Linear bearings - this is the general name for a whole range of mechanical components necessary for the smooth movement of a carriage or bushing along a rail guide or shaft. These mechanisms can be simple or complex.
It should be remembered that in different sources linear bearings can be called differently. The most common names are:
- Rail guides.
- Linear ball bushings.
- Linear bearings.
Today, a huge number of various modifications and series of linear motion bushings have been invented and implemented to satisfy the various needs of many industries. Every year, with the growing number of new equipment in the industry, repairmen and mechanics require more and more products called "linear bearings".
Unlike conventional mechanisms that move in a rotational direction, rail guides move forward.
This is what makes them so.
- Moving part. These parts can be represented by needle or ball cages, rails, bushings of various modifications, carriages.
- Part where movement occurs. It can be a regular or screw shaft, rail, rolling bearing, etc.
Linear bearings are devices of various configurations and sizes, but they are all needed in order to carry a load that provides a fixed and careful linear motion. These mechanisms include cross-roller devices and rolling bearings on rollers.
More rare members of the family are hydrostatic and magnetic linear bearings. However, it is these models that are used where particularly accurate or absolutely silent operation is needed.
The most common modifications are linear plain bearings, the same guides, ball bushings.
"Representative" of the last species can move along the round shaft. In this case, it will consist of a cylinder in which balls move along special paths in a closed space. The rotational movement of the balls will ensure free movement of the sleeve for smooth operation of the entire mechanism.
The carriage can move along the rail. In this case, its movement will be provided by independent chains of balls of the rolling unit. They roll inside a specially cut groove in the rail, pushing each other.
Udevices of this kind, the friction force will be significantly lower than that of a mechanism with a sleeve. The forced oil supply and special seals will further reduce it, preventing foreign impurities and contaminants from entering the mechanism.
What should I consider when choosing linear bearings?
- Loads and expected service life.
- The speed of the necessary process.
- Rigidity.
- Final result accuracy.
- Design features of equipment.
- Restrictions on operation or installation.
