Bearing Types Chart
Compare common rolling bearing types by load direction, mounting form and typical use, with the types FULI manufactures from Linqing, Shandong marked.
Rolling bearings are grouped by how the rolling elements are shaped and how the bearing carries load. This chart compares the common types side by side; the types FULI manufactures are marked, with a link to the product page.
Bearing types by geometry and load direction
| Type | Rolling element | Load direction | Typical use | FULI supplies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep groove ball bearing | Ball | Radial, moderate axial both ways | Motors, pumps, gearboxes, fans | Yes |
| Angular contact ball bearing | Ball, angled contact | Radial + axial, one way per bearing | High-speed spindles, paired mounting | No |
| Tapered roller bearing | Tapered roller | Heavy radial + heavy axial, one way per bearing | Wheel hubs, gearboxes, axles | Yes |
| Spherical roller bearing | Barrel-shaped roller | Heavy radial + moderate axial both ways, self-aligning | Conveyors, crushers, fans, gearboxes | Yes |
| Cylindrical roller bearing | Cylindrical roller | Heavy radial, little or no axial | High-speed shafts, gearboxes | No |
| Needle roller bearing | Thin needle roller | Radial only, compact section | Automotive, compact gearboxes | No |
| Thrust ball bearing | Ball, between two grooved washers | Axial only, one way (single direction) or both ways (double direction) | Vertical shafts, turntables, screw jacks | Yes, to order |
Mounted units compared to plain bearings
| Form | What it is | FULI supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Mounted bearing unit (pillow block, flange, take-up) | A ball insert bearing already fitted in a housing, bolts or slides onto a frame | Yes |
| Insert bearing (UC, SB, SA) | The bearing part of a mounted unit, sold on its own | Yes |
| Plain ball or roller bearing | Rings and rolling elements only, needs a machined seat | Yes (deep groove, tapered, spherical) |
A mounted unit trades a larger footprint for a faster, lower-precision installation; a plain bearing in a machined housing is more compact but needs the seat bored to a tolerance. See bearing manufacturer in China for what FULI makes across these lines.
To get a quotation for any of these types, send the model number or application details to sales@fuli-bearings.com or use the request a quote form.
FAQ
What is the difference between a ball bearing and a roller bearing?
A ball bearing carries load through balls, which touch the races at a point; it runs quietly at high speed but has a lower load capacity for its size. A roller bearing carries load through cylindrical, tapered or barrel-shaped rollers, which touch the races along a line, giving higher load capacity for the same envelope but usually a lower top speed.
Which bearing type takes axial (thrust) load?
A deep groove ball bearing takes moderate axial load in both directions. A tapered roller bearing takes heavy axial load in one direction per bearing, so pairs are often fitted facing each other. A spherical roller bearing takes heavy radial load with moderate axial load in both directions and tolerates shaft misalignment.
Why would I choose a mounted unit instead of a plain bearing?
A plain bearing (ball or roller) needs a machined bearing seat and a separate method of locating it on the shaft. A mounted unit — pillow block, flange or take-up — already has the bearing fitted in a housing, so it bolts or slides onto a frame without machining a seat, at the cost of a larger footprint.