Miniature Thrust Ball Bearings are a kind of separation bearings. They consist of washers, cages and balls. For these small thrust bearings, the shaft washer and the seat washer can be separated from the cage and ball components. Miniature Thrust Ball Bearings are single direction thrust ball bearings. They can withstand axial or thrust loads only.
Miniature thrust ball bearings are designed to bear axial loads.
Chrome steel is the most common material for miniature thrust ball bearings because it has characteristics of high load capacity and low noise. When there is a need for rust prevention, 440c stainless steel material is usually used. We also have 304, 316 stainless steel and ceramic materials to meet clients' requirements for different applications of miniature thrust bearings. AUB can also provide other custom small thrust bearing solutions for clients.
Factors to be considered when choosing an ABEC grade include radial and axial runout requirements, bore and OD fits, and the audible noise level. AUB Bearing offer these types of grades which show the available selection of bore and OD size tolerances, and the radial runout limits for each. Usually we produce miniature thrust ball bearings according to ABEC1 grade, but we can recommend different accuracy grades according to different requirements of clients.
Bore Dias of Miniature thrust ball bearings are Greater than or equal to 2mm and less than or equal to 10mm.
The construction of miniature thrust ball bearings is the single direction thrust structure. These micro thrust bearings consist of a shaft washer, a seat washer, and a ball-cage assembly.
In general, cages of miniature thrust ball bearings have two kinds. They are stamped steel cages and brass cages.
For miniature thrust ball bearings, the lubrication is of great importance. It can reduce internal friction and wear of bearings and prevent burning and sticking. The lubrication can also prolong the service life of miniature thrust ball bearings. In detail, it can discharge friction heat, accelerate cooling and prevent bearing overheating which can result in lubricating oil aging. The lubrication can also prevent foreign matters from invading into the miniature thrust ball bearings, or prevent rust and corrosion.
The lubrication methods of miniature thrust ball bearings contain the grease lubrication and the oil lubrication. In order to make miniature thrust ball bearings function well, first of all, it is necessary to choose the lubrication method suitable for the use conditions and purposes. Special attention should be paid to the amount of lubrication, whether oil lubrication or grease lubrication. Too little lubrication will not fully affect the bearing life. Too much will produce large resistance and affect the speed.
Normal chrome steel miniature thrust ball bearings can be used at constant temperatures of 120°C or intermittent temperatures of up to 150°C. Above these temperatures, the load capacity of the chrome steel will be reduced. By means of special heat treatment processes and the addition of high temperature grease, we can also customize miniature thrust ball bearings for high temperature resistance.