In angular contact ball bearings, the forces are transmitted from one raceway to the other at a specific contact angle (oblique to the radial plane). The bearings are therefore suitable for radial and axial loads acting simultaneously.

As the nominal contact angle increases, so does the axial load carrying capacity. As a result, angular contact ball bearings are more suitable than deep groove ball bearings for supporting higher axial forces.

The bearings are available in a single row design as single bearings or as a pair of universal bearings as well as in a double row design.

Single row angular contact ball bearings are particularly suitable where:

• bearing arrangements must support combined loads
• moderate to high axial loads are present on one side
• rigid axial guidance is required
• the bearing arrangement must be axially clearance-free or preloaded
• high speeds are required under higher radial and axial loads.

Double row angular contact ball bearings are particularly suitable where:

• the design envelope is not sufficient under high loads for a pair of single row angular contact ball bearings
• high radial and axial loads are acting simultaneously
• tilting moments must also be supported
• a relatively rigid bearing arrangement is required.