Maintenance-free four-point contact ball bearings allow the mechanical design to be more engineering effective with improved load-carrying ability. Typical ball bearings cover only radial loads. However, four-point contact bearings cater to multi-directional radial and axial loads at the same time. This is particularly useful in applications where space is constrained, and yet there is a need for multi-directional support. This being a goal of the article, we will start with the four point contact ball bearings’ fundamental principle, followed by the advantages of design and performance and teamwork with various industries. It is meant for professionals, such as engineers and mechanics, and the general public interested in bearings.
What is a Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing?
Definition and Key Features of Four-Point Contact Bearings
Four-point contact ball bearings, as I have gleaned from the leading sources in the industry, are a bearable type of bearing with four contact points with the raceway, a unique design. Such configuration permits their loading in any direction. Most applications with such elements need radial and axial load support. Most prominently, some characteristics include their capability to support the axial bearing motion, a design that reduces contact friction angle, and a highlight on miniaturization, especially when there is limited space.
When I consider the parameters of the technical characteristics, I noticed that four-point contact bearings are produced with typical dimensions, allowing for the effective parameters:
Load Rating (C): The dynamic load rating usually varies from 50 to 250 kg, implying maximum support without causing the bearing to fail.
Speed Rating (n): Depending on lubrication and load factors, the maximum running speed is between 3000 and 10000 RPM.
Lubrication Type: These bearings have grease or oil application guidelines for every performance to indicate prudence.
Material Composition: These bearings are mainly manufactured from excellent steel or ceramic materials with good strength and performance under diverse conditions.
These characteristics are why they are used in harsh environments, the most demanding of which are robotics, aerospace, and automotive engineering, where accuracy and dependability are of the utmost importance.
How Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings Work
Cylindrical and spherical four-point contact ball bearings can utilize their architecture to absorb radial and axial loads. This particular apparatus has four points of contact, which are useful in load transmission to minimize deflection and any movement to improve performance for different uses. According to my tip industry best sources research, the following technical parameters are essential for a clear picture of how those bearings work:
Load Rating (C): As indicated in the review, this usually falls within the 5000−25000 N range. This simplified rating is central to the bearing’s functionality as it defines the maximum loads it can bear, which are particularly important in situations of high-impact forces.
Speed Rating (n): The speed condition of operation usually varies widely from about 3000 RPM to 10,000 RPM. This range is critical as it determines bearing performance under varying lubrication and load conditions.
Lubrication Type: Both these bearings support lubrication with grease and oil, but the selection is based on the performance requirements of each application.
Material Composition: High-quality stainless steels and ceramics are common since they improve the strength and utilization of these components in harsher operating conditions.
These parameters, in the aggregate, warrant their utilization in more precision—and reliability-stringent fields such as aerospace and robotics, where catastrophic failure would result.
Common Applications of Four-Point Contact Bearings
Reviewing the best sources in the industry, I established that four-point contact bearings are extensively applied in several fields where accuracy and dependability are essential. Here are some significant applications, as well as the key technical parameters justifying their application:
Robotics: These bearings enable accurate movement in robotic links and actuators. The load rating (C) of about 15000 N is critical, considering that robots are required to perform precise operations even when carrying heavy loads.
Aerospace: Four-point contact bearings are also installed on aircraft machine components that are subject to great control. Their speed operating (n) is 10,000 RPM. Such bearings are essential in this industry as they can sustain adverse conditions and high speeds.
Machine Tools: The bearings in CNC machines ensure that spindle assemblies are adequately supported where rigidity and low friction are highly required. Grease and oil lubrication are incorporated, making the machine’s performance possible during high working load conditions, and a dynamic load rating (C) of 20,000 N or thereabout supports this.
These applications have illustrated how the exact technical parameters of the four-point contact bearings and corresponding industry application areas align for efficient and enduring utilization.
How Do Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings Differ from Other Bearings?
Differences Between Four-Point and Deep Groove Ball Bearings
As for the four-point ball contact bearing and deep groove ball bearing, certain differences can be explained by the structural features and the way they operate:
Load Bearing Capacity:
Four-Point Contact Bearings: These bearings support both radial and axial loads simultaneously, making them appropriate for applications with combined loading. Depending on their size and material, their dynamic capacity can reach up to 15000 N to 20000N.
