New bearing cage extends life of cylindrical roller bearings by more than 20 per cent

A new high capacity cylindrical roller bearing for wind turbine gearboxes has been developed, which offers higher load ratings and reduced friction due to a new cage design. The basic static and dynamic load ratings of the new bearings are 6 per cent higher than those of a conventional cylindrical roller bearing with solid brass cage, resulting in a 20 per cent increase in rating life.

Schaeffler’s new FAG high capacity cylindrical roller bearings have a new sheet steel cage, which enables a much more compact design compared to a conventional solid brass cage. This more slimline cage leaves space for at least one additional rolling element in the bearing, which increases the load rating significantly.

There are other advantages too. Due to the new cage, the high capacity bearing has a significantly lower friction than full complement cylindrical roller bearings with maximum basic load rating. The ‘self-retaining’ cage also simplifies bearing mounting because the rolling elements are retained even when the ring is removed.