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Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings

Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings: The Unsung Heroes of Industrial Machinery

When we think of industrial machinery, we often overlook the intricate components that make it all work. Among these unsung heroes are four-point contact ball bearings. These versatile bearings play a pivotal role in a wide variety of applications, from cranes to conveyors. Understanding how these bearings work and where they’re used can help you appreciate the complex engineering that powers heavy machinery.

  • 010, QWA, QNA

  • Joylax

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What Are Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings?

structure of four point contact slewing bearing

Four-point contact ball bearings are a class of radial, single-row angular contact bearings designed to support both radial and axial loads. These bearings are unique because they can handle bidirectional axial loads, which means  they’re capable of supporting force in both directions along the axis of rotation. The bearing’s design includes raceways that allow the balls to make contact at four distinct points, hence the name.


Different type 

01 series Single row ball 1

Q series single row ball

Structure and Design

The four-point contact ball bearing features a set of ball bearings arranged in such a way that they form two contact points per ball on each raceway. This unique design enables the bearing to handle a combination of radial and axial forces without losing efficiency. It’s this dual functionality that sets it apart from standard radial ball bearings.

    

QWA type

QWA type

011 & 012 type

011/012 type

without teeth type

without teeth type

external type

External teeth type

How Do Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings Work?

These bearings are engineered to manage both radial and axial loads simultaneously. Radial loads are the forces that push perpendicular to the axis of rotation, while axial loads are those that push along the axis. Four-point contact ball bearings excel in handling these combined forces due to their design, which distributes the load across the balls in contact with the raceways.

Aaxial and Radial Load Handling

The bearing's structure allows it to handle both types of loads at once. This is particularly important in industrial machinery that faces multiple forces during operation. The raceways are carefully crafted to distribute the pressure evenly, minimizing wear and tear.

Axial Load

Axial load

Radial Load

Radial load

Tilting Moment load

Title moment load

 

The Role of the Ball and Raceway

The balls themselves play a critical role in reducing friction and ensuring smooth movement. The raceways, which are precision-engineered grooves, allow the balls to roll efficiently, reducing the risk of metal-to-metal contact and wear.

Material Composition: The Backbone of Durability

The materials used to manufacture four-point contact ball bearings are crucial to their performance and longevity. Three primary materials are commonly used in their construction:

50 Mn Steel

This material is known for its high tensile strength and ability to withstand heavy loads, making it ideal for use in bearings that handle significant industrial stresses.

42CrMo Steel

A high-carbon alloy steel, 42CrMo offers exceptional wear resistance and is frequently used in applications requiring high strength and durability.

C45 Steel

C45 is a medium-carbon steel that strikes a balance between strength and toughness. It's commonly used in components where a combination of both is necessary for long-term reliability.

The Advantages of Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings

These bearings offer a range of advantages that make them indispensable in modern industrial machinery:

Space Efficiency

The compact design of four-point contact ball bearings allows for higher load capacity within a smaller footprint, making them ideal for applications where space is at a premium.

Ability to Handle Combined Loads

Unlike conventional bearings that may only handle one type of load at a time, four-point contact ball bearings can manage both axial and radial loads simultaneously, which simplifies the design and improves overall performance.

Reduced Design Complexity

The ability to handle multiple forces reduces the need for multiple bearings in a single application, leading to more streamlined and cost-effective machinery designs.

Design Variations: Customizing the Bearing for Different Applications

Slewing Ring Bearings

For more demanding applications, four-point contact ball bearings can be engineered into slewing ring bearings, which incorporate larger raceways and can support even greater loads.

Bolted Raceways and Integral Gearing

Some bearings feature bolted raceways and built-in gearing, allowing them to handle higher levels of stress and torque, and improving the overall functionality of machinery.



Different installation methods ,such as seat installation , hanging type installation , vertical installation can meet the requests of various application fields and scenarios. 


