Usage of ball bearings, cage retainers !

[spider80]

Hello,
I am sure there are loads of you people out there who have designed a mechanism with ball bearings. I was wondering where to find the cage which holds the balls from touching each other. I am not sure if the terminology I am looking for is correct. I am basically running searches for cage; retainers etc but cant seem to find a distributor that sells these.
Could someone point me in the right direction?
thanks

 

[GregLocock]

Cage is the right word. Contact a ball bearing manufacturer directly, they'll definitely sell you bags of balls, and probably cages.



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[diamondjim]

Cage is a valid name of the separators
verses spacers. They can be formed to
the specific bearing diameter. They may
be purchased in strip length. They make
strip cages which can be snapped over
the balls in a conrad style bearing.
Cages can be bronze, mild steel, plastic,
aluminum, or combination of canvas and
plastic built up in sheets (Ryertex).
There are radial cage and also axial
cages. Cages can be made in segments
or one piece full circle cages. This
is probably more than you want to know,
but just to show you some options.
The pockets or holes for the individual
balls may be punched, drilled, or lazer
or cut with a water jet.