Deep Groove Ball Bearings: They expose, therefore, alter the efficiency of such bearings, especially their axial load capacity, unless specially designed for these. However, their efficient radial load bearing capacity makes deep groove ball bearings separate types of these bearings. These ratings vary from one type of bearing to another, but the common figures maintained are 8000 N to 12000 N.
Contact Points:
Four-Point Contact Bearings: These bearings, by denoting the name, accommodate about four points of contact with the raceway at any single instant, enabling more stability and load even under misalignments.
Deep Groove Ball Bearings: It is understood that these bearings usually have fixed raceways with a single texture of a point. This can cause increased tensile and compressive strain, especially in the raceway and ball-bearing structures in case of axial loading and misalignment.
Operational Speed:
Four-Point Contact Bearings: These can run at operational speeds that do not exceed 10,000, making them suitable for high-speed applications such as precision in aerospace industries.
Deep-groove Ball Bearings: Many tell us that they can work at higher speeds, and in many models, this can exceed 20,000 RPM. However, they can encounter higher losses due to friction effects in some conditions.
Lubrication:
Four-Point Contact Bearings Are built to work freely with grease and oil without affecting the bearing’s performance in high-load and high-speed applications.
Deep Groove Ball Bearings are more common than the other two types. Generally, these bearings consist of lubricants that serve to avoid excessive wear, and more lubricants are better than oil-in-charged and glad-full-bearing types, though they are more for various types of lubrication.
To sum up, the use of each of these two bearing types is determined by the operation parameters needed for the application, most especially concerning loads, speeds, and alignment.
Comparing Four-Point and double-row angular Contact Ball Bearings
When determining the features of Four–Point Contact Bearings and Double–Angular Contact Ball Bearings, load capacity, construction, usage, and appropriate context should be considered.
Load Capacity:
Four Point Contact Bearings: These are great because they enable axial loads in either direction and can be used to withstand radial loads. The only drawback is that the load capacity is usually tiny, as it only has the capacity of a single row.
Double Row Angular Contact Bearings: These have a higher load capacity due to the additional row of balls, which share the common sphere within which axial and radial loads are supported.
Design and Geometry:
Four-Point Contact Bearings: These types of bearings comprise an inner ring and an outer ring with a detachable design, simplifying installation and servicing. The angle of contact for these bearings is commonly 35 degrees, promoting high loading in axial directions.
Double Row Angular Contact Bearings: This category has two rows of rolling elements at an angle towards each other (30 – 40 degrees) instead of one row, which improves stability about positioning loads and misalignment.
Operational Efficiency:
Four-Point Contact Bearings: These are useful in regions and machines where complicated features are not necessarily essential, and the axial length needs to be reduced. Due to the peculiar arrangement of contact points, which minimizes the contact area, these bearings have very low friction.
Double Row Angular Contact Bearings: They are suitable for running at high speeds. However, failure to achieve the design mass inflates the number of contact points and thus increases friction, which makes these bearing-placement low-speed applications require load-carrying capacity.
Application Suitability:
Four-Point Contact Bearings: These are intended for precise machines and devices used in the aerospace and automobile industries and for demanding compactness and load-bearing features.
Double Row Angular Contact Bearings: These are primarily found in rugged machine tools, gear trains, and other places and are prone to thorough radial and axial loads.
To wrap it up, selecting Four-Point or Double-Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings depends on engineering needs: loading processes, available space, and operational conditions. The two bearing designs differ, with each bearing design bringing with it advantages and limitations that necessitate the correct selection for the job at hand.
Advantages of Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings
So, what benefits make the four-point contact ball bearing more appropriate for different uses? The specifics include the following Compact Design: Thanks to the fact that the geometry enables four-point contact within the ball, the bearing helps achieve slim construction compared to other conventional bearing designs. This is important when the space available is limited, as in the case of aerospace and exact machines.
Load Handling: The four-point contact ball bearings can take axial and radial loads in only one direction. The bearing design facilitates the transmission of loads, thereby promoting the effective management of the components so that wear and tear does not lead to the displacement of the parts and makes the setup more robust in high-stress environments.
Reduced Friction: Wear from use over time is also improved because the four contact points make the bearing operate fast, and the rubbing action has less load on the standing surface. This is crucial in places with a lot of quick-action processing or frequent uses since lowered friction will mean less energy consumption with every use.
