Deep Groove vs Angular Contact Ball Bearings: Which is Best for Your Application?

Choosing the right bearing is crucial for machine performance and lifespan. Two common types – Angular Contact Ball Bearings (ACBBs) and Deep Groove Ball Bearings (DGBBs) – serve different purposes. Understanding their key differences helps you select the best option.

1. Core Function & Design

Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Built to handle combined loads: significant radial loads AND heavy one-way axial (thrust) loads.
Key Feature: Contact Angle – The angle where the ball touches the inner and outer races is not zero. Common angles are 15°, 25°, and 40°. A larger angle means greater axial load capacity.
The inner and outer raceways are offset to create this angle, which also means these bearings are typically mounted in pairs (DB, DF, or DT configurations) to handle axial loads in both directions.

Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Primarily designed to handle heavy radial loads.
Can tolerate light bidirectional axial loads, but significantly less than ACBBs.
Feature deep, continuous raceway grooves with symmetrical shoulders. They are simple, compact, and often used singly, making them ideal for general-purpose applications.

2. Load Capacity – The Big Difference

This is the key distinction:

• ACBBs excel under heavy axial loads due to their contact angle design, offering high axial stiffness and precision.
• DGBBs perform poorly under significant axial loads. Applying heavy thrust forces can drastically reduce bearing life.

3. When to Use Which Bearing?

 Choose Angular Contact Bearings (ACBBs) when:

• You need to support heavy axial loads in one direction.
• High speed, precision, or rigidity is required (especially under axial force).
• Applications demand precise axial positioning.

Common Applications:
Machine tool spindles, high-speed motors, precision gearboxes, pumps, robotics, and centrifugal equipment.

Choose Deep Groove Bearings (DGBBs) when:

• Radial loads dominate, and axial loads are light or moderate.
• You need a cost-effective, simple solution for general machinery.
• Bidirectional axial loads are present but minimal.

Common Applications:
General-purpose electric motors, household appliances (fans, washing machines), conveyors, instruments, and light-duty gearboxes.

4. Can You Pair Them Together? (Combination Use)

While DGBBs are typically used alone and ACBBs often in pairs, combining one ACBB and one DGBB on the same shaft is sometimes used to balance performance and cost — especially when axial loads are moderate but not extreme.

Typical Setup:

• Fixed End (Location Side): Use the Angular Contact Bearing to handle the primary axial load and provide axial positioning.
• Floating End (Non-Location Side): Use the Deep Groove Bearing to manage radial loads and allow for thermal expansion of the shaft without causing binding.

Critical Considerations:

• Load Calculation: Ensure the DGBB is not overloaded axially.
• Axial Clearance: Maintain precise axial play to allow for thermal expansion. Too little causes binding; too much causes looseness.
• Mounting Precision: Shaft and housing must be concentric and perpendicular. Misalignment reduces performance and lifespan.
• Size Compatibility: Bearings should have matching bore/OD or be compatible with the housing design.

Tip: This hybrid setup is ideal for cost-sensitive applications where full ACBB pairing is unnecessary but better axial support than a DGBB alone is needed.

5. Choosing the Right Bearing – Quick Reference Table

Why Trust Beining Technology?

Beining Intelligent Technology (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in both Angular Contact Bearings and Deep Groove Ball Bearings. With extensive experience in bearing design and manufacturing, we offer customized, high-precision solutions for diverse industrial needs. Our in-house R&D team ensures innovation and quality control at every stage, from material selection to final inspection. Whether you need standard P4/P2 precision bearings or non-standard designs for robotics, motors, or spindles, Beining delivers high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective products that earn customer trust.

Final Thoughts

Remember:

• DGBB = Radial Load Champion
• ACBB = Axial Load Specialist

For cost-sensitive projects needing moderate axial load support — where paired ACBBs might be overkill — consider combining one ACBB (fixed end) and one DGBB (floating end), provided installation is precise and loads are well-calculated.

Selecting the right bearing — or pairing — ensures your machine runs smoothly, efficiently, and lasts longer.