Ball bearings are mechanical components used to reduce friction between two rotating or moving parts. They consist of an outer ring, an inner ring, a set of steel balls, and a cage to hold the balls in place.
The inner and outer rings of the bearing have a groove or raceway that the steel balls roll along. As the inner ring rotates, it causes the balls to rotate as well, reducing the friction between the two surfaces. The cage helps to keep the balls evenly spaced and prevents them from colliding with each other.
Ball bearings are used in a wide range of applications, from household appliances and bicycles to heavy machinery and aerospace equipment. They are preferred over other types of bearings because they can handle both radial and axial loads, are durable, and have low friction and minimal heat generation.
There are many different types of ball bearings, including deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, thrust ball bearings, and self-aligning ball bearings. Each type has its unique characteristics and is designed for specific applications.