What are ball bearings used for?

Ball bearings can be used for a large number of applications. Ball bearings work through their design: the ball has a smooth metal surface so that rolling causes minimal friction. Online Bearings stock a wide range of high quality, versatile steel and stainless steel balls known as ball bearings.

How do ball bearings work?

A bearing is usually made up of four parts, the outer ring, cage, ball bearings, and the inner ring. These ball bearings take the load of the application they are being used for, allowing things to roll more smoothly. Ball bearings are one of the most common types of bearing, and the load is transmitted from the outer race to the ball and from the ball to the inner race. The loading that bearings do come under is in two categories, radial and thrust. However, some bearings load both radial and thrust weight. Ball bearings can be traced as far back as the beginning of manufacturing and building of items with moving parts and today can be found in almost anything, from hard drives to DVD players to the Mars Rover! Ball bearings are very common as, when properly maintained, they reduce rotational friction. Whilst ball bearings are perhaps the most common type of bearing, there are many other types which Online Bearings stock, including housed and flanged, inserts, rod end and self aligning. If a product has moving parts, it is likely that a bearing has been used in its construction. Take a look at the cost-effective ball bearings that we stock here.  

Contact Online Bearings Today

For more information on how bearings work, or if you would like to place an order with Online Bearings then get in touch with our dedicated team today. Our experts are on hand to provide advice on any of our products, so contact us online for a quick reply.