usual arrangements Precision Bearings

Below are some possibilities for precision bearing arrangements. In no way is this section exhaustive of possible arrangements, but it does show some of the more common arrangements. A few key points are:

• Super Precision Angular Contact bearings need to pre-load against each other or an external force. Higher RPM and load carrying capacity of precision angular contact bearings is primarily derived from the constant contact of the balls to the race ways.
  • Angular contact bearings require this pre-load whereas it is suggested for precision radial ball bearings
• It is strongly suggested, but not required to axially pre-load a precision radial ball bearing. A proper pre-load will help one achieve a higher maximum RPM with radial ball bearings.
  • Note that we are talking about super precision bearings, generally Abec 7 and above. Lower precision radial ball bearing applications can be successful without a pre-load.
• A pre-load can come from many places; spring, rigid mount, application forces, centrifugal forces, etc.
• It is suggested to do a simple load flow path for each application as can be seen below in red. This helps to establish bearing direction and proper load sharing within the system.