Which type of bearing does NOT typically use rolling elements?

Plain bearings are unique in that they do not utilize rolling elements like balls or rollers to minimize friction between moving parts. Instead, they consist of two surfaces that slide against each other. The operation relies primarily on a lubricating film to reduce friction and wear. This design allows plain bearings to excel in certain applications where the load is steady and where the dimensions of the bearing can accommodate the required lubrication effectively.

Ball bearings, antifriction bearings, and tapered roller bearings each incorporate rolling elements, which facilitate smoother rotational movement by distributing loads more efficiently. Since rolling elements reduce surface contact area, they also diminish friction compared to sliding contact and enhance the overall performance of the bearing in dynamic applications. In contrast, the lack of rolling elements in plain bearings means they operate differently, often suited for conditions where low speeds and lower loads are common.