An Overview of Thrust Ball Bearings

If you're looking for a new rotary bearing, you've probably come across thrust ball bearings. Thrust bearings are a special kind of rotary bearing that permanently rotates between two parts. Their main function is to support axial loads. You may have heard of AST, NSK, or Timken, but you might not be sure what they are exactly. This article will give you an overview of each one.

AST

There are two types of AST thrust ball bearings: single direction and double direction. Single direction cylindrical roller thrust bearings handle axial loads in one direction. Single direction bearings are made of a shaft washer with a smaller inside diameter and a housing washer with a larger outside diameter. The final parts of these bearings are the cage and rollers. Double direction cylindrical roller thrust bearings handle axial loads in either direction, but they are not suitable for radial loads. Single direction cylindrical roller thrust bearings are made up of a shaft washer with a smaller inside diameter and two housing washers with larger outside diameters. Both housing washers are made of ceramic, and the final parts are rollers and cage assemblies.

NSK

NSK thrust ball bearings are available in two different types - single direction and double direction. Depending on the type of load, thrust ball bearings can handle either axial or radial loads. The sliding contact type of thrust bearing is characterized by friction on the contact surface between the moving element and the fixed housing. In order to reduce the friction, both the rotating surfaces and the housing are lubricated. These are suitable for high-speed applications, such as those found in machinery and equipment.

Timken

For aerospace applications, Timken(r) thrust ball bearings are an excellent choice. They offer high dynamic load capacity and can withstand radial, thrust, moment, and combination loads. These bearings can be supplied as single units or preloaded sets. The fractured outer ring design provides significant improvements over ball bearings of comparable dimensions. They also feature a unique design that makes them more resistant to wear and tear and provides a low friction surface.

thrust ball bearings consist of three basic components: shaft, caged ball bearing assembly, and housing washer. These components support axial loads in one direction. They also have clearance in the bore of one raceway for alignment. Typically, thrust ball bearings are manufactured in the single and double-direction types. To get a better idea of their function and their size, let's examine the characteristics of these parts.

Timken's range

If you need thrust ball bearings for a machine that needs to turn at a high speed, you've come to the right place. Among the many types of thrust ball bearings available from Timken is the Angular Contact Ball Bearing. This type of bearing is ideal for high-speed applications and is suited for radial and axial loads. Timken also offers solid-block housed units that feature cast-steel construction.

AST's fluid thrust bearings

Fluid thrust bearings have a unique design. They have two sector-shaped pads that surround the shaft, creating wedge-shaped oil regions inside the bearing. This unique design eliminates metal-on-metal contact between the bearing and shaft. The resulting bearing is designed for high-strength applications. AST's fluid thrust bearings can operate under extreme pressure, and can withstand high speeds. The advantages of fluid thrust bearings include increased efficiency and reduced demands on ancillary equipment.