Miniature ball bearings can be open or shielded, which helps prevent dirt from entering and lubricant from leaking out, and unflanged or flanged for easier plate mounting. Some miniature ball bearing options feature extended inner rings to help fit certain locking devices when a press fit is not possible.Miniature Thrust Ball Bearings Miniature Thrust Ball Bearings Set 3 parts, 2 Washers and Retained Bearings. Miniature thrust bearings can withstand axial or thrust loads only. There are separate types of miniature thrust axial bearings with either flat races or washers incorporating a groove.

Miniature bearings are sometimes referred to as instrument bearings or micro bearings and are used in applications as varied as gyros, anemometers, flow meters, miniature gearboxes, small motors and radio controlled models. Miniature ball bearings are offered from a bore diameter of 1mm.