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Ball bearings play a critical role in various mechanical devices with moving parts, making it possible for components to move relative to each other with high efficiency and minimal friction.
A ball bearing is a type of rolling element consisting of inner and outer rings — also called races —separated by a series of spherical balls. When radial or axial loads are applied to the bearing, movement is induced in either the inner or outer ring, causing the balls to rotate.
Ball bearings operate based on the simple premise that rolling produces a much lower coefficient of friction than sliding. In other words, objects will roll better than they slide. Ball bearings are used in numerous applications across various industries, making it possible to operate machinery without constant replacement due to wear and tear.
The Versatility of Ball Bearings
Since their introduction in the late 18th century, ball bearings have revolutionized countless industries. And as technology has evolved and advanced, various bearing materials and configurations have become available to meet different application requirements.
Simple, reliable, and highly effective, ball bearings are immensely valuable for reducing friction and wear while improving operational efficiency in all types of machinery.
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