When selecting bearings for an application, it’s always important to consider the different types of loads your parts will encounter during use. There are three main types of loads to contemplate:

• Radial
• Axial (also known as thrust)
• Moment

While radial and axial loads are perpendicular and parallel forces to the center axis of an object respectively, moment load is applied along the rotational axis. As such, moment loads are forces that can rotate the rings of your bearing if you don’t address them.

How Do Moment Loads Occur?

There are a few common scenarios that can lead to moment loads. If a design only has a single bearing, radial loads outside the center of the bearing ball will create a moment load. For example, a shaft with a bearing at the base can experience moment loads simply from the weight of the extending shaft. Certain systems may also add intermittent loads if additional weight is occasionally placed against the opposite end of the shaft.

While some systems can address moment loads with multiple bearings, others do not have that option due to either the design itself or space limitations. In these occasions, you’ll need to invest in bearings that can accommodate constant and intermittent moment loads to assure proper performance.

Which Thin Section Bearings are Best for Moment Loads?

Space limitations can make the process of addressing moment loads difficult, which is why thin section bearings can be a great solution. There are three different types of thin section bearings to consider:

• Type A – Angular contact thin section bearings
• Type C – Radial ball thin section bearings
• Type X – Four-point contact thin section bearings

If you’re planning to use a single bearing to account for moment loads, four-point contact thin section bearings offer the best load bearing capabilities. These bearings are made with a gothic archway that creates four points of contact between the balls in the bearing and the raceway. This design provides ample moment loading in a single, small package, making it a go-to option in many situations.

If you only need to accommodate light or moderate moment loads, radial ball thin section bearings are also a suitable choice – especially if you’re dealing with ample radial loads as well.

In general, Type A is not a great option for moment loads if you plan to use a single bearing. However, duplex Type A pairs are very capable of handling extreme moment loads if you’re less concerned about bearing size.

Invest in the Right Thin Section Bearings for Your Loading Needs

Every application offers specific challenges. Whether you’re dealing with moment loads, space constraints, or some other issue, SSB can help you identify a bearing solution tailored to your needs. Use our online product builder to select the parts you need or contact us today to talk to our experts about a custom thin section bearing solution for your application.

Thin section bearings are used in a wide variety of applications, and each of those applications have specific requirements. These potential differences make some thin section bearing products a better option than others. When it comes to thin section bearings, there are three different types to consider:

• Type A
• Type C
• Type X

Which style is right for your needs? That depends on your application and the types of loads that your thin section bearings will need to manage.

Type A – Angular Contact Thin Section Bearings

Angular contact-type thin section bearings are designed to thrive in demanding applications with high axial loads. While single A-type thin section bearings typically wouldn’t be recommended to support moment or reverse axial loads, duplex pairs can more than easily accommodate such loads.

Load Capabilities

• Radial – Good
• Axial – Excellent
• Moment – Poor for single bearings, excellent for paired bearings
• Reversing axial – Poor for single bearings, excellent for paired bearings
• Combined radial thrust – Good

Type C – Radial Ball Thin Section Bearings

As you may expect, radial ball-type thin section bearings are a go-to solution for applications with high, demanding radial loads. These parts can also do a good job with slight to modest loads for other load types, although you’ll want to look elsewhere for any designs that call for extreme moment or reversing axial loads.

Load Capabilities

• Radial – Excellent
• Axial – Good
• Moment – Good (for light to moderate loads)
• Reversing axial – Good (for light to moderate loads)
• Combined radial thrust – Good

Type X – Four-Point Contact Thin Section Bearings

Unlike Type A and Type C thin section bearings, the Type X four-point contact thin section bearings are made with a gothic archway that creates four points of contact between the balls in the bearing and the raceway. This design makes this type of bearing an excellent choice for applications that need ample moment or reversing axial loading in a small package. However, it does leave Type X parts less capable of handling various radial loads.

Load Capabilities

• Radial – Poor
• Axial – Good
• Moment – Excellent
• Reversing axial – Excellent
• Combined radial thrust – Poor

Find the Right Bearing Type for Your Applications

The right part can make all the difference in the world. Not only can the right type handle the proper loads and run efficiently, it’ll also save you from replacing parts earlier than expected. Like using the right thin section bearing lubrication, proper part selection can decrease your odds of bearing failure and costly downtime.

In addition, your options extend beyond managing various loads. Type A, C, and X thin section bearings can also be modified in multiple ways, such as fitting parts with different materials for rings and rolling elements or changing the bore size. Your applications need a solution that’s right for them, so it benefits you to find the right thin section bearings for their specific needs.

Know what you need for your applications? Use our online thin section bearing builder to submit a quote for a part based on your specifications. If you’d rather talk to an expert about your options, contact us today to have one of our team members work with you on a part solution for your performance and budgetary needs.