Bearing structure
Linear Ball Bearing Retainers
Plastic retainers that position and guide balls along the paths of a linear bearing assembly.
Application and design
For linear guidance and reciprocating-motion structures. The retainer must match the ball paths, shaft interface and surrounding assembly throughout the required movement.
Supply scope: Plastic ball retainers and guiding components only; balls and complete linear bearings are not included.
Materials & customisation
Consider dimensional stability along the ball paths, contact conditions and lubricant compatibility. The material grade and acceptance requirements are agreed for each design.
Choose from the nylon materials below for your cage design and operating conditions. The specific resin grade is agreed for the project.
| Material code | Material description |
|---|---|
| PA66 | Unreinforced polyamide 66 |
| PA66-GF10 | 10% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 66 |
| PA66-GF15 | 15% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 66 |
| PA66-GF25 | 25% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 66 |
| PA66-GF30 | 30% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 66 |
| PA46 | Unreinforced polyamide 46 |
| PA46-GF15 | 15% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 46 |
| PA46-GF25 | 25% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 46 |
| PA46-GF30 | 30% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 46 |
Typical raw-material property ranges
| Property | PA66 | PA46 |
|---|---|---|
| Densityg/cm³ | 1.13–1.36 | 1.18–1.41 |
| Tensile stress, dryMPa | 85–190 | 100–210 |
| Tensile modulus, dryGPa | 3.0–10.0 | 3.3–10.0 |
| Melting point, DSC°C | ≈260 | ≈295 |
| Heat deflection temperature°C · 1.8 MPa | 75–250 | 190–290 |
Ranges summarise the example resin grades below for initial material selection. Finished-part performance is reviewed for the selected grade and application. Tensile stress uses dry yield or break values. Continuous operating temperature is assessed separately for the grade and conditions.
Reference grades and manufacturer data
Design requirements
- Ball path
- Provide the ball size, guiding or circulation-path design and retainer length.
- Assembly interfaces
- Identify shaft dimensions, mounting interfaces, installation space and assembly clearances.
- Motion and environment
- Describe the travel, movement pattern, loading, temperature and lubrication requirements.
Custom development and project enquiries
Boerjing develops molds and manufactures precision injection-molded plastic parts from customer drawings or approved samples. We support mold trials, sample approval, small-batch validation and repeat production.
Start with the component and intended use. Share available drawings or samples, material requirements and expected quantities.