Although bearings are composed of many components, the retainer can also be called the bearing blood vessel. Therefore, in the performance and use of bearings, the quality of the retainer material directly affects the efficiency of bearing use. Based on the summary, Zhonghua Bearing Network will share the main types of bearing retainers, the main role of retainers in bearings, and the reasons for retainer damage.

What is a bearing cage?

A bearing cage (also known as a bearing retainer) refers to a bearing component that partially wraps all or part of the rolling elements and moves with them, used to isolate the rolling elements and usually guide and hold them inside the bearing.

The main types of bearing retainers are divided into three categories: nylon retainers, window type stamped steel retainers, and window type brass retainers. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of bearing retainers introduced by Zhonghua Bearing Network.

Nylon cage: The advantages are light weight, strong elasticity, good sliding performance, and good marginal lubrication performance. The disadvantage is that the operating temperature needs to be below 120 degrees Celsius for use.

Window type stamped steel cage: The advantages are light weight, high strength, no operating temperature limit, high-end shock and acceleration resistance, but the disadvantage is sensitivity to poor lubrication.

Window type brass cage: Its advantages are extremely high strength, high shock and acceleration resistance, suitable for ultra high speed operation related to circulating oil lubrication. Disadvantage: Relatively (very) expensive.

The main function of the bearing cage is to:

1. The cage separates the rolling elements at equal distances and evenly distributes them on the circumference of the raceway to prevent collisions and friction between the rolling elements during operation;

2. Guide and drive the rolling elements to roll on the correct track;

3. In separable bearings, combine the rolling elements with a ring to prevent the rolling elements from falling off;

The reasons for the damage of the bearing cage are:

1. Insufficient lubrication of bearings. Lubricating oil or grease has dried up and not been added in a timely manner (maintenance), and the labeling of the lubricating oil or grease is incorrect.

2. The impact load of bearings. The intense vibration in the impact load causes the rolling elements to collide with the cage.

3. Cleanliness of bearings. The bearing is poorly sealed in the bearing box, causing dust to enter and friction between the rolling elements and the cage, resulting in damage to the cage.

4. Incorrect selection of material for bearing cage. Various cage materials have certain requirements for temperature resistance and rotational speed, and if the material selection is incorrect, it can also be a cause of cage damage.

5. Installation issues. Incorrect installation of bearings can damage the cage during installation.

6. Other reasons. If the coupling is not aligned, it will cause the bearing to tilt and uneven force distribution; The belt installation is too tight; Environmental issues and other factors can potentially damage bearings or cages.