Ball cages are critical components in a bearing, responsible for evenly separating the balls and guiding their motion. Different cage designs are suited to different speed ranges and operating environments.
Key Functions of Cages
Uniform Spacing
Keeps balls evenly distributed and prevents collision
Guided Motion
Ensures the balls follow the correct running trajectory
Reduced Friction
Lowers operating resistance and heat generation
Lubricant Distribution
Helps distribute lubricant evenly
Metallic Cages
Standard Model 480
The standard metallic cage is made from two pieces of tightly crimped steel ribbon and is the standard configuration for most miniature radial ball bearings.
Standard steel ribbon cage (Model 480)
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel ribbon |
| Manufacturing Process | Precision stamping |
| Max Speed (n·Dm) | ≤ 400,000 |
| Friction Characteristics | Standard |
| Applications | Standard industrial applications |
Low-Friction Model 48
A loosely crimped two-piece steel ribbon cage, suitable for low starting torque applications.
Low friction steel ribbon cage (Model 48)
Improvements compared to Standard Model 480:
- Extremely low starting friction torque
- High sensitivity, suitable for instruments
- Note: Only suitable for low-speed applications (technical consultation required above 5,000 rpm)
Synthetic Material Cages
For high-speed and ultra-high-speed applications, myonic offers various synthetic material cages, manufactured by precision machining or injection molding.
High-speed machined cage (Model 23)
Angular contact high-speed cage (Model 25)
Ultra-high-speed cage (Model 27)
High-Speed and Special Material Cage Comparison
| Model | Material | Manufacturing Process | Max Speed (n·Dm) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Synthetic material | Precision machining (drilled) | ≤ 2,400,000 | Ball pockets drilled through; lower friction than Model 25, suitable for ultra-high speeds |
| 25 | Synthetic material | Injection molding or machining | ≤ 1,500,000 | One-piece design, specially designed for RA and RKA series angular contact ball bearings |
| 23 | Synthetic material | Machining | ≤ 1,300,000 | Can be oil-impregnated |
Official synthetic material list: corrosion-resistant steel, laminated fabric, PAI, PI, PEEK, PA, PTFE, POM, laminated paper. Material selection depends on the specific application; please confirm with myonic's engineering department.
Advantages of Synthetic Cages
Ultra-Low Friction
Self-lubricating properties, extremely low friction coefficient
High-Speed Performance
Lightweight material, low centrifugal force
Non-Magnetic
Does not affect magnetic measurement environments
Corrosion Resistant
Excellent chemical stability
Special Coatings
For special application environments, myonic offers Teflon (PTFE) coated cages.
Teflon Coating Application Scenarios
| Application Environment | Coating Advantage | Typical Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum environment | Low outgassing rate, prevents contamination | Semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace equipment |
| Dry running | Self-lubricating properties, reduced wear | Medical devices, food processing |
| Chemical corrosion | Excellent chemical resistance | Chemical equipment, laboratory instruments |
| Low-temperature environment | Maintains performance at low temperatures | Cryogenic freezing equipment |
Cage Selection Guide
| Speed Range (n·Dm) | Recommended Cage | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 400,000 | 480 (Standard steel ribbon) | General industrial applications, motors, pumps |
| Low speed, low torque (consult engineering above 5,000 rpm) | 48 (Low-friction steel ribbon) | Low starting torque requirements, instruments |
| ≤ 1,300,000 | 23 (Synthetic) | Oil-impregnated applications, high-speed spindles |
| ≤ 1,500,000 | 25 (Synthetic) | RA/RKA angular contact ball bearings, dental handpieces |
| ≤ 2,400,000 | 27 (Synthetic) | Ultra-high-speed spindles, grinding machines |
Important Notes:
- n·Dm value = speed (rpm) × bearing pitch circle diameter (mm)
- Actual applications must also consider load, lubrication, and temperature factors
- Consult the myonic technical team to confirm the optimal configuration