Ball Bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing. They use balls as rolling elements to maintain separation between the bearing races. These bearings are often used in machinery, such as in automobiles. They are also used in airplanes, and other applications where they must be highly precise. They come in a variety of designs and types.

Balls used in ball bearings are usually made of hardened chromium steel, although other materials are used in some applications. Rings are usually made of ground steel, although they can also be made of unhardened steel for less stringent applications. Conrad-type bearings fill with balls by locating the inner ring to one side, while deep-groove bearings use a carrier to evenly space the balls.

A ball bearing consists of four major parts: the inner race, outer race, and cage. The balls roll between the inner and outer rings. The outer race is held in place by a cage. The cage also helps keep the balls evenly spaced around the races. These parts can also be equipped with optional parts that keep dirt and oil out and hold the bearing in place.

There are different types of ball bearings, each with different benefits. Stainless steel is the most common material, and is typically the most affordable. However, this material is heavier than plastic and can be magnetic, which can be detrimental in some applications. If corrosion is a concern, glass balls are an excellent alternative. Glass ball bearings are corrosion resistant and have good chemical resistance.

Another type of bearing is a radial ball bearing. This type of bearing can fit more balls than a conventional one. The inner ring of the bearing is fractured in one direction, allowing it to accept more balls. The fractured ring sections are then held together with a steel band. In addition, radial ball bearings can handle significant axial loads in either direction.

Ball bearings are widely used in many applications. They are a critical component of many automated vehicles. In addition to cars, bicycles, unicycles, and tricycles, ball bearings are also used in skateboards and other forms of transportation. In cars, they are used in the transmission, steering, and engine. These bearings are also crucial for the construction of airplanes.

When choosing a ball bearing, it is important to consider the size, grade, lubricant, and shielding. You should also consider the basic load rating of the bearing. Generally, bearings are available in inch and millimeter sizes, as well as in metric units. There are also specialized bearing types, including duplex and thin-section bearings.

Different types of ball bearings serve different purposes. The main purpose of a ball bearing is to facilitate motion by reducing friction between moving parts. They reduce the friction between the moving planes by rotating balls. They are also used to reduce axial load.