What is a Ball Bearing?The Function of Ball Bearings From small and large motors to car axles to electric fans and hard disc drives (HDDs), ball bearings are used in a wide array of machines for rotary motion. Ball bearings support rotary parts and reduce friction to facilitate the smooth operation of machines. The size of ball bearings can range from smaller than a grain of rice — small enough to fit inside a wristwatch—to over one meter in diameter for factory and power plant applications. NMB, a Minebea Group Company, specializes in the manufacture of miniature and small-sized ball bearings with an outer diameter of 30mm or less.23433
Ball Bearing Components
Ball bearings are comprised of four major parts: a large ring (outer ring), a small ring (inner ring), balls between the rings (steel balls), and a cage to prevent the balls from hitting each other. The modern structure dates back to around 1500, when Leonardo da Vinci invented ball bearings to reduce friction against the axles of horsedrawn carts. For more than 500 years, the ball bearing has been defined by this simple structure.
 
The Precision of a Ball Bearing
The main function of a ball bearing is to reduce friction and facilitate smooth rotation of an axis. Modern ball bearings test the very limits of precision. As an example, one of the key elements to making an ultra-precise ball bearing is the degree to which the groove where the balls roll can be made into a perfect circle.
The most important performance measure in judging a ball bearing is the extent to which it reduces friction and facilitates smooth and easy rotation. Ball bearings may end up in aircraft, automobiles, precision medical equipment and many other end products, but no matter the application, it is important to maintain smoothness and minimize friction. Changes in the times brings persification and complexity in end products and machine types along with new performance requirements for ball bearings, including miniaturization, higher rotation speeds, durability and duration, as well as noise reduction.
The Importance of Precision Bearings

Precision is a valuable commodity in the modern world, and bearings are one of the critical tools that help many get the amazing precision they need. For instance, when it comes to machining and manufacturing, the level of precision that can be attained by modern machinery would amaze you. When a builder needs parts fabricated with extremely precise specifications, better components and capabilities make the necessary pinpoint precision possible. But it's not limited to manufacturing and machine tools.
Consider for a moment the equipment the military uses to keep troops safe, scout the battlefield, and get a better picture of the challenges that lie ahead of them. That's right, precision bearings help get the job done. The advanced imaging and infrared equipment on many military vehicles make use of ultra-precise bearings that are engineered to support intricate lens and mirror arrangements.
This not only stabilizes the entire assembly, but it also allows the operator to fine tune the device and gather valuable information unimpeded. Precision ball bearings must hold military optical systems in place at all times, taking advantage of high levels of stiffness, while simultaneously being capable of swift and extremely accurate movement. For another example, consider the helicopters used by the coast guard, forest service, and military. In order to stay stable in combat or rescue situations, helicopters rely on highly advanced stabilization systems that in turn rely on extremely precise mechanical components - such as precision bearings.
However, the widespread use of precision ball bearings isn't limited to just the manufacturing industry and the military. Precision bearings are also used in commercial and medical applications. Very much like in the example of an advanced optics system for the military, precision ball bearings are also used to produce professional grade camera and video systems to fine-tune gyroscopic movement on multiple axes while simultaneously promoting maximum stability. 球轴承英文文献和中文翻译:http://www.751com.cn/fanyi/lunwen_16480.html