Deep groove ball bearings: Tough and Easy to Maintain

As part of our Bearings series of informational articles, we've decided to highlight types of bearings or bearing components. This time, we turn the spotlight on deep groove ball bearings.

Deep groove ball bearings are the workhorses of the bearing world. Consisting of four parts — inner and outer rings, a cage, and ball bearings, deep groove ball bearings can handle radial and some axial loads. Their flat edges provide larger surface areas for higher load capacities. Many are built with shields or seals. Both types of closures help keep out contaminants and retain lubrication, extending the life of the bearing.

They come in two types — single and double-row bearings.  

We use deep groove ball bearings in machine tools, material handling, medical/pharmaceutical, agricultural, rail, wind energy, and food processing industries. Their versatility makes them one of the most commonly used types of bearing. Their design makes them run smoother, creating less friction. Fewer friction decreases operating temperature, noise, and vibration, extends bearing life and reduces energy use and cost. They also need less lubrication and maintenance, keeping repair costs low.

Deep groove ball bearings are relatively easy to install and can withstand high temperatures while maintaining high rotating speeds. Depending on the application and your location, choose deep groove bearings using either metric or imperial measurement systems.

There are many benefits:

• Versatility – because they can carry radial and axial loads, they have a wider range of applications for many industries

• Cost savings – deep groove ball bearings create less friction torque. This lowers operating temperature (which extends the life of the bearing) and reduces the energy cost of running equipment (such as conveyor belts).

• Less upkeep – because of their simple design, low operating temperature, and low friction, deep groove ball bearings have a longer expected shelf life than other bearings. They do not require additional lubrication after installation, which also means less maintenance downtime.

• Excellent for high speeds and Good radial load capacity

• Acceptable axial load capacity in both directions

• Have low torque capacity at startup and running speeds

• Can operate with low noise and require little maintenance

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