Easy Assembly and Maintenance: Lessening the complexity associated with their design usually reduces the architectural cut-down requirements, making installation and reparation less problematic. Cutting down maintenance, repair time, and cost is essential to achieve efficiency in different operations.
Versatility: These types of bearings find use in many applications including but not limited to robotics, cars, and precision instruments where operational reliability and performance is vital.
Often, these can also ‘bear or withstand’ an axial load. This can also be quantified in terms of the bearing size and the contact angle, which usually ranges between thirty and forty-five degrees depending on the design and the applications. Users must pay more attention to static and dynamic load rating details tailored to expected operational conditions, as these parameters control the bearing’s capabilities.
What Are the Technical Features of Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings?
Outer Ring and Inner Ring Design
From my perusal of four-point contact ball bearings, I have learned that the design of the outer and inner rings is crucial to their function. To accommodate loading and misalignment, the outer ring will mostly have a spherical raceway that accommodates the rotation of the balls. This design further assists in relieving the local stress within the bearing, thus extending its life span. Likewise, the inner ring, manufactured with more horizontal surfaces and cushions, accelerates the balls.
In my survey of the best source of reference materials, there are the following technical parameters that I have seen which are necessary for making them more operational:
Contact Angle: Degiesne or Kyokujuko gigot disc bearings with a four-point contact ball have a contact angle better than 630 and an operating maximum of 90-150 inclusive. The contact angle is significant since it enhances the bearing’s performance under axial loads. The relation between internal angle and allowable loads is that Internal Angles increase axial load acceptance but less radial load acceptance.
Static Load Rating (C0) describes the force that may apply to the bearing at rest without damaging it. This rating must always be consistent with the conditions of the application, which will be static; otherwise, the system’s life will be less than what John Dee desires.
Dynamic Load Rating C: The dynamic load rating represents the maximum load applied to the bearing when it is rotating. Therefore, it is necessary to match this rating with the respective operational loads to achieve reliability in service.
Material Composition: For high-speed or high-load applications, the performance of the bearing, especially in terms of load capacity and durability to wear, is altered by applying materials like high-carbon chromium steel or ceramics.
Knowledge of these outer and inner ring design features allows one to choose the most suitable bearing for the intended use, which will then improve the efficiency and reliability of operations.
Contact Angle and Load Carrying Capacity
Looking at the top three Google websites related to ball bearings, I found valuable information concerning contact angle and load-carrying capacity.
Contact Angle: In practice, the contact angle helps determine the amount of applicable axial load the bearing can endure. There has been an understanding of innocent contact angles less than thirty to forty-five degrees. This range favors the axial load capacity bearing enhancement of a larger angle. Still, at the same time, it has been noted that it may unfairly diminish radial load capacity if such an angle is not appropriate to the intended application, Pearson, etc.
Static Load Rating (C0): It has been learned that the static load rating C0 denotes the maximum permissible load that the bearing will withstand while maintaining the motionless state entirely. How this rating connects to the prototypical static case is important as this is where mistakes are easy to make, which I observed from the quantified view of the sites.
Dynamic Load Rating (C): Comprehending dynamic load rating C is essential. This rating applies a maximum load to a bearing that will likely be used when the rotating motion occurs. It is clear to me that from a real perspective, operating loads in the attempts to influence this rating have to be maintained. Else, the level of reliability enhancement is one of the three sources cited.
Material Composition This section of the website made it clear that the materials used for manufacturing the bearings, for instance, high-carbon chromium steel or ceramic, provide favorable wear resistance and work well in an environment of high speeds or heavy loads. I do comprehend the extent of making a well-informed decision on the choice of the materials.
After synthesizing these technical parameters, I understand that decisions can be made that enhance efficiency and reliability in ball-bearing operations in different operational settings.
Material and Cage Types
While researching bearing materials and cage types, I noticed that bearing material selection is critical to both the performance and durability of the bearings. The most commonly used material is high-carbon chromium steel since it has more than desirable wear and can withstand large loads. Ceramic materials, however, are costlier and help greatly reduce friction and heat; hence, they are suitable for high speeds.
As for the cage types, I found out that the cage is structurally integrated to maintain proper spacing of rolling elements, cut down rolling element friction, and allow for heat management. Polyamide (nylon) and steel composites are the two main groups of cage materials. Polyamide cages are lightweight and do not corrode; however, they are not as good with high temperatures as steel cages. In contrast, steel cages are more robust and durable, mainly when used in heavy-load conditions.
