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.

Types of Bearing Retainers and Cages

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, solid bronze, or pressed steel. Others are made of non-metal materials such as nylon, PTFE, 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.

Specifications

In terms of performance specifications, there are many parameters to consider.

Examples include:

• application loads and speeds
• environmental conditions, such as temperature and contamination
• acceleration issues
• vibration levels
• high-speed running
• lubrication requirements

For example, polyamide and polyimide retainers provide smooth, quiet operation under conditions of extreme wear resistance. They can withstand multiple autoclave cycles, and may be pre-lubricated with food-safe or autoclave-resistant grease. Because proper lubrication affects the performance of antifriction bearings, these lubricants are often filtered.

Related Information

Engineering360—Spherical Roller Bearings Information

Engineering360—Needle Roller Bearings Information

Engineering360—Radial Ball Bearings Information

Engineering360—Tapered Roller Bearings Information

Engineering360—Thrust Bearings Information

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