What is the Most Popular Ball Bearing?

If you work in the mechanical industry or even just do some DIY projects occasionally, you have surely used this. It is an unremarkable but crucial player in the field of motion control. It can be found in your skateboard wheels, the drum of a washing machine, and the gearbox of the electric vehicle that everyone is talking about.

So, what is the most popular type of ball bearing on the market? Without a doubt, the answer is single row deep groove ball bearing.

This specific style accounts for 44% of the global ball bearing market. This is not just because they are cheap, in fact they do have cost advantages. This is because for mechanical designers, they are the ultimate white spot for achieving freedom. 

Imagine such a component, it can withstand radial loads (for example, when a heavy object presses against the shaft), and at the same time can also withstand axial loads (the thrust in the front and back directions). This is a brief overview of the deep groove ball bearing.

When we examine the data from production sites and the latest industry reports, series such as 60/62/63, including thin section designs 67/68/69, are the real workhorses. These products are widely used in electric motors, automobiles, household appliances, wellness equipment, and handheld tools.

At Welink Bearing, we specialize in these very series. With three modern factories covering over 20000㎡and more than 200 automated production lines, we produce deep groove ball bearings in the range of ID 2–50mm and OD 5–100mm. Whether you need the compact 68/69 thin section series for space-constrained applications, the versatile 60 series for small motors, or the heavy-duty 62/63 series for industrial gearboxes, we have them all.

During our many years of export experience, we have found that the popularity of engineering products depends on their predictability. Deep groove bearings are a product with predictability. They are flexible and do not panic. No matter if the load comes from the left or the right, they can adapt to the changes. In terms of speed, due to the point contact of the balls, the friction is smaller. These bearings can operate at high speeds without overheating. They run quietly, and in applications such as medical equipment or food processing, noise is the enemy. Deep groove bearings are meticulously designed to run smoothly and quietly.

Just because something is standard does not mean it is dull and uninteresting. Deep groove ball bearings are constantly evolving. Let's take a look at the current measures of large manufacturers like NSK. They recently launched a new type of deep groove ball bearing specifically designed for the drive unit of electric vehicles, which is 51% lighter than the previous models. 

The automotive industry urgently needs to reduce weight to increase battery range. This conveys a key message to us: deep groove ball bearings not only survive but are also adapting to future developments.

Welink Bearing keeps pace with these trends. Our OEM/ODM service allows us to customize bearings to meet specific requirements, including precision grades P0, P6, P5, and P4 upon request. With certifications like ISO 9001:2015, ROHS, and REACH, we ensure that every bearing we ship meets international standards.

If you are purchasing electric motors, general industrial machinery, or automotive components, then you are likely already using deep groove ball bearings. The question is not whether you need them, but which model you should choose.

At Welink Bearing, we are passionate and dedicated to these small metal rings. Whether you need the standard chrome steel version (AISI 52100) for the gearbox or the stainless steel version (AISI 440C) for food-grade applications to prevent the occurrence of corrosion, we will help you understand the relevant specification requirements. And with our three strategic factory locations (Ningbo, Ningde, and Anhui) and export head office in Xiamen, we ensure fast delivery and reliable supply. Contact us today, we love talking about bearings as much as we love making them.