Ball Bearings

Ball bearings are available in single-row or double-row configurations. The most widely used type in the industry is the single-row deep groove ball bearing, known for its simple construction and reliability.

These bearings feature a compact, non-separable design, making them suitable for high-speed applications while requiring minimal maintenance. The raceway geometry, without notches for ball insertion, and the high osculation ratio between the ball diameter and the curvature radius of the raceways enable these bearings to support moderate axial loads in both directions, even at high speeds.

Single-row deep groove ball bearings are also available with protective shields or seals on one or both sides:

• Protective shields leave a small radial clearance around the inner ring, ensuring maximum operating speed. 
• Seals, on the other hand, offer better protection due to their contact structure. 

Bearings with two shields or two seals come pre-lubricated with the optimal amount of grease and can operate within a temperature range of -30°C to +110°C.

Double-row deep groove ball bearings are generally manufactured with notches for ball insertion, allowing a higher number of balls per row. This feature makes them ideal for handling high radial loads, while their ability to support axial loads is more limited. Alternatively, they are also available in notch-free versions for specific applications.

Another important type is the angular contact ball bearing, designed to transfer load along a direction inclined to the radial plane. The larger the contact angle, the higher the axial load capacity, but at the cost of reduced rotational speed.

The most common variants in industrial applications include:

• Single-row angular contact ball bearings with a 40° contact angle.
•  Double-row angular contact ball bearings, with a contact angle between 25° and 32°, depending on the internal design. This version can be equipped with contact seals or protective shields.

Typical Applications

Thanks to their versatility, single-row deep groove ball bearings are commonly used in:

• Electric motors
• Small and medium-sized pumps
• Power tools
• Compact gear motors
• Food and beverage industry machinery
• Bicycles
• Textile machines
• Domestic washing machines
• Gardening equipment
• Automotive industry components

Deep groove ball bearings are typically made of hardened steel SAE 52100, but for applications requiring corrosion resistance, such as in the food industry, they are also available in stainless steel AISI 440.

Angular contact ball bearings, on the other hand, are better suited for:

• Medium and large-sized pumps
• Compressors
• Agricultural machinery
• Woodworking machines
• Industrial fans
• Blowers

Ball Bearing Maintenance

Deep groove ball bearings with two seals or two shields do not require re-lubrication and should never be washed.

For applications requiring long-term operation without maintenance, sealed bearing series 622, 623, and 630 are particularly suitable. Their increased width provides a larger grease reservoir, ensuring extended service life.

These bearings are designed for applications where the inner ring rotates. If the outer ring rotates, lubricant loss may occur at certain speeds. 

In such cases, we recommend consulting Bianchi Industrial special technicians who have the expertise to suggest the most innovative solutions, thanks to in-depth knowledge of products and the ability to assess every single application.