Ball & Roller Retainer Assemblies

Ball and roller retainer assemblies typically consists of a retainer, which is either molded plastic or stamped metal, plus rolling elements (balls, rollers, or both).

The function of the retainer is to hold the balls/rollers in relative orientation (so they don’t bunch up together.) The pocket design is critical. The  balls and rollers must be easily assembled, but also be securely retained so they don’t fall out with normal handling. Yet, in order to function properly, they need to roll freely.

In many of the ball and roller retainer assemblies that Hartford Technologies provides, there are step sizes.

This allows the bearing to operate in a race that does not have to be manufactured using precise or expensive processes.  Examples of this include a stamped race or a metal roll form that functions as a bearing race versus a precision ground race.  There are multiple versions of the ball and roller retainer assembly that differ only in the diameter of the rolling elements.  The retainers may be color coded (plastic) or have an easily visible part number (stamped metal) to distinguish them.  Hartford Technologies designs and manufactures the custom equipment that assembles these step-size cage assemblies. Check out our assembly equipment video.

Hartford Technologies is a multinational supplier of  ball and roller retainer assemblies for applications including automotive seat slides and industrial drawer slides.

Hartford Technologies bearing design engineers are among the most knowledgeable in the industry, and our ability to manufacture on both sides of the globe gives Hartford customers a substantial advantage in cost and flexibility. Our prototype lab and manufacturing facilities are both geared to fast turn-around, and can accommodate major programs with stringent delivery requirements.

Hartford Technologies is ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001 and WBENC (woman-owned) certified.