Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing vs. Angular Contact Bearing: Which One to Choose?

Picking the right bearing isn’t just a small choice. It can decide if your machine works smoothly for years or stops at the worst moment. Two popular options engineers often discuss are the four-point contact ball bearing and the angular contact ball bearing. Both are solid choices, but they fit different needs. So, which one is better for you? Let’s break it down clearly.

Four-Point and Angular Contact Ball Bearing

What is a Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing?

A four-point contact ball bearing is a type of single-row angular contact bearing with a smart design. The inner and outer rings are divided into two parts. The grooves are shaped so each ball touches the raceway at four spots. Because of this, it can handle axial loads in both directions and radial loads in a small size.

Key points:

• Manages axial loads both ways and radial loads at once

• Saves space since one bearing does the work of two

• Great for tight spaces where strong performance matters

What is an Angular Contact Ball Bearing?

Angular contact ball bearings are built with contact angles, like 15°, 25°, or 40°. They’re often used in pairs (face to face or back to back) to handle radial and axial loads together. These bearings are dependable, widely used, and common in industrial machines.

Key points:

• Usually need pairs to handle axial loads both ways

• Very stiff and good for combined loads

Core Comparison: Four-Point vs. Angular Contact

Four-point contact ball bearings handle bidirectional axial loads with a single, compact unit, saving space and reducing costs by potentially replacing two bearings. They offer high load capacity due to their split inner ring design and perform well at high speeds.

Angular contact ball bearings, while also suitable for high speeds and precision machinery, typically require a paired arrangement, needing more space and increasing costs. Both bearing types are flexible, but four-point contact bearings are interchangeable with paired angular contact setups, providing a more compact and cost effective solution.

Where Each Bearing Works Best

Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing Applications

• Robotics: Their light build is perfect where weight matters.

• Wind Turbines: They handle axial and radial loads, cutting down parts.

• Turntables and Slewing Rings: Ideal for smooth handling of moment loads.

Angular Contact Ball Bearing Applications

• Machine Tools: Their stiffness helps with precise cutting or grinding.

• Pumps and Compressors: Reliable for mixed loads.

• Automotive Gearboxes: A trusted choice with known performance.

For example, in a robotic arm joint, saving just 5 mm of space can lead to smoother, lighter motion. Here, a four-point contact ball bearing often beats angular contact pairs.

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Cost and Long Term Value

You might think angular contact bearings are cheaper since they’re so common. But you often need two of them instead of one four-point bearing. This changes the cost. Using fewer bearings means fewer parts to put together, fewer chances for problems, and lower costs in the long run.

शंघाई योंघेशुन आयात और निर्यात कं, लिमिटेड।, a company focused on high quality, precise bearings, often suggests four-point bearings to clients in aerospace and wind power. Why? They save space and reduce the number of bearings needed. This cuts project costs.

A Note About Shanghai Yongheshun

Shanghai Yongheshun Import and Export Co., Ltd. isn’t just a trading business. It combines making, selling, trading, and exporting bearings. They know their products well. Their four-point contact ball bearings are used in industrial machines, wind turbines, and robotics. They also offer spherical roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and deep groove ball bearings.

What makes Yongheshun special? Big brands like SKF, NSK, KOYO, and NTN are well known worldwide. But Yongheshun provides similar quality at a better price and with custom options. For buyers wanting good performance without always paying for famous brands, Yongheshun is a smart pick.By the way, they offer custom bearing solutions for unique needs on request.

Technical Insight: Why the Split Inner Ring Matters

One clever feature of the four-point contact ball bearing is its split inner ring. Here’s why it’s important:

• It allows more balls in a bearing of the same size.

• More balls mean it can carry heavier loads.

• It handles mixed loads with less stress.

This is why four-point bearings are common in slewing rings for cranes and big rotating machines. Even if a heavy load shifts suddenly, the bearing stays stable.

Space Saving Advantage: The Hidden Win

Picture designing a small gearbox. You don’t want a bulky bearing setup taking up 20 mm of extra space. Four-point contact bearings shine here. They replace a pair of angular contacts with one bearing. This saves space, simplifies the design, and makes machines lighter. It also means easier assembly and less maintenance.

Conclusion

Both four-point contact ball bearings and angular contact ball bearings have their place in machine design. If you need stiffness and a trusted setup with pairs, angular contact bearings are a safe choice. But if your project needs to handle axial loads both ways, save space, and cut costs, the four-point contact bearing is the better pick.

For businesses choosing between them, it’s about weighing cost, space, and load needs. Talking to a knowledgeable supplier like Shanghai Yongheshun helps. They don’t just sell bearings, they guide you to the best one for your machine.

FAQs

What is the main difference between a four-point contact ball bearing and an angular contact ball bearing?

The key difference is how they handle loads. A four-point contact bearing manages axial loads both ways with one bearing. An angular contact bearing usually needs pairs to do the same.

Are four-point contact ball bearings more cost effective than angular contact bearings?

Yes, often they are. One four-point bearing can replace two angular contact bearings. This saves on parts, assembly time, and maintenance costs.

Can I replace paired angular contact ball bearings with a single four-point contact ball bearing?

Yes, in most cases. A four-point bearing is made to replace face to face or back to back angular contact setups, as long as the load ratings fit your needs.

Do four-point contact ball bearings run well at high speeds?

Yes, they do. Their design supports fast spinning with smooth performance, making them great for robotics, turbines, and aerospace systems.

Why should I consider Yongheshun bearings instead of SKF, NSK, KOYO, or NTN?

SKF, NSK, KOYO, and NTN are top global brands. But Yongheshun offers similar quality at a lower price with flexible custom options. For many buyers, it’s a great mix of performance and value.