Angular bearings, also known as angular contact bearings are a type of bearing designed to handle both radial and axial loads. These special bearings have inner and outer ring raceways that are offset from each other which creates a contact angle between the balls and the raceways. This allows them to support forces in different directions at the same time.

Designed to support rotating shafts in machinery and equipment angular contact bearings are both reliable and versatile. Specially engineered these bearings offer excellent load-bearing capacity and are ideal for high-speed applications where precision and accuracy are required.

Here, at RS we offer a great selection of high-quality angular contact ball bearings in a variety of sizes and ratings. Our angular bearings are available as open or closed or if added protection is needed choose one of our sealed or shielded types.

Brought to you from industry-leading brands including FAG, SKF, NSK, INA and of course RS PRO.

What Are The Different Types of Angular Bearings?

There are two main types of angular contact ball bearings to choose from, single row and double row.

Single Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing

This type of bearing has a single row of steel or stainless steel balls and is designed to support an axial load in one direction only. If an axial load in both directions is required it is possible to mount a pair of single-row bearings, however, this option does require more space.

Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing

This type of bearing has a double row of steel or stainless steel balls and is designed to support an axial load in either direction. Double-row angular bearings would be the same as using two single-row angular contact bearings back-to-back. Using a double row bearing is a better option if your axial space is limited as they take up less space compared to using two single row variants.

Where Would I Use An Angular Contact Bearing?

Due to these bearings being able to accommodate both radial and axial loads at the same time, they are very useful bearings that can be used in a wide range of industrial applications. Some of the most common are

• Machine Tools: Used to support the spindles of workshop tools including lathes, milling machines and grinders.
• Electric Motors: Used to support rotating shafts on electric motors.
• Automotive industry: Used in wheel hubs, engines, and transmissions.
• Robotics: Used in robotic arms, joints, and actuators.