Differences in materials of spherical roller-bearing cages

Aug 02, 2024

The choice of spherical roller bearing retainer material has an important impact on the performance, service life, and application scenarios of the bearing. There are significant differences in strength, wear resistance, cost, weight, thermal conductivity, etc., between cages made of different materials. These differences directly affect the overall performance of the bearing.

1. Steel retainer

Steel cages are one of the most common materials used in spherical roller bearings. Their main advantages are high strength and durability. Steel cages can withstand large loads and impacts and are, therefore, widely used in applications with high loads and high speeds. For example, in the fields of metallurgical equipment, mining machinery, heavy machinery, etc., steel retainers are very popular because of their strong and durable characteristics.

Specifically, the advantages of steel retainers include:

High strength: The steel cage has excellent mechanical performance and can withstand large loads and impacts, ensuring the stable operation of the bearing.

Good wear resistance: The steel retainer has undergone special treatment, such as heat treatment, which can further improve its wear resistance and extend its service life.

Good stability: The steel cage has excellent dimensional stability and can maintain stable performance even under long-term high-load operation.

However, steel retainers also have some disadvantages, such as greater weight, higher cost, and poor thermal conductivity. In lightweight equipment or applications where cost is critical, there may be better choices than steel retainers.

2. Brass material retainer

Brass cages also occupy a certain market share in spherical roller bearings. Their main advantages are non-magnetic and good electrical conductivity. It gives brass retainers a unique advantage in applications where magnetic or electrical interference is present. For example, in the fields of precision instruments, electronic equipment, etc., brass retainers are highly respected for their stable performance.

Specifically, the advantages of brass retainers include:

Non-magnetic: The brass retainer is not affected by magnetic fields and is suitable for applications where magnetic interference exists.

Good electrical conductivity: Brass has good electrical conductivity and can meet the conductive performance requirements of electronic equipment.

Good wear resistance: The brass retainer also has a certain degree of wear resistance, which can extend the service life to a certain extent.

However, the cost of brass retainers is relatively high and their strength is slightly lower than steel retainers. In addition, brass retainers are prone to oxidation and discoloration in high-temperature environments, affecting their appearance and performance.

3. Plastic material retainer

Plastic retainers have gained increasing attention in recent years, with their main advantages being lightweight, low cost, and the ability to reduce noise levels. Plastic retainers are usually used in low-load and low-speed applications, such as household appliances, small machinery, etc.

Specifically, the advantages of plastic retainers include:

Lightweight: Plastic retainers are lighter than metal retainers, which is good for reducing the whole weight of the device.

Low cost: The cost of plastic materials is relatively low, which helps reduce the overall cost of the bearing.

Reduce noise: The plastic retainer has good vibration and noise reduction properties, which can reduce the noise level when the equipment is running.

However, plastic retainers have poor strength and wear resistance and are not suitable for high-load and high-speed applications. In addition, plastic retainers are prone to deformation and damage under long-term high-load operation.

4. Other special material retainers

In addition to the common materials mentioned above, there are also some retainers made of special materials used in specific application scenarios. For example, cages made of high-temperature-resistant materials are suitable for bearings in high-temperature environments; cages made of corrosion-resistant materials are suitable for bearings in corrosive media; cages made of self-lubricating materials have better lubrication properties and wear resistance. These special material retainers can meet the special needs of specific application scenarios.

The selection of spherical roller-bearing retainer materials should be comprehensively considered based on specific application scenarios and needs. The steel retainer has high strength and durability and is suitable for applications with high load and high-speed operation; the brass retainer is non-magnetic and has good conductivity, and is suitable for applications with magnetic interference or electrical interference; plastic material. The retainer is lightweight, low-cost, and can reduce noise levels, making it suitable for low-load and low-speed applications. In special application scenarios, retainers of special materials can also be selected to meet special needs.