Description:
Bearing retainers, also referred to as bearing cages, are used in rotary and linear bearings to separate and maintain a specified distance between rolling elements, whether they are balls, needle rollers, or rollers. Bearing retainers reduce wear between elements, minimize the build-up of heat, and help lengthen bearing life.
Retainer and Cage Types
In rotary bearings, there are two basic types of bearing cage designs: crown and ribbon. Crown retainers feature a single-piece, open-ball pocket design. Ribbon retainers have a two-piece, open-ball pocket design. Refer to the bearing manufacturer to select the proper type of bearing retainers use for a specific application. Note, however, that bearings with retainers are not suitable in some instances. For example, in applications with low speeds and high loads, a full-complement bearing with no retaining mechanism may be preferred. Selecting bearing retainers or bearing cages requires an analysis of materials and product specifications.
Materials
Some bearing retainers or bearing cages are made of metals such as heat-treated aluminum, sold bronze, or pressed steel. Others are made of non-metal materials such as nylon, or phenolic resins. Pressed steel is a common choice. Brass cages have good noise characteristics, and are often used in harsh or corrosive environments. Phenolic or fiber-resin cages are designed for spindle bearings and machine tool applications. These bearing retainers or bearings cages are relatively lightweight and can withstand high speeds and heavy loads.