Material Choices:
High-carbon chromium steel: This is acceptable because it is very wear-resistant. It can be used in a moderate to heavy load situation.
Ceramic: Superothermal stability; most appropriate in very high-speed situations.
Cage Types:
Polyamide (Plastic): Lightweight, corrosion, and elastic materials for general use, however lacks efficiency at elevated temperatures.
Steel: Delivers strength and competence. Imperative in weighty loading conditions.
Understanding the impacts caused by these materials and cage designs enables me to select the bearings for optimal performance & longer fatigue appropriately.
How to Choose the Right Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing?
Factors to Consider: Axial and Radial Loads
The main consideration when designing four-point contact ball bearings is the axial or radial load on a bearing to achieve maximum effectiveness, durability, safety, etc.
Axial Loads: Axial load is the load along the bearing’s axis, and it is helpful in establishing the maximum bearing axial load aftermarket field cap capacity. It is important to select bearings that would tolerate the estimated axial components in the particular usage. Bearing manufacturers usually define such criteria as available axial load, which for most applications is defined in terms of C and C0 as dynamic and static load ratings.
Radial Loads: A radial load is defined as the load acting at right angles to the shaft axis of the bearing. Each bearing must also be evaluated using the appropriate radial load. The radial load rating, or working limit, is mainly defined as a dynamic load rating (C). The mutual influences of axial and radial loads should be considered occasionally since some bearings are built for optimum performance along specific axial-radial load ratios.
Technical Parameters to Consider:
Dynamic Load Rating (C): This measures the maximum load the bearing can bear when in working motion, in this case expressed in Newton (N).
Static Load Rating (C0): This value in Newtons (N) represents the maximum load that can be applied on a bearing in a still position.
Load Factor (f): This factor is used to determine the inherent loads on the bearing. The load factor can be very specific depending on the operating conditions and is usually one to three or more, depending on application needs.
Most analytical procedures can be accomplished only when these loads and mechanical properties are appropriately handled and, more importantly, suitable for the intended usage. This, in turn, improves the bearing’s performance and application reliability.
Understanding Bearing Arrangements
One of the findings states, … The chairman agreed it agreed that radial and axial precision and the supporting structure should also be considered in analyzing bearing arrangements.
Bearing Types: According to the information collected, the most detailed bearing types are ball bearings, roller bearings, and thrust bearings. Each type assists in a given function where the ball bearing is used for high speed and low load conditions while the roller bearing is mostly used for higher radial load.
Configuration: Misalignment is a non-system option; the layout influences even the bearing’s loading. Because of those high relacionadas de carga axial, thrust bearings might be used together with radial bearings to increase reliability and efficiency.
Technical Parameters
Dynamic Load Rating (C): This is the most negligible maximum load applied on the bearing while in rotary constant motion. The nipple-joint bolts load Donghu A6286 aperture facilitates rotational dogs).
Static Load Rating (C0): In this evaluation, especially where the C0 rating is noticeable, an appreciation of a bearing’s safety interval while non-rotary for any equipment is taken.
Load Factor (f): The load factor is critical to avoid excessive wear and tear, especially from overload conditions. In most instances, it is recommended that this be patterned at 1 to 3 or more if the situation dictates for critical components.
With their addition and the bearing arrangement parameters, I will aim to extend my understanding of mechanical systems, which should consider structural integrity, performance, and reliability over time.
Tips for Selecting the Correct Size and Type
Load Requirements: The first step of this process must be load assessment. Determine whether the application will experience radial, axial, or combined loads. Select appropriate bearing types, such as mounting roller bearings for heavy radial loads or thrust bearings for axial load applications. Always look at the Dynamic Load Rating (C) and Static Load Rating (C0) to avoid using slides that are not operable under the intended load.
Operating Conditions: Also consider the bearing’s working environment. Several factors, such as temperature, humidity, and contamination, can, to some extent, limit bearing performance. Search for specifications about maximum operating temperature and sealing constructions for such conditions.
Speed and Efficiency: Machinery’s working speed is critical. Low-friction bearings should be used for applications with speed operation capabilities. Take note of the bearing ‘ Load Factor,’ as it is used as a safety cushion against speed changes, which may cause the bearing to be operated at a speed more significant than the threshold and damage it.
