Ball Bearings
Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing
Single-row bearings capable of supporting axial loads in both directions, ideal for rolling mill and heavy machinery applications.
Technical Overview
Four-Point Contact Ball Bearings are a specialized type of single-row angular contact ball bearing where the inner and outer rings have gothic arch raceways that create four contact points with each ball. This unique geometry allows a single bearing to support axial loads in both directions as well as radial loads, making it functionally equivalent to a back-to-back arrangement of two angular contact bearings but in a more compact envelope. ANDE four-point contact ball bearings are used in rolling mill applications, large gearboxes, crane slewing rings, and other heavy machinery where bidirectional axial load support is required in a space-efficient design.
Key Features
Technical Specifications
Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is the advantage of four-point contact over angular contact bearings?
A single four-point contact bearing can support axial loads in both directions simultaneously, replacing two single-row angular contact bearings mounted in opposition. This reduces assembly width, simplifies mounting, and saves cost while providing equivalent bidirectional axial capacity.
Q2Where are four-point contact ball bearings used in rolling mills?
In rolling mills, four-point contact ball bearings are used for axial positioning of work rolls and intermediate rolls. They handle the bidirectional thrust forces generated during rolling while occupying minimal axial space in the bearing chock assembly.
Q3What is the gothic arch raceway profile?
The gothic arch profile means the inner and outer ring raceways are formed by two arcs rather than a single radius. This creates four contact points between each ball and the raceways (two on the inner ring, two on the outer ring), enabling the bearing to support axial loads in both directions within a single row.
Q4Can four-point contact bearings handle radial loads?
Four-point contact bearings are primarily designed for axial loads but can support light radial loads. For significant combined loads, they should be paired with a radial bearing (typically a cylindrical roller bearing) that carries the main radial load while the four-point contact bearing handles thrust.
Q5What sizes are available from ANDE?
ANDE manufactures four-point contact ball bearings in bore diameters from 40 mm to 500 mm. Standard series include QJ2, QJ3, and QJ4 with contact angles of 35°. Custom configurations for rolling mill applications are available with modified internal geometry and special heat treatment.
Related Products
Deep Groove Ball Bearing
Versatile bearing type suitable for high-speed applications with radial and axial loads in both directions.
Angular Contact Ball Bearing
Designed for combined loads where high axial forces must be transferred in addition to radial forces, featuring a defined contact angle for optimal load distribution.
Self-Aligning Ball Bearing
Double-row ball bearings with a spherical outer ring raceway that allows self-alignment, ideal for applications with shaft misalignment or deflection.
Thrust Ball Bearing
Bearings consisting of two bearing discs with raceways, developed solely for absorbing axial forces in one direction for precise shaft axial positioning.