Last blog entry, we looked at the most common types of ball bearing cages: J-type, W-type, RJ-type, and TW-type. Now, let’s dive even deeper into some of the further options available for designers and engineers:

“THB” or “THA” Type: Phenolic resin machined one-piece snap in crown type. These retainers have high rigidity and emergency running characteristics. Can be vacuum impregnated with oil. These are used in high speed deep groove ball bearings. “A” designation is for outer ring guided, and “B” designation is for inner ring guided. The operating temperature range is from -50º C to +140º C.

“TxHB” or “TxHA” Type: Machined one-piece snap in crown type made from special materials. These retainers have high rigidity and emergency running characteristics. These are used in high speed deep groove ball bearings. “A” designation is for outer ring guided, and “B” designation is for inner ring guided. The operating temperature range is from -50º C to +260º C depending on the material. “x” is a number code for the special material.

“TA” or “TB” Type: One-piece full machined type made of phenolic resin material. These retainers have high rigidity and emergency running characteristics. Can be vacuum impregnated with oil. These are used in angular contact bearings only. “A” designation is for outer ring guided, and “B” designation is for inner ring guided. The operating temperature range is from -50º C to +140º C.

“TxA” or “TxB” Type: One-piece full machined type made from special materials. These retainers have high rigidity and emergency running characteristics. These are used in AC type bearings only. “A” designation is for outer ring guided, and “B” designation is for inner ring guided. The operating temperature range is from -50º C to +260º C depending on the material. “x” is a number code for the special material.

An additional note, the code “V” is used to designate a full complement of balls. This type of bearing has no cage, but a maximum number of balls. These bearings have a filling slot in either the outer or inner ring (sometimes both) so they can only take a thrust load in one direction. This type is suitable for high radial loads, high axial loads (one direction), but only with low to medium speeds.

AST’s consultants and engineers are ready to provide further information about ball bearing cages and any other bearing questions you may have – contact them here.