Which type of bearing typically provides lower friction?

Anti-friction bearings are designed to minimize friction between the moving parts, which leads to increased efficiency and reduced wear over time. These bearings often incorporate rolling elements, such as balls or rollers, which roll along the raceways instead of sliding, as seen in plain or friction bearings. This rolling action significantly reduces the contact surface area and, consequently, the friction that occurs during operation.

In contrast, plain bearings and friction bearings rely on sliding motion, which typically results in higher friction levels due to the surface characteristics and the need for lubrication to reduce wear. Although ball bearings are a type of anti-friction bearing that uses spherical elements to reduce friction, the term "anti-friction bearings" encompasses all roller types, including those that utilize different shapes of rolling elements, providing a broader context for lower friction characteristics. Hence, anti-friction bearings in general are designed to operate with lower friction than their counterparts, making them more suitable for high-speed applications with less heat generation.