Ball bearing

grabcad

A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that employs spherical balls to separate the bearing races. Its main function is to decrease rotational friction and accommodate radial and axial loads by utilizing at least two races to house the balls and distribute loads via them. Generally, one race remains stationary while the other attaches to the rotating component (e.g., a hub or shaft). As the rotating race spins, it causes the balls to rotate as well. The reduced friction is due to the lower coefficient of friction offered by rolling balls compared to sliding flat surfaces. Although ball bearings have smaller contact areas between the balls and races, thus lower load capacity for their size than other rolling-element bearings, they can tolerate some misalignment of the inner and outer races.