Thrust ball bearings are specialized rotary bearings designed primarily to support axial loads. Unlike radial bearings that handle forces parallel to the shaft, thrust bearings are optimized for handling forces perpendicular to the shaft. These bearings consist of bearing balls supported within a ring (raceway). They are suitable for low-thrust applications where the axial load is minimal. While thrust ball bearings can handle axial forces in one or two directions, they are not designed to handle radial loads. These bearings find common use in various applications, including automotive, marine, and aerospace systems.