Shields or seals are often installed to retain lubricant and to prevent  contamination from entering the bearing. While a shield contacts the outer ring and does not come in contact with the inner ring, the seal generally comes in contact with both the inner and outer rings. Torque is lower with a shield than with a seal. Alternately, the seal provides a higher degree of protection from contamination. Shields and seals are available in a variety of materials and configurations.

The retainer (also called cage or separator) is used to separate the balls and equally position them around the bearing raceway. Some retainer materials contain lubricant for extended bearing life. Retainers for ball bearings are generally available in two designs. The most universal is a 2-piece closed ball pocket design called a ribbon retainer. A single piece open ball pocket design is called a crown retainer. Crown retainers are available in a variety of metal and non-metal options. MANU offers 440C steel retainers in both crown and ribbon designs and plastic crown retainers in polyamide material. Polyamide retainers are excellent options for high-speed applications.

Bearing lubrication is an essential element of bearing selection, as it:

• Extends fatigue life of the bearing by reducing wear and friction between the mating components of the bearing assembly
• Prevents corrosion and extends shelf life.
• Provides a level of protection from foreign material entering the rolling elements.
• Reduces the noise level of the bearing, lowers torque, and assists the bearing in reaching maximum operating speed.

We manufacture following type of metal & polyamide cages in our facilities:

Sheet Metal Ball Bearing Cages

• Claw/Prong Type Ball Bearing Cage
• Riveted Ball Bearing Cage
• BL-type or Flat Rivet Cage

Special Cages    

• Nitro-Carburizing Cage
• Tuftride Cage
• Stainless Steel Cage