Industry
Fact-checked

At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Ball Bearings?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

Ball bearings, also known as anti-friction bearings, are small metallic or ceramic spheres used to reduce friction between shafts and axles in a number of applications. They are often used in a series to absorb the weight placed on a moving part, or in individual cages to reduce friction in axle assemblies. Most are manufactured to meet very exacting standards of roundness, since any deformation can cause the moving parts to fail unexpectedly.

The concept of ball bearings can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire, but many sources credit Leonardo da Vinci with the first practical designs. It wasn't until 1791, however, when an Welsh carriage maker and inventor named Philip Vaughan patented the first axle assembly to use them. Previous carriage axles would eventually wear out from the effects of friction, but Vaughan's use of ball bearings eliminated the direct contact between the drive shaft and axle.

Ball bearings are small metallic or ceramic spheres used to reduce frictions between parts.
Ball bearings are small metallic or ceramic spheres used to reduce frictions between parts.

Following their early use in drive shafts, factory engineers found other applications in the manufacturing arena. Individual parts could be moved easily over ramps equipped with these bearings. Motor-driven machines became more efficient as they reduced friction between parts. Unlike other types of bearings, ball bearings allow for both rotary and axial movement, which added versatility to machine design.

Ball bearings are used in the axles of roller skates.
Ball bearings are used in the axles of roller skates.

One of the most common examples of ball bearings in action is the roller skate. Four wheels are attached to two axles on the bottom of a boot. A closer inspection of these wheels reveals a collection of small metal balls that surround the axle. As the skater places his or her full weight on the wheels, each ball absorbs the load temporarily. As the skater pushes forward, they roll in a track around the axle. Because the ball bearings are perfectly round and smooth, there is very little friction generated between them. They allow the skater to move in a straight line with little resistance.

Many sources credit Leonardo da Vinci with the first practical designs that use ball bearings.
Many sources credit Leonardo da Vinci with the first practical designs that use ball bearings.

Manufacturing ball bearings is surprisingly similar to forming balls of dough. A supply of metal wire approximately the same diameter as the bearings is placed in a machine with two plates designed as hemispheres. When the two halves are brought together forcefully, a rough metal ball is formed. The problem is, some additional metal shards called flashing still remain. The balls are then placed in another machine that removes the flashing to create a perfect state of roundness.

Many types of axle systems, such as those on bikes and vehicles, use ball bearings.
Many types of axle systems, such as those on bikes and vehicles, use ball bearings.

This second machine consists of two grooved plates, one with an open notch to receive the ball bearings. As this machine fills with unfinished balls, the upper grooved plate begins to twist in different directions over the immovable bottom plate. This action is similar to a cook using his or her hands to form balls of dough. The first run through this machine removes the flashing and helps the bearings become fairly uniform in size.

In-line skates typically make use of ball bearings.
In-line skates typically make use of ball bearings.

A second run through the same machine adds a lubricating liquid and abrasives to the mix. The ball bearings are ground down to a precise size by the action of the abrasives. Once the balls have reached an acceptable size and uniformity, a third run uses a polishing agent to give them a friction-reducing shine. All of the bearings are given one final inspection to check for imperfections before they are approved for use in other applications.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular AboutMechanics contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular AboutMechanics contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

pv81063

I want to know the design parameters DFMEA for ball bearings

anon30045

I am very much eager to know how the balls of bearings are made with such a surface finish and roundness.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Ball bearings are small metallic or ceramic spheres used to reduce frictions between parts.
      By: j_paul
      Ball bearings are small metallic or ceramic spheres used to reduce frictions between parts.
    • Ball bearings are used in the axles of roller skates.
      By: Lusoimages
      Ball bearings are used in the axles of roller skates.
    • Many sources credit Leonardo da Vinci with the first practical designs that use ball bearings.
      By: Juulijs
      Many sources credit Leonardo da Vinci with the first practical designs that use ball bearings.
    • Many types of axle systems, such as those on bikes and vehicles, use ball bearings.
      By: JPS
      Many types of axle systems, such as those on bikes and vehicles, use ball bearings.
    • In-line skates typically make use of ball bearings.
      By: 2xSamara.com
      In-line skates typically make use of ball bearings.