Low Cost Alternatives for Ball Bearings

Ball Bearings: Kinds and Costs

• Many types of ball bearings are used for different jobs, but radial ball bearings replace the common angular ball bearings, and plastic bearings replace metal ball bearings. They are alternative ball bearings that cost less but do the same job. These are the ones found in roller blades and inside your car. Another alternative to the expensive angular bearing is the thrust bearing; it supports high axial loads and creates a zero axial backlash. Radial bearings, plastic bearings and thrust bearings do roughly the same as the traditional angular bearings, but they cost much less.

Radial Ball Bearings

• Radial ball bearings are often used in everyday contraptions such as vacuum cleaners. They are also used in more complex systems such as the motor in your car's alternator. Radial bearings, made according to precise specifications, rotate quickly. Only a small imperfection can disturb their alignment. Radial ball bearings are well-suited for low torque and small loads.

Plastic Bearings

• They can often do many of the same things, since constructed of extremely hard and durable polymers. Their advantage is a lighter weight. Plastic bearings are also non magnetic and have a low coefficient of friction. This lower friction prevents excess heat. Some plastic bearings don't even need lubrication. These bearings are often found in specialized applications because the material can be shaped into more designs and shapes than metal.

Thrust Ball Bearings

• Thrust bearings have been built to be more durable than plastic or radial bearings and a better choice for cost. They are specifically made for instances when a lot of power and pressure are behind them. Plastic and radial ball bearings are made to handle rotational forces of gear shafts, whereas thrust ball bearings have the added feature of taking pressure from thrust forces while pumping material. Thrust ball bearings are found in car clutches and various marine and aerospace applications.