The materials used for solid metal cages are mainly brass and bronze alloys, as well as cast iron and steel. Their structures are mainly divided into two types: split type and integral type. The differences in split structures mostly lie in the connection methods; the differences in integral structures are reflected in the improvement of bearing performance such as friction, operation, and load capacity. Since split cages need to be assembled to realize their functions, the split design is mostly considered for process convenience, and there is also the problem of unreliable split connections. Therefore, with the advancement of process technology, the application of integral cages will become more and more widespread.

I: Split Cages

1: Split Strut Riveted Cages

Split strut riveted cages consist of half-cages, baffles, and rivets, generally guided by rollers, as shown in the figure above. The half-cages and baffles are generally made of copper, and the rivets are generally made of low-carbon steel. This type of cage is commonly used in cylindrical roller bearings and has the advantages of low friction, low temperature rise, low noise, high strength, and easy processing, making it suitable for high-speed and heavy-load conditions. The disadvantage is that the presence of rivet holes weakens the strength of the cage, and improper riveting can cause loosening.

2: Split Self-Riveting Cages

Split self-riveting cages consist of half-cages and baffles. The ends of the half-cage beams are equipped with riveting heads, and the baffles are equipped with riveting holes, which can realize self-riveting without the need for rivets, as shown in the figure above. The structure of this type of cage is similar to that of the split strut riveted cage, with basically the same technical principles and application characteristics; the difference lies in the connection method of the split cage.

3: Strut-Type Cages

The strut-type cages of cylindrical roller bearings are connected together by struts, as shown in the figure above. One end of the strut is threaded and screwed onto one cage retaining ring, passes through the hollow roller, and the other end is welded to the other cage retaining ring. Sometimes, in heavy-load applications, both ends of the strut need to be welded. When the cage is of a strut-type design, it can accommodate a larger number of rollers, resulting in higher load capacity, and is generally used for large bearings such as rolling mill bearings.

II: Integral Cages

1: Integral Straight Window Cages

The structure of the integral straight window cage is shown in the figure above. This cage generally adopts outer ring guidance or inner ring guidance, and the straight window holes are provided with locking points to lock the rollers. Compared with split cages, integral cages have higher strength and more reliable operation, but the processing difficulty is relatively greater, and the window holes generally need to be processed by broaching.

2: Integral Arc Angle Window Cages

The structure of the integral arc angle window cage is shown in the figure above. Since the inner surface of the crossbar is an arc surface, it facilitates roller guidance and lubrication, but increases the processing difficulty. This structure can mainly avoid interference between the corners of the window crossbar and the rollers, minimize stress concentration at the corners, and facilitate lubrication.

3: Comb-shaped Cages for Double and Four-Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings

The commonly used cages for double and four-row cylindrical roller bearings are single-claw comb-shaped cages and double-claw comb-shaped cages. The double-claw comb-shaped cage can hold two rows of rollers, which are arranged alternately between the two rows; the single-claw comb-shaped cage needs to be used in combination of two, which is equivalent to a double-claw cage cut radially. Small and medium-sized precision double-row cylindrical roller bearings generally use single-claw cages; double-claw cages are generally used for medium and large-sized bearings.