Single row angular contact ball bearings can carry axial load acting in one direction only. In many applications, angular contact ball bearings in pairs or multi-arrangement should be used. The axial load carrying capacity of angular contact ball bearings increases with the increase of contact angle.
 
Individual bearings of this type are capable of taking radial loads and also axial loads in one direction. Contact angles of 15°, 25°, 30°, and 40° are available. The larger the contact angle, the higher the axial load capacity. For high-speed operation, however, the smaller contact angles are preferred. Usually, two bearings are used in duplex pairs, and the clearance between them must be adjusted properly.
Pressed steel cages are commonly used, however, for high precision bearings with a contact angle less than 30°, polyamide resin cages are often used.