Bearings are very important in machines as they help in the smooth movement of parts to minimize friction as well as wear. Out of the numerous categories of bearings applicable in numerous industrial applications, the axial bearings and the thrust bearings have been misinterpreted. A comparison of axial and thrust bearings will be made in this blog post and a detailed discussion on their functions, differences, and instances of optimal use of each type will be given. We take pride in the quality of bearings we provide at Bearmax USA and that the bearings served the many industries across the globe.
What Are Axial and Thrust Bearings?
Axial and thrust bearings are both meant to have loads along certain directions, however; their characteristics and use are different. Before getting into details of these bearings, we shall begin by defining them briefly.
Axial bearings are also created to carry out forces that act along the axis of a rotating shaft. These bearings are designed to support axial loads (forces that act either in the direction of the shaft length or are perpendicular to the shaft length). This renders the axial bearings suitable in those cases when the load acts in the direction of the shaft.
Thrust bearings on the other hand, are a bearing that is specially made to cope with thrust loads. These are forces which act parallel to the axis of the bearing that is, they carry loads in a directional manner. Thrust bearings may further be classified into two types which include thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings. Ball bearings are the most prevalent and they are designed to hold a load in one or both directions, depending on the way they are set.
Types of Thrust Bearings
There are various types of thrust bearings depending on the design and use. The two main types are:
1. Thrust Ball Bearings
These bearings entail a set of ball elements between two raceways. Thrust ball bearings can only sustain the axial load and are usually applicable in those cases where there is a load that is applied in a single direction. Their design is such that they do not produce much friction and this makes them good in high speed applications.
2. Thrust Roller Bearings
Unlike thrust ball bearings, thrust roller bearings have cylindrical roller bearings as opposed to balls. These bearings are also better to be used in applications where loads are required to be high. They are capable of carrying both the axial and radial loads and as such, they are useful in broader categories of industries.
Key Differences Between Axial Bearings and Thrust Bearings
Even though both the axial bearings and thrust bearings deal with the forces parallel to the axis of a shaft, they have a number of critical differences that distinguish them in terms of performance, usage, and construction.
Load Direction and Type
Both bearings are developed to support axial loads although the axial thrust bearings are particularly developed to support the axial direction of the shaft during rotation. An axial bearing has a lower load capacity than thurst bearings which are designed to handle larger loads. What are thrust bearings? They are commonly resorted to in applications with large axial loads anticipated like automotive, aerospace, and maritime applications.
Structural Design
The axial bearings of a shaft are typically flat parts that slide on the side of the shaft. The design is meant to take forces in the direction of the axis of the shaft. Thrust bearings can however take either a ball in place of a roller to take charge of the load; this means that they are stronger in taking a load with a high axial bearing than the normal axial bearings. When it comes to the processes that demand the minimum radial load and easy and efficient movement, then the thrust ball bearing can be utilized.
Speed and Efficiency
In high-speed applications axial bearings are commonly used, particularly in such applications as electric motors, where smooth and low-friction work is required. What do thrust bearings do? These bearings, especially the type of ball, are good in covering horizontal forces at moderate speed. They serve well in the control of the accurate placement of the parts that move in a straight and controllable line.
Conversely, thrust bearings are generally applied in lower speed settings because they are made to hold heavier weights and to be very durable in high pressure settings. Their roller or ball design is more efficient to thrust bearings as it reduces the wear and tear in case of high axial loads.
Choosing Between Axial and Thrust Bearings for Your Application
In the process of deciding on the bearing to apply in a particular application, there are several things that need to be considered:
1. Load Requirements: When the axial load is mainly applied and the load needs to be handled with greater weight, a thrust axial bearing may be the most preferable. Conversely, an axial bearing might be sufficient in the case of a lighter load or one that needs a more controlled motion.
2. Speed of Operation: Axial bearings are more appropriate in high-speed applications such as motors or turbines which require an efficient way of dealing with friction and heat. Thrust bearings, particularly, thrust ball bearings, are efficient in slower parts or those requiring to be under heavy loads in the long run.
3. Environmental Conditions: In the extreme environments like in high temperatures, thrust bearings with strong materials and designs are able to endure the pressures and offer long term reliability. In more prosaic settings, a more economical and efficient solution can be provided by an axial bearing.
Applications of Axial and Thrust Bearings
There are axial and thrust bearings that are applicable in different sectors like automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, etc. Small motors, fans and other rotating machines often have axial bearings to maximize the available space and efficiency. The thrust bearings on the other hand are necessary in systems like gearboxes, turbines and thrust shafts that require high axial load capability.
Bearmax USA has a variety of axial thrust bearings and thrust ball bearings that will satisfy these special requirements so that your machines and equipment will be run efficiently and smoothly.
Understanding the Right Bearing for Your Needs
The correct type of bearings, either axial or thrust, is more or less dependent on the load capacity, speed and individual application requirements. With the basic knowledge of the key differences between thrust ball bearings and axial bearings, engineers and manufacturers will be in a better position to make a decision that will result in the long-term durability and operations of the machine. Be it the quick operation or the heavy load requirement, Bearmax USA has the right to offer you a solution to help in streamlining the performance of your equipment.
