angularcontact

Angular contact refers to a type of bearing design in which the inner and outer raceways are inclined at a nonzero angle to the bearing axis. This geometry allows the rolling elements to contact the raceways at an angle, enabling the bearing to carry both radial and axial loads. The contact angle provides higher stiffness and improved axial load-carrying capacity under combined loading, compared with purely radial bearings. Common contact angles are around 15, 25, or 30 degrees, depending on design.

Angular contact bearings come in ball and roller variants. A single-row angular contact ball bearing can support axial loads in one direction and is typically paired with another identical bearing to handle axial loads in the opposite direction. Arrangements such as back-to-back (DB) or face-to-face (DF) mounting provide different stiffness and misalignment characteristics. Angular contact roller bearings use rollers instead of balls and offer higher load ratings and stiffness for heavy-duty applications. In both cases, precise alignment and preload are important for optimal performance.

Design considerations for angular contact bearings include contact angle, speed rating, preload, and lubrication. Larger contact angles increase axial load capacity at the expense of radial capacity and speed. High rigidity is often achieved through preload, especially in precision machinery. Bearings are supplied in sealed or open configurations and may require specific lubricants or cooling for high-speed or high-temperature operation.

Applications commonly include machine tool spindles, precision gearboxes, robotics, printing and winding equipment, and automotive components where significant thrust loads must be carried alongside radial loads. Angular contact bearings are favored for high-speed, high-precision, and high-stiffness requirements, particularly when paired in matched arrangements to accommodate bidirectional axial loads.