- Gears, Differentials, Racks & Pinions
- Synchronous Drive Belts, Pulleys, & Cables
- Couplings, Flexible Shafts, & Universal Joints
- Chains & Sprockets
- Shafts & Shaft Accessories
- Bearings & Linear Motion Components
- Motors, Gearheads, & Motion Control
- Speed Reducers & Right Angle Drives
- Hardware
- Miscellaneous Components
- Linear Guide Systems
- Clutches & Brakes
- Vibration & Shock Mounts
Linear Bearings
Linear motion is the most basic of all motions. Linear ball bearings provide single-axis linear movement with low friction. Linear bearings are divided into two categories: rolling linear bearings and plain linear bearings.
Rolling linear bearings are among the most common types of linear bearings and provide the least amount of friction. They utilize balls or rollers, housed between the mating grooves present in the bearing and guide rails. They are suitable for high-speed applications in the robotics, industrial, and medical markets.
Linear ball bearings are the most commonly used type of rolling linear bearings. They employ steel balls to transfer linear motion. Linear ball bearings produce less friction than linear sleeve bearings, have a longer service life, and have high precision.
Long cylindrical rollers known as needles are utilized as the rolling element in linear needle bearings; in contrast to their length, the diameter of the cylinders is small. They are stiffer and have a larger load capacity than linear ball bearings due to the large number of tiny rollers, which increases the contact surface and lessens warping.
In contrast, plain linear bearings do not use any rolling elements. They are dependent on two surfaces gliding against one another. Because they have a simpler design and fewer components, they’re less expensive by comparison. Linear sleeve bearings (plain linear bushings) are essentially hollow cylinders that slide onto shafts. Our Frelon®-lined bearings can carry 4 to 8 times the load of ball bearings. Our linear plastic bearings are self-lubricating, corrosion- and dirt-resistant, maintenance-free, and made of J® polymer. Linear sleeve bearings can handle both axial and radial loads but tend to have less load capacity and stiffness.