The Anatomy of Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Due to their simple, low-maintenance design and robust performance, single-row deep groove ball bearings are the most widely used and versatile ball bearings used in manufacturing and automation systems. Deep groove ball bearings deliver superior operating performance and are energy and cost-efficient. NSK has an extensive catalog of deep groove ball bearings that can be customized for nearly every application. 

Design Features of Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Deep groove ball bearings are available in single- and double-row designs. Single row bearings are more popular in most applications. They are simple, non-separable, and suitable for high-speed operations, as the deep grooves enable axial loads. Deep groove ball bearings are typically designed to work with shields and seals, which are supplied with lubrication that will work continuously without relubrication needs. 

Deep groove ball bearings have both an inner ring and an outer ring. Shielded and sealed bearings are typically used with a rotating inner ring. The bearings are enclosed in a pressed steel cage with tightly controlled clearances for reduced friction. Deep groove ball bearings are often fitted with snap rings for the best performance. 

Deep groove ball bearings are manufactured from ultra-clean steel for longevity, and the high-quality balls deliver quiet and consistent operation at high speeds. The outer ring is often coated with aluminum-based ceramic materials. Bearings are plasma sprayed to ensure appropriate bonding, and then a ceramic coating is typically applied with a special acrylic resin for moisture resistance. This optimized design reduces noise, and increases durability and reliability, and the materials and coatings will work in even the harshest environments.

Performance Characteristics of Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Deep groove ball bearings are available in single-row and double-row designs, and slight differences in performance can make one or the other more appropriate for a particular application. 

Single row deep groove ball bearings are suitable when:

• High speeds are required.
• The bearing arrangement must operate with extremely low friction.
• Running noise must be significantly reduced without reducing the bearing's speed, load-carrying capacity, or operating life. 
• There is a high demand for sealing the bearing without increasing heat generation or limiting the speed.
• The bearing position needs to be designed to make economical use of space.

Single-row deep groove ball bearings are available as standard bearings, matched bearing sets, or corrosion-resistant bearings. As self-retaining units and part of the radial ball bearing group, they are particularly versatile in performance.

Double-row deep groove ball bearings are considered when:

• The load capacity of a single row of deep groove ball bearings needs to be increased for the application.
• Axial loads in both directions or tilting movements must be supported in addition to radial loads.
• A high load-carrying capacity is required, and the radial and axial direction design space is relatively small. 

Double-row deep groove ball bearings are typically only available as standard bearings. The deep raceway increases the performance concerning the load capacity. Double-row deep groove ball bearings can replace two single-row deep groove ball bearings for similar performance when the design requires a smaller fit. As double-row deep groove ball bearings can also support tilting moments, they perform well in particularly short shafts that require the support of only one bearing track.

Benefits of Deep Groove Ball Bearings

There are several benefits to using deep groove ball bearings in nearly every working environment. 

Versatility

Unlike other types of ball bearings, deep groove ball bearings can handle both radial and axial loads, which increases the breadth of applications these bearings are suitable for, making them the go-to option for a number of industries. With this wide range of applications, deep groove ball bearings can handle jobs that would otherwise require a combination of bearing types. Their adaptability is key.

Cost Savings

Because deep groove ball bearings create less friction torque than other bearings, they have a lower operating temperature, which will extend the lifespan of the bearing and the entire operational system, resulting in fewer equipment failures, replacement needs, or downtime. The reduced friction also reduces the energy use of the equipment, providing additional savings.

Low Maintenance

With a simple design, low friction, and low operating temperature, deep groove ball bearings have long lifespans and very low maintenance requirements. Generally speaking, with the self-lubricating design and a high-quality lubricant, deep groove ball bearings do not require additional lubrication after installation, reducing downtime.

Longevity

It has been proven that deep groove ball bearings have exceptional durability in all operating environments, leading to increased longevity with reduced downtime. They have optimized insulation and thermal conductivity characteristics to support energy efficiency and reduce damage from high operating temperatures or electrical current damage. 

NSK offers an extensive selection of deep groove ball bearings for various industries. Their superior performance, increased longevity, cost-effectiveness, and low-maintenance requirements make them the best choice regardless of operating conditions. 

Trust NSK to guide you in selecting the right deep groove ball bearings to improve uptime and increase efficiency in your system.