Thrust Retainers
National thrust bearings are inexpensive and recommended for light loads and speeds up to 2500 rpm. They combine a National thrust retainer with corresponding thrust washers. A properly designed thrust ball bearing has a much lower friction coefficient under starting and operating conditions that either a nylon or oilite bushing. It also has the decided advantage of standard replacement and availability, plus greater merchandising value (especially at the consumer level). National Bearings makes three different types of thrust retainers:
- Stamped Thrust Retainers
- Plastic Ball Retainers
- Plastic Needle Retainers
Design to fit your space
Thrust retainers from National Bearings are designed to give you optimum performance in the space available. Whether they thrust retainers are matched with a thrust washer or some other surface, National will work with you to meet your needs. If what you need is not readily available, then we can develop exactly what you need. Items that can be customized include:
- Inner Diameter (ID)
- Outer Diameter (OD)
- Pitch Diameter (PD)
- Ball Count
- Ball Diameter
- Retainer thickness
- Retainer design
Design to simplify your assembly
Because the sole function of the retainer is to hold the rolling elements in place, orientation is likely not an issue and automatic assembly is a real possibility. By varying the retainer material or using platings, parts can be easily distinguished from one another. Parts can be packaged for kitting or automatic dispensing.
Design to carry your load
Thrust retainers from National Bearings can be designed to carry loads from light to heavy. By changing the size and count of the balls or needles, these parts can be used across a wide range of applications. We can reduce variance by using higher quality balls and reduce waste by using fewer rolling elements if the application permits.
Design to survive the elements
Environmental conditions must be addressed in any effective thrust bearing design. Corrosion and temperature levels can be controlled in a thrust bearing. A custom design allows you to match the retainer to the unique operating environment of your application. Features that can be customized include:
- Carbon or stainless steel balls
- Carbon, stainless steel, brass, or plastic retainers
- Platings for carbon steel retainers
- Rust preventatives
Design to match your product life cycle
Overdesigning for your product application is a missed opportunity. Choosing a custom designed thrust bearing allows you to match the life cycle of your application without wasting resources on a "one size fits all" thrust bearings.
