Function and classification of bearing cage

Aug 06, 2021

Bearing cage also known as bearing retainer, refers to the part of the bearing that partially wraps all or part of the rolling body, moves with it, to isolate the rolling body, and usually guide the rolling body and keep it in the bearing. 

The types of cage materials are: low carbon steel/stainless steel cage, bakelite/plastic (nylon) cage, brass/bronze/aluminum alloy cage, etc

Cage is one of the main parts of the bearing. It has four functions in the rotating bearing:

A. Separate the rolling elements to prevent direct contact with the rolling elements and minimize friction and heat generation.

B. Guide the rolling body to run on the raceway.

C. Provide lubrication space.

D. Fix the rolling element when installing the bearing with detachable cargo unloading design.

Cages material also determine his irreplaceability, because when the rolling bearing in the work, heat and wear caused by sliding friction bearing, especially under the condition of high temperature operation, the effect of inertial centrifugal force increased friction, abrasion and fever, a bracket will be caused serious burns or fracture, the bearing can work normally.

Therefore, in addition to a certain strength, the material required for the cage must also have good thermal conductivity, small friction coefficient, good wear resistance, strong impact toughness, small density and linear expansion coefficient close to the rolling body. Also, the pressing cage needs to undergo more complex stamping deformation, but also requires that the material has good processing performance. Some of the most demanding cages are coated with silver.

FV bearings will choose the most appropriate cages according to the specific use and working environment of their rolling mill bearings. Such as self-aligning roller bearings, cages have steel and copper material, we will make the most appropriate recommendation according to the use of customers' bearings.