Ball bearings
The ball bearing is the most common bearing family, with balls as the rolling element. Point contact gives it low friction and a high speed capability, at the cost of carrying less load than a roller bearing of the same size. Most rotating shafts in industry run on this family.
Types and variants
The distinct designs that sit under this category.
Deep groove ball (6xxx)
Carries radial load plus axial load in both directions. Available open, shielded (Z / 2Z) and sealed (RS / 2RS).
Angular contact (7xxx)
The contact angle lets it carry high axial load in one direction; usually mounted in pairs (back-to-back, face-to-face or tandem).
Double row angular contact (32xx / 33xx)
Two ball rows in a single unit — takes axial load in both directions and tilting moment.
Self-aligning ball (12xx / 22xx)
The outer ring raceway is spherical, so it absorbs misalignment between shaft and housing on its own.
Four-point contact (QJ)
Each ball contacts the rings at four points, taking axial load in both directions in a single row — a space saver.
Where it is used
The applications this category most often serves.
- Electric motors and generators
- Fans, blowers and pump sets
- Gearbox and transmission input shafts
- Agricultural and construction machine drives
- Domestic appliances and commercial refrigeration
What we ask when selecting
What we need in order to find the right part. You do not need all of it — we can work out the rest together.
- The dimension triple (d / D / B)
- Bore, outside diameter and width. With all three, the designation follows.
- Direction of load
- Purely radial, or is there an axial component? If axial, the answer is an angular contact type.
- Speed and temperature
- These two decide the cage material and the grease.
- Closure type
- Sealed (2RS) in dusty or wet conditions, shielded (2Z) at high speed.
- Radial internal clearance
- C3 replaces normal clearance on hot-running or tight-fitted shafts.
Typical designations
Examples that make the designation readable — not a stock commitment.
- 6205-2Z/C3
- Shielded with increased clearance — the standard electric motor size.
- 6205-2RS1
- Same size, rubber sealed — for dust and moisture.
- 7205 BEP
- Angular contact at 40°, glass-fibre reinforced cage.
- 2205 E-2RS1TN9
- Self-aligning, sealed both sides — for misaligned shafts.
Related catalogue items
Listed in the catalogue with dimensions and data.
Other categories in this group
Send us the designation or the dimensions — we will find the match.
A code you cannot find in the catalogue, a faded marking on an old bearing, or just the dimensions — any of the three is enough. The wrong bearing costs more than a late one.