AngularContactKugellager

AngularContactKugellager, known in English as angular contact ball bearing, is a type of ball bearing designed to support combined radial and axial loads at a nonzero contact angle between the balls and the races. The contact angle allows the bearing to carry significant axial loads in one direction, with stiffness and performance improving when the bearing is preloaded or paired with another bearing.

Single-row angular contact bearings have a single row of balls and an offset inner or outer ring, producing a fixed relationship between radial and axial load capacity. They can be configured in back-to-back or tandem arrangements to handle axial loads in both directions. Double-row angular contact bearings use two single-row units in a common outer or inner ring to increase radial load capacity and rigidity.

Key features include high axial load capacity in the direction of the offset, good high-speed capability, and the option to tailor preload for stiffness and accuracy. They are commonly available in open designs or with protective seals (often designated 2RS or RS) and in various precision grades. Materials typically include bearing steel, with cages made of steel, brass, or polymers.

Preload is frequently applied to eliminate play, enhance rigidity, and improve accuracy, achieved through pairing bearings, interference fits, or spacers. Applications span machine tools and spindles, high-speed robotics, gearboxes, semiconductor equipment, and other equipment requiring precise axial load handling and high-speed operation.

Maintenance considerations include proper lubrication, contamination control, and temperature management. Selection depends on bore size, radial and axial load requirements, speed, misalignment tolerance, and desired preload or pairing configuration.