Miniature Thrust bearings consist of a bearing washer with or without a raceway groove and a retainer incorporating a ball. They are designed for axial loads in only one direction. The friction torque is small and is generally applied in low to medium rotational speed applications. Thrust ball bearings are designed to take axial (thrust) loads at high speeds, but cannot tolerate radial loads.
Companies like ISC and NSK have the technical capabilities to manufacture reliable submicron precision bearings. Companies like NSK and ISC have the development abilities to meet customer needs and the engineering prowess to innovate. Companies like NSK Micro Precision and ISC manufacture ball bearings and are the leaders in miniature bearing manufacturing technology. Pacific International Bearings is a leading USA based Distribution company and specializes in high precision miniature ball bearings. PIB has stock on most sizes of NSK/ISC thrust ball bearings in Union City California USA.
Buy miniature thrust ball bearings by visiting the online store at Pacific International Bearing Sales Inc.
In precision instrumentation applications such as medical devices, and mini actuators, choosing the appropriate miniature thrust bearings is critical. This article offers engineering-focused criteria for selection, covering material types, axial load capacities, and dimensional tolerances.
Fig1. Miniature thrust bearings
Miniature Thrust bearings consist of a flat bearing washer without a raceway groove and a retainer incorporating a ball. It can load only axial loads in one direction. The friction torque is small. Applicable for low-speed rotation.
Fig. 2 Miniature thrust ball bearing with grooved races
Thrust ball grooved races
When the races are grooved a higher rated load is achieved. When a raceway groove is added it reduces the contact between the shaft and the housing by capturing the movement of the ball and retainer during rotation.
Miniature Thrust ball bearings are intended for applications with high axial loading, lower speeds and a relatively high torque. Some companies like Timken precision offer these bearings standard in stainless steel to be used where inert materials are required. Typical applications include fuel control systems.
Other Applications for Miniature Thrust ball bearings include medical devices, surgical devices, all types of medical instruments, office automation equipment, small tools, power tools, electric motors, small gearboxes, gear reducers, science and laboratory equipment, automotive and numerous industrial and commercial applications. There is no limit for applying small miniature thrust ball bearings to take advantage of the small envelope design potential.
NSK, ISC Angular contact bearing for JIS 69 series allows for the downsizing of the ball screw support unit. NSK, ISC miniature thrust angular contact bearings will have three times higher axial stiffness than standard deep groove ball bearings.
ISC /NSK offer a comprehensive line of maintenance free high quality double shielded, lubed for life micro bearings. After purchase ISC/NSK provide easy installation instructions with preloads and recommended torque tightening values with every bearing.
ISC/NSK miniature thrust bearings are available with anti-fretting grease (EA7) and clean grease (LG2)
Compact support unit for ball screw support
The industry’s first lightweight, compact and higher stiffness support unit for supporting miniature ball screws of 3 to 8 mm is now available.
To purchase compact support units for ball screw supports contact info@pibsales.com