Standard bearing lines are most often designed to handle either radial or axial load conditions. The unique feature of the Reali-Slim Type X four-point contact thin section ball bearing line is that the gothic arch geometry of the inner and outer races enables a single bearing to carry three types of loading (radial, axial and moment) simultaneously. This makes it the bearing of choice for many applications since a single four-point contact bearing can often replace two bearings, providing a simplified design.
Type X bearings may also be furnished with an internal diametral preload for those applications requiring greater stiffness or zero free play. This is accomplished by using balls that are larger than the space provided between the raceways. The balls and raceways, therefore, have some elastic deformation in the absence of an external load.
