Angular contact ball bearings are designed to support combined radial and thrust loads or heavy thrust loads depending on the contact angle magnitude. The bearings having large contact angles can support heavier thrust loads. They are suitable for a wide range of applications including high speed machine tool spindles.
The form, radius and surface finish of the tracks is critical to the running performance and noise characteristics of these bearings. Taylor Hobson have a range of Form Talysurf systems which are suitable for measuring the form and surface finish characteristics of angular contact ball bearings. For further information click the link below.
Also of critical importance is the roundness and waviness of the races and rolling elements. Typically these features are measured using roundness instruments as detailed in the Talyrond links below.
Wall Thickness Variation
Along with general geometrical features there is also typically a requirement to look at other critical factors which affect the running performance of these bearings. One of the important factors in ball bearing running performance is Wall Thickness Variation. In particular for bearings that are fixed within a housing the wall thickness variation of the inner ring is critical while for bearings located on a shaft the wall thickness variation of the outer ring is critical. Taylor Hobson have dedicated analysis software for measuring wall thickness variation of ball bearing races. For further details contact your local sales representative.