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Thrust bearing, also known as thrust ball bearings or axial bearings, are primarily used to support or withstand axial or thrust loads. In contrast to radial bearings, which primarily handle radial loads, thrust bearings are specifically designed to handle forces parallel to the shaft's axis.
The main purpose of thrust bearing is to support or control axial loads, ensuring smooth operation of rotating mechanical components. They are commonly used in applications where axial forces are present, such as automotive transmissions, clutches, fans, pumps, and compressors.
Thrust bearings typically consist of one or more axial balls or rollers housed within a bearing seat. Their design allows them to withstand high axial loads while maintaining low friction. A retainer is often present between the balls or rollers and the shaft to keep them properly positioned.
Axial Bearings: Principles of Operation, Applications, and Selection
Thrust bearings come in two main types: unidirectional and bidirectional.
Choosing the right type depends on the load requirements and the specific needs of the application.
In summary, thrust bearings are designed to handle axial loads and provide stable operation with low friction. They play a critical role in many mechanical applications, ensuring the reliable operation of rotating equipment.
Thrust Ball Bearings and Thrust Roller Bearings are common types of thrust bearings used to withstand axial or thrust loads.
Thrust ball bearings rely on spherical balls as rolling elements and are designed for low-speed applications with small to medium axial loads. They have a compact structure, are easy to assemble, and are cost-effective. You’ll commonly find them in automotive transmissions, fans, and household appliances.
Thrust Ball Bearing Size Chart |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Bearing No. (Flat type) |
Bore(d)(mm) |
Outer(D)(mm) |
T(mm) |
r(mm) |
F9-19M | 9 | 19 | 6.5 | - |
F9-20M | 9 | 20 | 7 | - |
51100 | 10 | 24 | 9 | 0.5 |
51200 | 10 | 26 | 11 | 1 |
F10-18M | 10 | 18 | 5.5 | - |
51101 | 12 | 26 | 9 | 0.5 |
51201 | 12 | 28 | 11 | 1 |
F12-23M | 12 | 23 | 7.5 | - |
51102 | 15 | 28 | 9 | 0.5 |
51202 | 15 | 32 | 12 | 1 |
51103 | 17 | 30 | 9 | 0.5 |
51203 | 17 | 35 | 12 | 1 |
51104 | 20 | 35 | 10 | 0.5 |
51204 | 20 | 40 | 14 | 1 |
51105 | 25 | 42 | 11 | 1 |
Thrust roller bearings use rollers as their rolling elements and come in different types based on roller shape. Thrust needle bearings feature long, thin needle rollers, while thrust cylindrical bearings use cylindrical rollers. Each type is designed to handle specific load and performance requirements.
Thrust Roller Bearing Size Chart |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bearing No. |
Bearing No. (Thrust bearings plate) |
Bearing No. (Bearings plate) |
Dc1(mm) |
Dc(mm) |
DW(mm) |
AXK 0414TN | AS 0414 | - | 4 | 14 | 2 |
AXK 0515TN | AS 0515 | - | 5 | 15 | 2 |
AXK 0619TN | AS 0619 | LS 0619 | 6 | 19 | 2 |
AXK 0821TN | AS 0821 | LS 0821 | 8 | 21 | 2 |
AXK 1024 | AS 1024 | LS 1024 | 10 | 24 | 2 |
AXK 1226 | AS 1226 | LS 1226 | 12 | 26 | 2 |
AXK 1528 | AS 1528 | LS 1528 | 15 | 28 | 2 |
AXK 1730 | AS 1730 | LS 1730 | 17 | 30 | 2 |
AXK 2035 | AS 2035 | LS 2035 | 20 | 35 | 2 |
AXK 2542 | AS 2542 | LS 2542 | 25 | 42 | 2 |
AXK 3047 | AS 3047 | LS 3047 | 30 | 47 | 2 |
AXK 3552 | AS 3552 | LS 3552 | 35 | 52 | 2 |
AXK 4060 | AS 4060 | LS 4060 | 40 | 60 | 3 |
AXK 4565 | AS 4565 | LS 4565 | 45 | 65 | 3 |
AXK 5070 | AS 5070 | LS 5070 | 50 | 70 | 3 |
Thrust needle bearings, with their smaller rolling diameters, are ideal for handling high axial loads in compact spaces. They are often found in automotive transmissions, drive shafts, and small mechanical devices. Thrust cylindrical bearings, featuring larger rollers, offer higher load capacities and are better suited for medium to large axial load applications, such as industrial equipment, metallurgical machinery, and machine tools.
While thrust roller bearings provide greater load capacity and rigidity compared to thrust ball bearings, they come with a more complex structure, making assembly and adjustments more challenging.
In summary, thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings are common types of thrust bearings. They are designed to withstand and support axial loads in various applications. Selecting the appropriate bearing requires considering factors such as load magnitude, speed requirements, space limitations, and structural complexity.
Cylindrical thrust roller bearings are designed to handle only axial loads, but they can support high-load applications and offer high axial rigidity. The cages are typically made of machined brass.
Characteristic:
Applications:
Rotary work tables for machine tools, powdering machine rotary tables.
The Comprehensive Guide to Needle Roller Bearings
Tapered roller thrust bearings use small tapered rollers designed to meet at a single point on the bearing axis. This precise design ensures smooth rolling and prevents skidding. These bearings are commonly used in automotive applications, such as supporting wheels, and are often paired to handle axial thrust in both directions as well as radial loads. Thanks to their larger contact area, they can carry higher thrust loads than ball bearings, though their manufacturing process is more expensive.
Spherical roller thrust bearings use asymmetrical spherical rollers that roll along a spherical raceway in the washer. They’re designed to handle both radial and axial loads while compensating for shaft misalignment. Commonly used alongside radial spherical roller bearings, they stand out for having the highest load capacity among thrust bearings.
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