These types of equipment are composed by the following elements:

• Rings (internal and external)
• Rolling elements (differ depending on the type of bearing)

There are several types of bearings with different characteristics, for different applications. Although the purpose is common, there are some particularities that distinguish them. We present to you the main, and most used bearing types on the market.

These can be classified in two ways:

By their way of contact with the races:

Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearings have a large number of applications and the type of load they support (axial) is parallel to the axis of rotation. They are mainly used for axial load support and differ according to their rolling elements (balls or rollers).

Radial Bearings

As for radial bearings, they are sized to support radial loads, perpendicular to the axis of rotation. They are mainly used for radial load-bearing and differ according to their rolling elements.

By the direction of loading they accommodate:

Ball bearings

These bearings can support axial and radial loads, but they have different characteristics for doing so. In general, they are made up of two rings which house the balls, and which reduce the contact surface and friction.

The ball bearings are divided into different categories:

• Angular contact bearings- ideal for rotary movements that support high axial loads.
• Deep groove ball bearings- these are the most common type of ball bearings. Widely used in electric motors.
• Linear bearings- have a circulation of axial balls.
• Self-aligning bearings- they generate less friction than any of the other types and are ideal for operation at low temperatures.

Tapered roller bearings

Tapered roller bearings support radial and axial loads, which makes them much more versatile. This type of bearing has the ability to withstand very high loads and angular misalignment between the inner and outer rings. They are suitable for vehicle transmissions and machine spindles.

Roller, Cylindrical or Tapered bearings

These types of bearings are normally indicated for high radial stress applications. They are mainly characterized by the fact that they are separable, and their construction is made with and without a cage with one, two or four rows of rollers (which distinguishes them). Spherical roller bearings can withstand very high loads. It should also be noted that these bearings generally have a very long service life, high stiffness and low friction, which gives them a high level of reliability.