What is the difference between deep groove ball bearings and angular contact ball bearings?

1.Load Direction and Performance

Deep Groove Ball Bearings

• The most common type of rolling bearing.
• Mainly support radial loads, but can also handle axial loads in both directions.
• Low friction coefficient and high limiting speed.
• Bearings with larger radial clearance can exhibit some angular contact characteristics and carry higher axial loads.

Angular Contact Ball Bearings

• The inner and outer raceways have a contact angle (typically 15°, 25°, 40°).
• Larger contact angle → higher axial load capacity; smaller contact angle → better for high-speed rotation.
• Single-row bearings can carry radial and unidirectional axial loads; paired (DB, DF, DT) or double-row types can handle bidirectional axial loads and moment loads.
• High-speed ACH types have smaller balls and more ball count, often used in machine tool spindles or other high-precision applications.

2.Structural Differences

For bearings with the same inner/outer diameter and width:

• Shoulders: Deep groove ball bearings have double shoulders on the outer ring; angular contact ball bearings usually have a single shoulder.
• Raceway Curvature: Angular contact bearings typically have a larger raceway curvature than deep groove bearings.
• Raceway Position: The raceway center of angular contact bearings is offset, depending on the contact angle; deep groove bearings have symmetric raceways.

3. Applications and Selection: 

Deep Groove Ball Bearings

• Suitable for radial loads, small axial loads, and combined loads.
• Common in motors, household appliances, fans, and automotive wheel hubs—ideal for high-speed, low-noise, low-vibration applications.
• Available with dust shields, seals, and pre-lubricated grease; easy to install.

Angular Contact Ball Bearings

• Suitable for higher axial and combined loads; preferred in high-speed, high-precision applications.
• Commonly used in machine tool spindles, high-speed motors, and precision gearboxes requiring high stiffness and load capacity.
• Installation requires attention to pairing method and preload.

For more information, feel free to contact QIBR