   

Istallation method

Seat frame installing

seat frame installing


Applications of Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings

Four-point contact ball bearings are used across a variety of industries, with applications in machinery that must handle complex and variable loads.

Slewing Conveyors

These bearings are integral to slewing conveyors, where they enable smooth and efficient rotation of the conveyor's components, ensuring that materials are transported with precision.

Welding Manipulators

In welding applications, these bearings are used to facilitate the precise movement of equipment, allowing for optimal positioning during welding processes.

Cranes: Truck-Mounted, Deck, and Aerial Platform

Crane operations, whether truck-mounted, deck-mounted, or on aerial platforms, require bearings that can withstand high radial and axial loads. Four-point contact ball bearings offer the durability and stability needed to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Excavators and Heavy Equipment

Excavators and other heavy machinery rely on these bearings to maintain stability and ensure that the movement of the arm and bucket is smooth and controlled, even under heavy loads.

Truck lift

Truck crane 

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Window cleaner

AGV trolley

AGV trolley

1736084846121

Port machine 

1736084973067

Wind power generation

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Medical machine

How Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings Improve Machinery Performance

By allowing machinery to handle more complex load conditions without compromising performance, these bearings enhance overall machinery efficiency.

Increased Load Capacity

The ability to bear both axial and radial loads means that these bearings can take on higher loads, extending the service life of the machinery and reducing the likelihood of failure.

Enhanced Stability and Durability

These bearings help to maintain the stability of machinery, especially in dynamic environments where forces change rapidly, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing the risk of malfunction.

Maintenance and Longevity of Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of these bearings. Regular inspections, lubrication, and monitoring for signs of wear and tear can extend the lifespan of these components significantly.

Regular Inspections and Lubrication

Ensure bearings are regularly cleaned and lubricated to prevent friction buildup and reduce wear.

Signs of Wear and Tear

Watch for signs like increased noise, vibration, or heat buildup, which may indicate that the bearings need attention.

Challenges and Solutions in Using Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings

While these bearings offer excellent performance, they do come with challenges such as load imbalances and adverse environmental conditions.

Load Imbalances

Ensuring the proper distribution of loads is crucial to prevent premature failure of the bearing.

Environmental Conditions

Harsh environments, like those with extreme temperatures or exposure to corrosive substances, can affect the lifespan of the bearings. Choosing the right material and design can mitigate these risks.

Future Trends in Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings

As industries continue to evolve, so too will the design and materials used in four-point contact ball bearings.

Innovation in Materials and Design

Advancements in materials science may lead to stronger, more durable bearings that can handle even greater stresses.

Increasing Demand in Automation

As automation becomes more prevalent, the need for bearings that can handle complex loads will only increase, pushing the development of more specialized designs.

Conclusion

Four-point contact ball bearings play a critical role in modern industrial machinery. Their ability to handle multiple types of loads simultaneously makes them an essential component in applications ranging from cranes to conveyors. As industries evolve, these bearings will continue to be refined and adapted to meet the demands of increasingly complex machinery.

FAQsfaqs3

1.What is the difference between a four-point contact ball bearing and a regular ball bearing?

A four-point contact ball bearing can handle both radial and axial loads simultaneously, whereas a standard ball bearing typically only handles radial loads.

2. What industries use four-point contact ball bearings?

These bearings are used in industries like construction, manufacturing, automation, and material handling, particularly in machinery such as cranes, excavators, and conveyors.

3. How do I know when a four-point contact ball bearing needs replacement?

Look for signs of excessive noise, vibration, or difficulty in movement, which could indicate wear or failure.

4. Can four-point contact ball bearings handle very high loads?

Yes, these bearings are designed to handle both high radial and axial loads, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.

5. What is the lifespan of a four-point contact ball bearing?

The lifespan depends on factors like load, maintenance, and operating conditions, but regular maintenance can significantly extend their service lifeabout 6000-1000h.


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