Thrust Ball Bearings
TFL’s thrust ball bearings catalog includes single-direction, double-direction, and self-aligning designs, perfect for handling thrust load in automation and machine tools. Our ball thrust bearing range ensures precision and durability for thrust bearing application needs.
Understanding Ball Thrust Bearings
Ball thrust bearings utilize rolling balls sandwiched between two washer-like rings (raceways) to significantly reduce friction under thrust load. This design distinguishes them from simpler thrust washers (which are plain bearings) by using rolling elements for smoother operation and higher load capacity.
Thin Section Bearings Category
Managing Thrust Load: The Core Function
The fundamental difference between bearing types often comes down to load direction (radial load vs axial load).
Thrust ball bearings excel at handling thrust load (axial load). How does a thrust bearing work?
In essence, the axial force applied to one ring is transferred through the rolling balls to the opposing ring, allowing rotation with minimal resistance under that specific load direction. They are generally not suitable for significant radial loads.
Thrust Bearing Types and Configurations
The most common are single-direction (handling thrust in one direction) and double-direction (handling thrust in both directions).
TFL also offers specialized types, such as those with self-aligning seat washers to accommodate initial misalignment or those with outside bands for specific mounting requirements. Components typically include a shaft washer, a housing washer (sometimes functionally referred to when asking what is a cup on a thrust bearing, referring to the grooved housing ring), and the ball-cage assembly.
Common Thrust Bearing Application Areas
The primary thrust bearing usage and thrust bearing uses are found where axial loads dominate.
Typical thrust bearing application examples include automotive transmissions and differentials (sometimes as rear or mid thrust bearings), machine tool spindles, indexing tables, screw jacks, and industrial gearboxes. Choosing the correct TFL thrust ball bearing is critical for the longevity and efficiency of these systems.
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TFL Bearings: High quality bearings, an ideal choice to replace SKF and FAG.
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QUALITY
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With a vast inventory of over a million bearings, TFL offers solid assurance for your procurement needs. Common bearing models are ready for dispatch within just 48 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is a thrust ball bearing the same as a thrust washer?
No. A thrust ball bearing is a rolling-element bearing using balls to reduce friction under axial load.
A thrust washer (or thrust washer bearing) is a type of plain bearing – typically a flat ring of material (like bronze, plastic, or hardened steel) that provides a sliding surface to handle axial loads, generally suitable for lower speeds or oscillating movements where rolling elements aren't required.
What is the main purpose of a thrust ball bearing?
The primary thrust bearing purpose is to support axial loads (loads parallel to the shaft axis) while allowing rotation with low friction. They are specifically designed to manage thrust load, not significant radial load.
What's the difference between axial load and radial load?
Radial load acts perpendicular to the shaft's axis (like the force on a wheel bearing from the vehicle's weight). Axial load (or thrust load) acts parallel to the shaft's axis (like the force on a drill bit as it pushes into material). Thrust ball bearings are designed for axial load.
How do thrust ball bearings work?
Thrust ball bearings manage thrust load by using balls to reduce friction between races, supporting axial load efficiently. Learn more in TFL’s thrust bearing article.
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