The function of the bearing cage (also known as separator or retainer) is to keep the rolling elements in the correct direction, so that they will not gather together.

The bearing cage is made of a variety of materials and is suitable for a variety of manufacturing processes.

Bearing cage material:

Molded plastics – polyamide (nylon), acetal (polyformaldehyde resin), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), phenolic resin

Stamped metal - steel, brass

Machined metal - steel, brass

In addition, some metal cages are components (such as two halves riveted together). In addition, some ball or roller bearing assemblies do not use cages/separators. The maximum number of rolling elements they use exceeds the amount that the allocated space can accommodate. These bearings are called full bearings.

Bearing cage/separator application:

Rotating bearing

Linear bearing

sliding bearing