5/14/2019 Cage materials

Cage materials
Phenolic resin
Cotton fabric reinforced phenolic resin is a lightweight material. Cages made of this material can withstand
heavy inertial forces and operating temperatures up to 120 °C (250 °F). The material tends to absorb oil,
assisting the lubrication of the cage / rolling element contact and providing a safety margin for run down,
should there be an interruption of lubricant supply.

Cotton fabric reinforced phenolic resin is the standard cage material for most super-precision angular
contact ball bearings.

Polyamide 66
Polyamide 66 (PA66), with or without glass fibre reinforcement, is characterized by a favourable
combination of strength and elasticity. Due to its excellent sliding properties on lubricated steel surfaces
and the superior finish of the contact surfaces, PA66 cages reduce friction, frictional heat and wear. PA66
can be used at operating temperatures up to 120 °C (250 °F). However, some synthetic oils and greases
with a synthetic oil base and lubricants containing EP additives, when used at high temperatures, can
have a detrimental effect on PA66 cages. For information about the suitability of cages, refer to Cages.

PA66 is the standard cage material for many super-precision cylindrical roller bearings and angular
contact thrust ball bearings.

Polyamide 46
Polyamide 46 (PA46) has the same excellent material properties as those of PA66. Glass fibre reinforced
PA46 has a higher permissible operating temperature than glass fibre reinforced PA66 and can therefore
be used at operating temperatures up to 135 °C (275 °F). However, as with PA66, some synthetic oils and
greases with a synthetic oil base and lubricants containing EP additives, when used at high temperatures,
can have a detrimental effect on PA46 cages.

PA46 is the standard cage material for the SKF Silent Series angular contact ball bearings in the 719 .. D
and 70 .. D series.

Polyetheretherketone
Glass or carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is popular for demanding applications
where there are either high speeds or high temperatures or a need for chemical resistance. The maximum
temperature for high-speed use is limited to 150 °C (300 °F) as this is the softening temperature of the
polymer. The material does not show signs of ageing by temperature or oil additives up to 200 °C (390 °F).

PEEK is the standard cage material for some super-precision angular contact ball and for high-speed
design cylindrical roller bearings.

Brass
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 Brass is unaffected by most common bearing lubricants, including
5/14/2019 synthetic oils and greases, and can be
Cage materials

cleaned using normal organic solvents. Brass cages can be used at operating temperatures up to 250 °C
(480 °F).

Machined brass cages are used in a number of super-precision double row cylindrical roller bearings and
double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings and are standard for large super-precision angular
contact ball bearings (d ≥ 300 mm).

Other cage materials

In addition to the materials described above, SKF super-precision bearings for special applications can be
fitted with cages made of other engineered polymers, light alloys or silver plated steel. For information
about alternative cage materials, contact the SKF application engineering service.

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