Ball bearings consist of two hardened metal rings separated by a set number of perfectly spherical steel balls spaced equilaterally with a bearing cage. The balls run along concave grooves set into the rings placed one inside the other. Ball bearings can be found in everything from the washing machines to computers.

The ball bearing system requires a thin film of lubricant for high -speed applicationsto reduce friction and facilitate heat dissipation, corrosion prevention, and long bearing life. The raceways and the balls both have a fine surface finish and with proper lubrication less noise, less torque and long life, all can be achieved. Ball bearings require one time lubrication that happens during the manufacture.

Ball bearings may fail due to improper lubrication, excessive temperature or if the bearing or the raceway has been damaged.