Deep groove ball bearings are available in a variety of sizes. This type of bearing supports radial load and a small degree of axial load in both directions simultaneously. Deep groove ball bearings are popular due to their versatility, affordability, and capability to run at high speeds. Timken offers deep groove ball bearings in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Offered sizes range from 3 mm to 400 mm bore, and maximum outside diameter of 600 mm.
Open bearings are typically only used in clean oil bath applications where secondary sealing methods protect the bearing from external contaminants.
Metal shielded bearings have a small air gap between the inner race and the metal shield allowing oil to pass through to the rolling elements while protecting it from larger particles. However, this small gap can be a liability as it allows dust, dirt and moisture to pass through and contaminate the bearing; therefor they should not be selected for use in contaminated environments.
If a completely sealed environment is required, the rubber sealed type is the best suited choice as the seals lips physically contact the bearings inner race.
Open and metal shielded bearings are capable of higher RPM speeds than rubber sealed types as there is no physical contact between the bearings inner race and the metal shield.