Miniature Precision Thrust Bearing Selection Checklist - PIB Sales

Author: Jessica

Jul. 21, 2025

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Miniature Precision Thrust Bearing Selection Checklist - PIB Sales

Miniature Thrust bearings consist of a bearing washer with or without a raceway groove and a retainer incorporating a ball. They are designed for axial loads in only one direction. The friction torque is small and is generally applied in low to medium rotational speed applications. Thrust ball bearings are designed to take axial (thrust) loads at high speeds, but cannot tolerate radial loads. 

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Companies like ISC and NSK have the technical capabilities to manufacture reliable submicron precision bearings. Companies like NSK and ISC have the development abilities to meet customer needs and the engineering prowess to innovate. Companies like NSK Micro Precision  and ISC manufacture ball bearings and are the leaders in miniature bearing manufacturing technology. Pacific International Bearings is a leading USA based Distribution company and specializes in high precision miniature ball bearings. PIB has stock on most sizes of NSK/ISC thrust ball bearings in Union City California USA. 

Buy miniature thrust ball bearings by visiting the online store at Pacific International Bearing Sales Inc.

In  precision instrumentation applications such as medical devices, and mini actuators, choosing the appropriate miniature thrust bearings is critical. This article offers engineering-focused criteria for selection, covering material types, axial load capacities, and dimensional tolerances.

Miniature Thrust bearings consist of a flat bearing washer without a raceway groove and a retainer incorporating a ball. It can load only axial loads in one direction. The friction torque is small. Applicable for low-speed rotation.

Thrust ball grooved races

When the races are grooved a higher rated load is achieved. When a raceway groove is added it reduces the contact between the shaft and the housing by capturing the movement of the ball and retainer during rotation.

Miniature Thrust ball bearings are intended for applications with high axial loading, lower speeds and a relatively high torque. Some companies like Timken precision offer these bearings standard in stainless steel to be used where inert materials are required. Typical applications include fuel control systems.

Other Applications for Miniature Thrust ball bearings include medical devices, surgical devices, all types of medical instruments, office automation equipment, small tools, power tools, electric motors, small gearboxes, gear reducers, science and laboratory equipment, automotive and numerous industrial and commercial applications. There is no limit for applying small miniature thrust ball bearings to take advantage of the small envelope design potential.

NSK, ISC  Angular contact bearing for JIS 69 series allows for the downsizing of the ball screw support unit. NSK, ISC miniature thrust angular contact bearings will have three times higher axial stiffness than standard deep groove ball bearings. 

ISC /NSK offer a comprehensive line of maintenance free high quality double shielded, lubed for life micro bearings. After purchase ISC/NSK provide easy installation instructions with preloads and recommended torque tightening values with every bearing.

ISC/NSK miniature thrust bearings are available with anti-fretting grease (EA7) and clean grease (LG2)

These bearings are available with P5 class accuracy.

Applications for Miniature Thrust Angular Contact ball bearings include ball screws, actuators, robotic arms, gear reducers to name a few. Companies like NSK/ISC offer Standard specification (material + grease) high carbon chromium bearing steel SUJ 2 + Long Life Urea Grease EA7.

Featured content:
Thread: Bearing Selection and Loads

For more information, please visit Thrust Bearing Manufacturer.

Stainless steel ES-1 + Low particle emission grease LG2.

These bearings as universally ground can be paired in (DB) back to back, tandem (TD), or (DF) face to face configurations.

Compact support unit for ball screw support

The industry’s first lightweight, compact and higher stiffness support unit for supporting miniature ball screws of 3 to 8 mm is now available.

To purchase compact support units for ball screw supports contact [ protected]

Pivot Ball Bearings

ISC Pivot ball bearings consist of an outer ring and several balls and supports a conical section (usually 60 degree pivots) at the tip of the rotating shaft. Friction torque is small due to the small pitch diameter of the ball and the shape of the pivot part of the shaft.

ISC Pivot ball bearing part numbers begin with the 3mm (D) size and increase with the BCF4X(4mm) BCF5(5mm), BCF6(6mm), BCF7(7mm), BCF8(8mm), BCF9(9mm), BCF10(10mm), BCF12 (12mm), BCF12X(12mm), BCF13(13mm), BCF14(14mm), BCF16(16mm).

Pivot ball bearings range in size from 0. into 0. in in addition to the metric dimensions above.  They are designed for tight space applications where low torque is a requirement. Pivot bearings use the mating shaft as the inner raceway. This bearing type achieves maximum power density with a full complement of large sized balls. They are designed with no cage separator or inner ring. Some manufacturers offer this type of bearing with shields. A typical application is for guidance systems or in commercial gyroscopes.

Load-Bearing Capacity

A fundamental criterion in the selection of miniature thrust bearings is their ability to handle axial loads. This capability is quantified by load ratings provided by manufacturers, but it’s also crucial to understand how to calculate these values based on specific application requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right miniature thrust bearing requires evaluation of speeds and loads and bearing materials. The bearing engineer must consider the  load-bearing carrying capacity, dimensional tolerances, and lubrication requirements. Material selection can vary from  440C stainless steel to AISI steel and can include the use of  Silicon Nitride ceramic balls, and flat or grooved washers. Axial load capacity, calculated through engineering formulas, is important in selecting the correct bearing for your application.

Thrust Bearings - Axial Bearings From Torque Transmission

With Thrust Bearings or Axial Bearings, the force is parallel to the axis, which pushes against the bearing. The primary application is to separate a rotating surface from a non-rotating surface. Other examples would be supporting a rotary table or absorbing the thrust of a propeller.

How to Choose the Correct Thrust Bearings

  • Define the application: what is the design intended to do? Also include shaft dimensions or space dimensions for the thrust bearings.
  • Force or load against the bearing: What pressure or load is pressing on the thrust bearings?
  • Preload: Bearing preload is a predetermined load applied to a bearing and is separate from application loads. Preload is a design consideration to increase rigidity and decrease vibration and sliding friction. Preload must be considered and added to the application load when evaluating the total load.
  • RPM of the application?
  • Hours of operation or cycle time?
  • Operating environment, does the operating environment require special consideration?

A Torque Transmission Thrust Bearing

A three-piece set, a Molded Ball Retainer, and two Thrust Washers.

  • The Nylon Ball Retainer is Injected molded using heat-stabilized nylon 6/6
  • The balls are carbon or stainless steel, hardened to Rc 60 and finished to Grade 100, 0.-inch tolerance.
  • The thrust washers are stamped to a tight ID and OD tolerance, heat treated, and finished to a 10-micro-inch finish.
  • The Carbon Steel Washer is CR hardened to Rc 59-61
  • The Stainless Steel Thrust Washer is CR 410 Stainless hardened to Rc 38-42


Torque Transmission's Advantages

  • Lightweight nylon retainer
  • Natural lubricity
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Extremely quiet operation.
  • Economical, longest-lasting

We manufacture high-quality thrust bearings in a wide range of sizes and materials – inch or metric, carbon or stainless steel.

If your bearing requirements do not meet our standard sizes – call us at 440-352-.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Thrust Pad Bearing. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Ask, We Are Here to Help

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