Ball Thrust Bearings
A ball thrust bearing is a
particular type of rotary ball bearing. Like other ball bearings, they permit
rotation between parts, but they are designed to support a high axial load
while doing this (parallel to the shaft).
Higher speed applications require oil lubrication. Generally, they are composed of two
washers (raceways) which may be grooved the rolling balls elements which are
typically caged. As opposed to roller thrust bearings, ball thrust bearings can
generally operate at higher speeds but at lower loads.
Some important factors when selecting thrust bearings from AST:
- Thrust bearings must be kept in matched sets.
- The bore (d dimensions) of one washer (smaller) in the set will conform to the specifications.
- The bore (d dimension) of the mating washer will be ~ .007” larger because it is a clearance hole for the shaft.
AST provides thrust ball bearings in two series:
- FM Series Metric Thrust Bearings – With a groove race
- F Series Metric Thrust Bearings – Without a groove race
Miniature Thrust Bearings Start with 2.0 mm Bores
AST’s ball thrust bearings start with bore sizes as small as 2.0 mm but go on up to 340 mm interior diameters. Meanwhile, the outer diameters start as small as 6.0 mm but currently go as large as 460 mm across.
If you need help in selecting the best products for your particular application, please remember that design engineering and application assistance are available from AST as part of our value-added services designed to make your job easier.
Click here to go to our online catalog and product specifier for Ball Thrust Bearings including free CAD downloads.
