Types of Thrust Ball Bearings

Thrust ball bearings are a basic type of bearing that supports thrust loads. These bearings are available in two basic types: ball and spherical. Spherical bearings are a little more expensive to manufacture, but can support more thrust load than ball bearings. Needle roller thrust bearings are another type of thrust bearing. They have a larger contact area than ball bearings but are still more expensive than ball bearings.

Double direction thrust ball bearings

Double direction thrust ball bearings are specially designed to accommodate axial thrust loads in both directions but cannot withstand radial loads. They are made up of three separate rings containing two ball and cage assemblies, separated by a shaft washer. These bearings utilize balls as rolling elements and feature a separable design, which makes them easy to mount and dismount and ensures their long-term performance.

Lily engineers recommend high-quality lubricants for double direction thrust ball bearings to meet the requirements of water resistance and temperature. Moreover, the amount of lubrication is crucial. Too little or too much lubrication can cause excessive resistance and reduce the speed of double row thrust bearings.

Needle roller thrust bearings

Needle roller thrust bearings are used in heavy applications that require high axial and peak load carrying capacity. They are made by several companies, among them NRB Bearing. NRB is a leading bearing company that offers complete friction solutions and develops bearings from the initial design to the final delivery. The company was established in 1965 and offers a wide variety of bearings, including Ball Bearings, Needle roller thrust bearings, and Extended Inner Race Bearing. NRB has numerous satisfied customers throughout the world.

Needle roller thrust bearings are available in a range of sizes and are designed for axial loads in a single direction. They may contain separate thrust washers to reduce the frictional load, and they have a steel cage for durability. They are also available with either needle rollers or heavier cylindrical rollers. In addition, they may have fool-proof assembly methods, anti-rotation locking features, and lubrication flow enhancements.

Permanent magnet thrust bearings

Permanent magnet thrust bearings (PMTBs) support loads through magnetic levitation. They are made from permanent magnets for light loads and electromagnets for moderate-to-heavy loads. The two types of magnetic bearings have very low friction and are maintenance-free. The design of a magnetic bearing requires a precise geometrical match between the stator and rotor.

Permanent magnet thrust bearings include a carriage that includes axial and lateral magnets that are spaced at a distance to facilitate relative motion. Each magnet possesses an alternating magnetic field that is perpendicular to the other. The axial and lateral magnets are separated by a distance that is substantially equal to their lengths.

Fluid thrust bearings

Fluid thrust bearings are mechanical devices used in rotating machinery. Their design involves inducing fluid flow from lower units to the front of a moving thrust sheet. They have a number of sector-shaped pads around a shaft and are pivotable. Often, fluid thrust bearings are fabricated from aluminum and steel.

Fluid thrust bearings generally operate in pairs and are used to distribute axial loads in either direction. These bearings use thin-layer films between the bearing races that minimize sliding friction, resulting in minimal surface wear and minimum vibration. These bearings are often used in applications requiring high axial load, high speed and high precision. There are two types of fluid thrust bearings: hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearings and radial thrust bearings.