Which bearing is designed for radial direction with minimal axial loading?

The ball bearing is specifically designed to carry radial loads efficiently while accommodating minimal axial loading. The structure of ball bearings consists of spherical balls that sit between inner and outer races. This arrangement allows them to support loads that are applied perpendicular to the axis of rotation, making them excellent for applications where radial loads are predominant, such as in electric motors, wheels, and fans.

In contrast, tapered bearings are designed to handle both radial and a significant amount of axial loads, making them more suitable for applications requiring thrust. Needle bearings also support radial loads but are optimized for applications where space constraints exist, and they can handle some axial loading but not as effectively as other types. Thrust bearings are specifically designed to support axial loads, making them unsuitable for applications where primarily radial support is needed. Thus, ball bearings are the ideal choice for applications necessitating a focus on radial direction with minimal axial loading.