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.

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.