Single row deep groove ball bearings are used in a wide variety of applications, they are simple in design, non-separable, suitable for high speeds and are robust in operation, and need little maintenance. Deep raceway grooves and the close conformity between the raceway grooves and the balls enable deep groove ball bearings to accommodate axial loads in both directions, in addition to radial loads.
Single row deep groove ball bearings are manufactured as open type (unsealed), sealed and shielded, the most popular sizes of deep groove ball bearings are also produced in sealed versions with shields or contact seals on one or both sides, the bearings with shields or seals on both sides are lubricated for life and are maintenance free. A sealed bearings seals has contact on the bearings inner and outer, a shielded bearings shield has contact on the outer only, and Shielded bearings are primarily intended for applications where the inner ring rotates. If the outer ring rotates, there is a risk that the grease will leak from the bearing at high speeds.
Below are a few examples of different manufactures suffix codes,
2Z = Shields on both sides
ZZ = Shields on both sides
Z = Shield on one side
2RS1 = Seals on both sides
2RSH = Seals on both sides
2RSR = Seals on both sides
2RS = Seals on both sides
LLU = Seals on both sides
DDU = Seals on both sides
RS1 = Seal on one side
RSH = Seal on one side
RS = Seal on one side
LU = Seal on one side
DU = Seal on one side
Double row deep groove ball bearings have higher radial load ratings than single row bearings & a very rigid bearing support. The older pressed steel cage design have filling slots in one face & therefore, is less suitable for axial loads in this direction. The latest designs usually fitted with polyamide cages, no longer have filling slots. Therefore some axial load is equally possible in either direction.
Double row deep groove ball bearings are very sensitive to misalignment.
Magneto bearings have an internal design similar to single row deep groove ball bearings. The outer ring is counter bored, which makes it separable & easy to mount. Magneto bearings are suitable for applications where low loads & high speeds occur.