Ribbon, Two-Piece, Stamped and Crimped: The two-piece ribbon retainer is one of two standard designs for miniature and instrument ball bearings. This design includes a closed pocket design, which provides good durability, and loosely clinched tabs, which are favorable for starting torque. The two-piece ribbon cage, which can be used with radial bearings, is economical and readily available, but is limited to lower speed applications as compared to the other retainer options offered by NHBB.

Crown, One-Piece, Stamped: The one-piece crown retainer is the second standard retainer option offered by NHBB. It is manufactured from hardened stainless steel, is very lightweight, and has coined ball pockets, which present a hard, smooth, low-friction contact surface to the balls. The design is smooth running, cost effective, readily available and can be used with radial bearings. The one-piece crown retainer has a slightly higher speed capability than the stamped ribbon design. For speeds exceeding the capabilities of this retainer, a machined retainer should be considered.

Crown, One-Piece: For high speed applications, a machined crown retainer design is a more appropriate choice than the two standard designs (stamped ribbon and stamped crown). This retainer, which is suitable for radial bearings, is manufactured from a variety of materials to meet specific application requirements, including paper and linen-based phenolics and polyamide-imide. Both phenolic materials can be vacuum impregnated with oil, allowing for better lubricity within the ball pockets. The polyamide-imide material is fully autoclavable, making it well suited for many medical and dental applications. Additionally, the polyamide-imide material contains a small amount of graphite and PTFE, which aids in lubricity properties. Lubricity can be further enhanced by a patented silver coating (specific to the polyamide-imide material).

Full Type, One-Piece: This retainer design is best suited for ultra-high speed applications. Its balanced, symmetrical design makes it stable at very high speeds. This retainer, which can only be utilized with angular contact bearings, is manufactured from a variety of materials to meet specific application requirements, including paper and linen-based phenolics and polyamide-imide. Both phenolic materials can be vacuum impregnated with oil, allowing for better lubricity within the ball pockets. The polyamide-imide material is fully autoclavable, making it well suited for many medical and dental applications. Additionally, the polyamide-imide material contains a small amount of graphite and PTFE, which aids in lubricity properties. Lubricity can be further enhanced by a patented silver coating (specific to the polyamide-imide material).