Size and Fit: Make sure the bearing’s outer dimension is compatible with the inner dimension for mounting purposes. Find the inner and outer diameters, the width, and their tolerances. Bearing fit is a crucial issue affecting behavior and lifetime, and one has to follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the particular fittings.
Material selection: Identify the materials used in the bearings. Many extended materials exist, such as chrome steel, stainless steel, or ceramics. Each has its merits concerning the lifetime of the material and resistance to wear and corrosion, which, in turn, can determine the selection depending on the application.
Contact major resources such as &insert resources-593 and focus on such parameters to pick proper bearings that will combine ideal characteristics, performance, and dependability in the operation of mechanical systems.
Maintenance and Longevity of Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings
Proper Installation Techniques
Cleanliness: Before proceeding with the installation, both the bearing and mounting surfaces must be cleaned, as they shouldn’t have any impurities. Unwanted particles create needless wear and tear. Use even the least harmful solvent or cleaner according to the bearing manufacturer’s recommendation.
Alignment: Correct alignment accuracy is necessary for the performance of any bearing assembly. If not rectified, such matters can cause improper wear and malfunction of the assembly. Use accurate alignment tools or fixtures while fitting the assembly to achieve the correct alignment.
Use of Proper Tools: Use the right installation tools. This will prevent the proper assembly of the bearing or the housing. Installation of bearings requires other specific tools, including bearing pullers or hammers that are hammers designed explicitly for bearing work and focus on distributing the pressure evenly.
Lubrication is vital to the working functionality of any mechanical assembly by limiting the rate of contact and frictional surfaces in motion and wear. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the kind and amount of lubricant to be used. Depending on the environment, amiable non-dry or grease non-dry fluid with an adequate viscosity rate should be applied for reasonable efficiency.
Mounting Techniques: Use suitable mounting techniques corresponding to the bearing enhanced by rotary components. For example, outer rings should be heated for interference fits, or controlled axial loads should be applied within limits during the assembly. This helps the bearing firmly lock without any internal stresses that eventually damage it.
Torque Specifications: Observe specified torque values regarding any fastening hardware that bears with. Too tightening or loosening up drawbacks on devices leads to malfunction and shortening operating lifespan. For this aspect, turn to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Following such installation methods and using technical parameters available on reputable industry websites can improve the performance and service life of four-point contact ball bearings for their intended purposes.
Lubrication and Cleaning Tips
Thus, the techniques to maintain four-point contact ball bearings, grease application, and cleaning to avoid deterioration and ensure that the bearing operates as intended have been enumerated. These are some of the short recommendations that have been found from the best industry practices.
Selecting Lubricant: As established by SKF, the most suitable lubricant will vary depending on the application speed, load, and temperature. Nearly all applications will call for lithium grease because of its high water resistance and stability properties. In a high-speed working environment, a manufacturer-specified viscosity synthetic oil is advantageous.
Lubrication Frequency: Re-lubrication frequency is critical. Schaeffler recommends applying lubricant at intervals of 500 operational hours or as the manufacturer prescribes. Lubrication levels, especially in high-demand situations, should be regularly checked to avoid increased wear.
Cleaning Procedure: Cleaning is necessary before restoring any parts with fresh lubricant. NSK recommends using kerosene or any other cleaning substance and a soft brush to wipe out old grease and impurities as thoroughly as possible. Precautions are taken to avoid damaging the seal and bearing surfaces during this.
Application Method: Focus particularly on the area where lubricant is being applied. Timken recommends rotating the bearing surface while lubrication is being used to ensure the lubricant covers all parts. A grease gun requires a special nozzle to avoid applying too much pressure.
Storage Conditions: The installation highlights that the bearings must always be packed and stored in a clean, dry environment, as the Bearing Manufactures Association recommends. Dust, moisture, and other forms of contaminants are likely to impede the bearings’ proper functioning; hence, preservation of the seal integrity up to installation would be reasonable.
Focusing on these usage features and the technical ones suggested by manufacturers will help achieve the best operating performance and operational life of four-point contact ball bearings.
Extending the Rating Life of Your Bearings
Items taken to improve the performance and increase the bearings’ lifespan could be borrowed from these essential facts from credible industry authorities.
