Thrust bearings, also known as
compression bearings, are there to absorb forces in the axial direction of the shaft. Their design makes them ideal for
low to medium speeds with low centrifugal forces and high stiffness.In contrast,
deep groove ball bearings in accordance with
DIN 625 implement the support of radial loads, whereby small to medium axial forces can also be absorbed. If the forces act in the direction of the shaft or axis, this is referred to as
axial forces.
Standard radial deep groove ball bearings are not sufficient to dissipate these forces. Ball bearings are required for this purpose, which prevent displacement in the axial direction. Thrust bearings allow
load distribution to all rolling elements, in a completely different way as is the case with radial bearings.