<P> Bearings with a flange on the outer ring simplify axial location . The housing for such bearings can consist of a through - hole of uniform diameter, but the entry face of the housing (which may be either the outer or inner face) must be machined truly normal to the hole axis . However such flanges are very expensive to manufacture . A more cost effective arrangement of the bearing outer ring, with similar benefits, is a snap ring groove at either or both ends of the outside diameter . The snap ring assumes the function of a flange . </P> <P> Cages are typically used to secure the balls in a Conrad - style ball bearing . In other construction types they may decrease the number of balls depending on the specific cage shape, and thus reduce the load capacity . Without cages the tangential position is stabilized by sliding of two convex surfaces on each other . With a cage the tangential position is stabilized by a sliding of a convex surface in a matched concave surface, which avoids dents in the balls and has lower friction . Caged roller bearings were invented by John Harrison in the mid-18th century as part of his work on chronographs . </P> <P> Ceramic bearing balls can weigh up to 40% less than steel ones, depending on size and material . This reduces centrifugal loading and skidding, so hybrid ceramic bearings can operate 20% to 40% faster than conventional bearings . This means that the outer race groove exerts less force inward against the ball as the bearing spins . This reduction in force reduces the friction and rolling resistance . The lighter balls allow the bearing to spin faster, and uses less energy to maintain its speed . </P> <P> The ceramic balls are typically harder than the race . Due to wear, with time they will form a groove in the race . This is preferable to the balls wearing which would leave them with possible flat spots significantly harming performance . </P>

Explain the different types of radial ball bearing