Cages (i.e. bearing cages, also called bearing seals) refer to bearing parts that partially cover all or part of the rolling elements and move with them to isolate the rolling elements and generally guide the rolling elements and maintain them in the internal bearings. Mainly three types of cages are used in bearings:
for. Pressed steel cage
B. Solid Brass Cage
w. Polyamide Resin Cage
CAGE RESISTANCE
The strength of the cage looks like this:
Steel > Brass > Polyamide
CAGE COSTS
From a cost point of view, the cage looks like this:
Brass > Steel > Polyamide
CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNAL BEARING CAGES
Let’s now see how each type of internal bearing cage has its own characteristics and advantages.
Steel cage : This type of cage is used in applications where the load is very high with high temperatures (up to 150 degrees), especially in adverse conditions. Examples are: rolling mills, crushers, etc. But once the cage becomes deformed or broken, it cannot be reused.
Brass Cage : This type of cage has the ability to absorb shocks. Because brass is soft, it has self-lubricating properties. Secondly, brass has a unique property of self-tuning. But precisely because of its high cost and less knowledge of its properties among users, it is losing popularity and that is why manufacturers are opting for the steel cage. In today's market, the brass cage has almost disappeared. Among the major bearing manufacturers, only FAG still produces brass cages.
Polyamide cage : It is the lightest cage among all cages. This cage is used in light applications where temperature and load are low. Because the cage material makes the bearing lightweight, it can rotate in high-speed applications. These bearings are mainly used in water applications such as pumps.
