? Exceptionally low friction? Is the rotating speed high or low? Do you require high rotational accuracy? Is bearing rigidity important?

These are the most common types of ball bearing in use in industry today. They are versatile and suitable for radial load and axial load uses. Typical applications for deep groove ball bearings include:-

Bearingtypes chart

Passive magnetic bearings use permanent magnets. They are more limited in terms of use as ferromagnetic objects can steadily levitate only in an environment with a higher magnetic permeability. The passive magnetic bearing usually requires a backup alternative to guard against equipment failure.

These compact bearings play an important role by rotating between parts to reduce levels of friction. Designed to handle high axial loads, they are similar to roller bearings but differ because the upper and lower sections need to rotate independently so the bearing races are not the same size.

This is the simplest type of bearing, often also called a slide bearing. Plain bearings consist of a centre-drilled cylinder with no moving parts to handle oscillating movement and misalignment.

Magnetic bearings are designed to support loads and moving parts without any physical contact by using magnetic levitation. They are capable of supporting extremely high rotating speeds with low friction and reduced mechanical wear.

Both ball bearings and roller bearings are mechanical devices used to reduce friction and defray radial forces and axial forces. They differ largely in terms of shape.

Type of bearing namepdf

A ball bearing is usually made up of small spheres, reducing the point of contact made with a load. Roller bearings are primarily cylindrical in shape, which keeps their point of contact with the load in a linear way, giving them greater capacity.

Fluid bearings, as the name suggests, use a fine layer of liquid or gas to reduce sliding friction and to provide support for the rotating element. They can be either hydrostatic and hydrodynamic bearings, for static loading or dynamic loading, require minimal maintenance and provide a long service life.

Angular contact bearings are produced to achieve contact with the outer ring and inner race at a variable contact angle, enabling them to handle both radial loads and axial loads.

A typical ball bearing contains spherical balls held within a ‘race’ or outer ring. These spheres move together with reduced points of contact resulting in reduced friction when compared with flat surfaces sliding against each other. The race is then connected to a rotating shaft or hub component.

Just like ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings work to carry loads and minimise friction. However, these roller bearings use cylindrical instead of spherical rolling elements, with an increased bearing surface they have a greater capacity for both radial and axial loads.

Type of bearing namelist

Plaig Bearings have been put to the test since 2008, with over 500,000 bearings being sold in Australia and across the globe.

Self-aligning ball bearings differ from other configurations because they are able to handle misalignment. Where shaft and/or housing alignment is challenging, this bearing provides a versatile solution. They are usually double-row bearings with the rolling elements able to rotate freely around the bearing axis to compensate for any deformation.

Bearings are incorporated into mechanical design to make movement easier and smoother, and to reduce friction. They do this by transferring motion and force to support a load. Bearings may be contact or non-contact. Contact bearings make actual contact by sliding or rolling movements. Non-contact bearings may involve liquid, air and magnetic forces. Rolling element bearings are found in every corner of industry.

The most popular type is the active magnetic bearing, which offers all the advantages of low wear characteristics and reduced friction. They are both reliable and predictive, as well as having the capability to handle any irregularities in the distribution of mass.

Thrust ball bearings are designed to manage axial loads and are capable of rotating alongside parts of machinery, assisting with rotation. They are available in single or double-direction configurations.

The humble bearing plays a vital role in almost every mechanical movement, keeping things on the move smoothly and efficiently, reducing friction between moving parts.

The sizes can at times get confusing, when looking for a 3x8x4mm bearing it’s easy to stumble across something like a 4x8x3mm by accident. Here we will show you which number comes first, second and third when measuring. Our example Bearing is an 8x16x5mm. The first Number is the Inner Diameter (id). As shown below, this is the inner ring or as some people call it the shaft size or hole. In our example this is 8mm

Linear Bearings are measured the same way as regular bearings, it can be a little confusing because the width is usually the largest part but refer to the below picture if you get stuck.

Typesofbearings pdf

Rolling element bearings may seem like a small consideration in machinery design and specification, but it’s a vital one. If your bearing fails, so does your process. Never underestimate the humble bearing – it’s working at the heart of your equipment.

Tapered roller thrust bearings typically consist of a cup and cone assembly where the cup forms the outer rings and the cone contains an inner ring and rollers. This tapered roller bearing configuration is usually used to achieve reduced friction, increased performance and power density.

3 main typesofbearings

There are many different types of bearings operating at the heart of machinery and equipment. Making the right choice of types of bearings is dependent on a number of factors.

In a needle roller bearing, the long and thin cylindrical rollers used are like needles in appearance. A standard roller bearing is usually just a little greater in length than the diameter, but rollers in needle bearings can be more than four times the length of their diameter, meaning a greater surface area is in contact with the race, allowing them to support higher loads.

Now that you have the measurements you can use our search feature and type in the size for example “8x16x5″ to see the available options for that bearing.

8 typesof bearing

Measuring Bearings can be simple but often you may see variations in the way that bearings are listed, there is a universal method that is used by most manufacturers and we will explain this in further detail. Vernier Calipers are the most accurate way to measure a Bearing, if you don’t have any handy then a ruler will give you a rough guide. Most calipers have 2 Jaws for measuring, as shown in the picture below, the “Outside Large Jaws” are used to measure the external diameter or outer diameter (Od), these are also used to measure Width. The “Inner small Jaws” are used to measure the internal diameter (id).

Other things to consider when choosing a suitable bearing include material and construction, lubrication and sealing and required bearing life. Every application is different and will require careful specification to ensure the right fit.

Designed for low-friction applications with the potential for angular misalignment, spherical roller bearings offer high load-carrying capacities and are capable of handling heavy radial and moderate axial loads well.

Hydrodynamic bearings are used for rotary applications, where the gap is generated dynamically by the motion of the bearing They are suitable for radial or thrust loads and use a film of oil or air. A typical example is the journal bearing.

Imperial Bearings are also measured by the same method, for example 1/2″ x 3/4″ x 5/32” (id)  x (od)  x (W) This Rule of Measuring in this particular order is universal. Whether its for Fishing Reels, Skateboards, RC Cars, Engines etc.

We know the Ancient Egyptians employed a form of a cylindrical roller bearing or bearings to move the massive stones used to build the pyramids. Today, you’ll find types of bearings in their many different shapes and sizes in use for both industrial and domestic applications.