What Is an Angular Contact Bearing?
An angular contact bearing is a ball bearing designed with a deliberate contact angle between the balls and the raceways. This angle enables the bearing to handle significant axial (thrust) loads alongside radial loads, unlike a standard deep groove ball bearing which handles only moderate axial loads.
How They Work
The inner and outer ring raceways are offset, creating a contact angle that directs the load through the bearing at an angle to the shaft axis. Standard contact angles are 15deg, 25deg, and 40deg. Higher angles increase axial capacity but reduce the maximum permissible speed.
Applications
Machine tool spindles, CNC routers, dental handpieces, high-speed pumps, and turbochargers. In the UAE's manufacturing sector, angular contact bearings from NSK and SKF are used in CNC machining centers and high-precision equipment. SMS Bearings supplies matched pairs with guaranteed preload from stock in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the contact angle in an angular contact bearing?
The contact angle is the angle between the line connecting the ball-raceway contact points and the radial plane. Common angles are 15deg (high speed), 25deg (general purpose), and 40deg (high axial load). A steeper angle increases axial load capacity but reduces maximum speed.
Why are angular contact bearings used in pairs?
A single angular contact bearing handles axial load in one direction only. Mounting them in pairs (back-to-back, face-to-face, or tandem) allows bidirectional axial load handling, precise shaft positioning, and controlled preload for rigidity.