NKE Hauptkatalog / General Catalogue 2011

Basic Componentsof Rolling Element BearingsCageA cage fulfils several functions within a rollingbearing:- to separate the individual rolling elements.- to guide and position the rolling elementsbetween the raceways.- to retain the rolling elements.For rolling bearings fitted with cages, however,minimal sliding friction occurs between therespective surfaces of rolling elements and cagepockets (fi g 1.9).Fig. 1.9Fig. 1.8Under certain conditions a cage may be omittedfrom the assembled bearing type. This is termedfull complement bearing.This enables a maximum load carrying capacityby utilising the bearing cross sectional area withthe optimum number of rollers.This causes higher friction therefore lower speedcapabilities.It can be seen (fi g 1.8) that each rolling elementcontacts the other in a contrarotating motion,thereby, generating higher bearing friction andthus having lower speed capabilities.Rolling bearing cages are manufactured from thefollowing materials;- pressed mild steel sheet,- pressed brass or bronze sheet,- brass or bronze,- plastics (e.g. polyamide or nylon),- light metal alloys,- steel,- resin,- sintered metals,- special materials.www.nke.at 199