Rollico
Although both cages use rollers of the same diameter, they operate with guideways featuring a different groove geometry. In linear technology, compatibility is determined not only by the dimension of the rolling element, but by the entire contact profile.
The RRK6 cage and the RBN6 cage are not interchangeable because they were designed to operate with different guideway raceway profiles.
The difference concerns the geometry of the guideway groove and the design of the cage itself. The RRK6 cage has a different rolling element geometry than the RBN6 and is matched to the raceway profile of the corresponding guideway.
At first glance, the systems may seem similar. In practice, however, they have been designed for guideways with different groove depths.
Type R guideways, used with RRK6 cages, have a V-profile groove. The cage geometry is matched to this specific raceway and to the way the roller contacts the guideway.
In RN and RNG guideways, the groove also has a V shape, but it is deeper than in type R guideways. This requires the use of a cage with a different design, namely the RBN6.
The roller diameter is only one of the parameters. For correct system operation, the following are also important:
| Criterion | RRK6 | RBN6 |
|---|---|---|
| Guideway type | Type R guideways | RN and RNG guideways |
| Groove profile | V-profile groove | V-profile groove, but deeper than in type R guideways |
| Cage function | Adaptation to the raceway geometry of type R guideways | Adaptation to the deeper raceway profile of RN/RNG guideways |
| Interchangeability | Interchangeable use is not recommended because the contact geometry and operating conditions of the system change. | |
The deeper groove profile in RN and RNG guideways provides a larger contact area between the rolling element and the guideway raceway. As a result, the system can carry higher loads while maintaining similar overall dimensions.
In the case of RRK6 and RBN6 cages, the roller diameter alone should not be the selection criterion. Correct selection is determined by the complete geometry of the system: groove profile, raceway depth, cage design and the expected load distribution.
If the guideway has a different working profile, the cage must be matched to it. Only then will the system maintain the intended load capacity, precision and service life.
Send us the guideway designation or application description. We will help you select the right cage for the system geometry and required operating parameters.