Your guide to modern ball bearings

Ball bearings can be used in a range of applications, from medical and packaging technology to electronics and office technology. Since these components are available in different types of materials, each with their own set of features and benefits, weighing the pros and cons of a specific kind of ball bearing can become an important part of the design process. Ball bearings are most commonly made of steel, ceramic or plastic. While every ball bearing is comprised of four main parts—an outer race, an inner race, a cage and balls—each has its own set of unique characteristics.