Cages - Bearings - Technical

The purpose of the cage is to hold and separate the rolling elements (balls) of the bearing.

The most common types of cage used for miniature ball bearings are the two piece ribbon and the one piece steel crown types. The crown type is better suited to low torque , low speed applications. These two types of cage are interchangeable in the majority of applications. These cages are usually made from steel, with the steel grade depending upon the manufacturer. Cages may be made from brass, SAE52100 chrome steel or stainless steel; AISI302, AISI410, AISI430 or AISI440C

Larger bearings (over 10mm bore size) usually utilise a two piece steel riveted cage allowing for higher loads, and more vibrational and acceleration stresses.

Bearings with no cage and extra balls are called full complement type (full complement of balls). Generally these bearings allow for higher loads but slower speeds than caged types. These bearings have a filling slot on the edge of either the inner or outer ring. This is where the extra balls are inserted during assembly.

High speed applications require bearings with a crown type retainer manufactured from one of various types of synthetic materials including

Please note however that high speed is a relative term. High speed for a 10mm bearing is not the same as high speed for a 4mm bearing and high speed for a skating application is not the same as high speed for a dental handpiece.

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Registered Australian Company: Miniature Bearings Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 94 069 113 800)

Miniature Bearings Australia offers 128084 products in 2100 categories including ball bearings, thrust bearings, ceramic and hybrid bearings, stainless steel bearings, miniature bearings, shafting, couplings, screws, socket cap, dental bearings, magnets, sprockets, timing belts and pulleys, corrosion resistant bearings - see the full listing in the Online Catalogue. We have excellent Freight Rates within Australia and worldwide. We offer a choice of delivery with a signature required, or cheaper options with no signature required. The no signature required options are at the customer’s risk once the goods leave our store.

Using the links throughout this site you will find extensive information including catalogues, technical data, and other product specific information. We sell our products worldwide through our online store and our overseas freight rates are competitive for fully traceable courier delivery.

Miniature Bearings Australia is part of MBA Group offering a select range from the MBA Group catalogue.

2 Piece Cages

Diagram of Steel Ribbon	Steel Ribbon	Brass Ribbon	Steel Riveted Cage
1 Piece Cages

Diagram of Steel Crown	Steel Crown		Synthetic Crown
No Cage

Full Complement		Full Complement Note the filling slot to the lower right of the bearing.

Synthetic Cages

Phenolic (KB or KC)	Phenolic (KB or KC)	Glass Re-inforced Polyamide (T9H or TNH)

White Nylon (TW) Packed	White Nylon (TW)

Cages for other types of bearings

Double Row Self Aligning with Crown Type Cage	Acetal Bearing with Acetal Crown Type Cage

Flat Raced Thrust Bearing with Nylon Cage	Grooved Race Thrust Bearing with Brass Cage

Cages - Bearings - Technical

Bearing Cages / Retainers

2 Piece Cages

1 Piece Cages

No Cage

Synthetic Cages

Cages for other types of bearings

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