What is the function of linear bearing?

Linear bearings are also used for constructing sliding devices such as linear tables. The purpose of linear bearings in this case is constantly friction-free guiding of a straight-line motion of an element of a machine, which actually represents the key difference between linear bearings and ball bearings.

What is linear ball bearing?

Linear ball bearings provide linear movement in one direction. A roller bearing, carries a load by placing rolling balls or rollers between two bearing rings called races. These bearings are comprised of an outer ring and several rows of balls retained by cages.

Where are linear motion bearings used?

Linear bearings are used in machine-tool ways, in sliding doors, 3D printers, and in a variety of automation settings where reducing friction and guiding linear motion is needed.

How do linear guides work?

Linear Guides are a block and rail system that helps support the motion of an application. There are two parts to the Linear Guide System: the Linear Block and the Linear Rail. The motion is created along the rail through recirculating ball bearings within the block that is contacted on the rail.

What are the types of linear motion bearings?

Linear Bearing Types Choices for linear bearing styles include air, flat ball cage, ball spline, ball bushing, needle roller cage, cam follower, crossed roller, guide wheel, hydrostatic, plain or journal, linear motion guide, flat roller cage, and linear roller.

Do linear bearings need lubrication?

Recirculating ball linear bearing systems require periodic maintenance and lubrication to ensure they operate properly and do not cause damage to the ball bearings or guides. The likely result is refurbishment or replacement of the entire linear guide system.

How much weight can a linear bearing hold?

Round Rail linear roller bearings handle up to 35 tons per bearing and speeds up to 100 feet per second. Their optimized contact ellipse maximizes the load capacity of an anti-friction linear bearing. Round Rail bearings can carry loads up to 70,000 lbs per bearing at a 10 million inch rated travel life.

What are linear slides used for?

Linear slides are used in many applications requiring a linear motion. Some examples include machine tools, packaging equipment, metrology equipment, processing equipment, pick and place and other material equipment, and many others.

Can linear bearings rotate?

A bearing or bushing can be used for linear or rotational motion. But between the ball retainer and the outer casing, there are rotational ball circuits as well that allow the entire retainer and shaft to rotate within the stroke bush unit.

How are linear guides made?

Linear guide rails are usually made from high-strength, hardened and galvanised Steel so they resist corrosion. Manufactured using a cold drawing process, the metal is shaped and profiled before adding a roller runner.

What is the best grease for linear bearings?

Thomson offers LinearLube® grease which is suitable for most industrial applications. DO NOT use any type of dry lubricant (PTFE powder, graphite powder, etc.) with any recirculating ball or roller type of bearing. While these lubricants are good for sliding motion, they do very little to aid rolling friction.