Management of Load Capacity: As per SKF, selecting a bearing for a specific load or for certain types of loads is of the utmost importance. Using an overloaded bearing predisposes it to fail well before its expected service life. Ensure that the bearings’ application is consistent with the dynamic load ratings, considering shock and vibration loads.
Operating Temperature Consideration: As highlighted by NTN Bearing Corporation, operating temperatures are fundamental. Different bearing types have their corresponding operating temperature intervals, with common applications having limits of -20°C to +120°C (-4°F to 248°F). Operation beyond these ranges leads to the breakdown of the lubricant and consequently shortened bearing service life.
Alignment and Installation: If correct assembly procedures are not followed, overstressed components will suffer from premature wear. The Schaeffler Group has stated that the bearings must be correctly aligned when assembled. These are checked using allied measuring equipment and can include the specification of a 0.01 mm tolerance for the shaft’s alignment.
Vibration Monitoring: This process introduces vibration monitoring to prevent possible faults with the bearing. The Vibration Institute states that parameters such as frequency and amplitude should be observed to notice symptoms that need intervention before it is too late. Set up the base readings for your specific setups and measure any changes.
Continuous Environment Monitoring: On this point, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recommends taking measures throughout limitations to monitor such factors as humidity and contaminants. Using rotary shaft seals and appropriate dust covers can prevent potential bearing contamination.
With such measures, you should be able to increase the rating life of your bearings significantly and even improve their performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a 4-point angular contact ball bearing?
A: A four-point angular contact ball bearing is a fourth-generation refreshingly simple single-row angular contact ball bearing that can take axially directed loads on both. It includes dividing the inner ring to load the mounting further while keeping the bearing’s dimensions small.
Q: How do four-point contact bearings work?
A: Four-point contact bearings work due to the unique principle of the configuration, wherein the balls touch the inner and outer raceways at four points instead of fixing the higher lateral component. This makes them very useful in high-speed and high-axial-loaded applications, as they have such an arrangement.
Q: What are the advantages of four-point contact bearings?
A: The advantages of the four-point contact bearing design include perpendicular axial load application in both directions and a compact inner configuration due to the split ring inner bearing supports, so high rotational speeds are achievable without barriers. In addition, it is possible to make axial radial configurations by installing it along with a radial bearing.
Q: What are locating slots in four-point contact bearings?
A: Locating slots in four-point contact bearings are slots in the axial Outer Ring or two locating slots in the outer ring that firmly locate the bearing in its housing. These slots also help to maintain the correct position of the bearing, which is essential for proper functioning and bearing load.
Q: In which applications are four-point contact bearings predominantly employed?
A: Four-point contact bearings are primarily used in compressors, machine tool spindle assemblies, and other high-speed axial load applications where thrust loads are applied from both directions; not forgetting, they are also employed as axial bearings in various systems.
Q: How would you define a ‘split inner ring’ concerning four-point contact bearings?
A: A split inner ring refers to a feature of construction in which the inner ring of the bearing is not made as one but in two portions. This feature enables the bearing to be mounted in the assembly and loaded in both axial directions. Also, it makes the assembly procedure easier.
Q: What do you understand about the ‘QJ 3 series’ used in four-point contact bearings?
A: The ‘QJ 3 series’ refers to self-spinning four-point contact bearings, which are produced to comply with any grade of necessary definitions of spin performance. Bearings in this Bau series are mainly equipped with cage-guided outer rings and are suitable for many such severe duties.
Q: What are the advantages of locating slots in the outer ring for four-point contact bearings?
A: Locating slots in the outer ring—in the case of four–point contact bearings—assists in arranging the components in the housing inclined to the centerline of the bearing. Correct orientation is vital for the apparatus’s performance, proper load sharing, and lifespan.
Q: What are bearings rings and raceways in four-point contact bearings used for?
A: Bearing rings and raceways in four-point contact bearings are important. The raceways are mounted inside the bearing rings and are the surfaces of the balls. They take the axial and radial load so that parts can move and work efficiently.
Q: What is the importance of radial clearance concerning the functionality of four-point contact bearings?
A: Radial clearance describes the distance between the balls and the raceways in the radial direction. It is important for the bearing’s performance since it also affects load distribution, friction, and other efficiency-oriented parameters. Too much or too little clearance can cause wear and, ultimately, major failure.
