Optimal use of linear ball bearings and linear bearings in linear guide systems with maximum precision

Linear guide systems are characterised in particular by a low friction running behaviour and the ability to absorb transverse forces without being heavily deformed. Linear ball bearings and linear bearings are used in guide systems where maximum precision, long service life and maintenance-free operation are important.

What is a linear bearing?

A linear bearing is a type of bearing that enables an object to be moved in a straight line. It is the most common type of bearing used in many industrial applications to move an object in a linear motion. Linear bearings consist of elements that contain rollers, balls or rolling elements that run between two guide rods or a segment of a rail that acts as a guide.

What are the characteristics and structure of a linear motion?

Linear motion is a type of motion where an object or system moves in a straight line. It is a simple type of movement that is carried out at a specific speed that does not change.

Characteristics:

• A straight line
• Constant speed
• No change in direction of movement

Structure:

• Speed: The speed is the rate at which an object is moved in a certain direction.
• Acceleration: Acceleration is the change in speed of an object in a given direction.
• Path: The distance that an object has travelled in a certain direction.
• Position: The position is the location of an object in a given direction.

Properties of linear ball bearings

Linear ball bearings are high-precision, linear roller bearings. They consist of a number of balls that are guided in a bushing or a track. The balls are arranged on the outside of the bearing bushing and run on a hardened steel track. This track can be made from a range of materials such as steel, cast iron, aluminium and plastic. Linear ball bearings have a high precision and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Applications for linear ball bearings

Linear ball bearings are used in a wide range of industrial applications. They are often used in machines, machine tools and robots to ensure high precision and long machine life.

Advantages of linear ball bearings

Linear ball bearings offer a number of advantages. They are robust and durable and can be used under high loads and at high speeds. They are easy to install and adjust. Due to their quality, they are suitable for precise linear motions. Other advantages of linear ball bearings include low weight, low noise and low maintenance.

Even more possibilities for linear motion - linear guide systems, maintenance-free bushings

Linear guide systems and maintenance-free bushings are one of the best ways to create linear motions. They enable smooth, silent and precise motion.

Linear guide systems

In a linear guide system, the guide elements without rolling elements (e.g. without linear bearings) are connected with each other.

Linear guide systems enable very precise linear motions. They consist of a rail profile mounted on a guide profile. Linear guide systems are suitable for higher loads and higher speeds. They generally require less maintenance than guide systems with linear ball bearings.

Maintenance-free bushings

Maintenance-free bushings are easy to install, require little or no maintenance and offer a long service life. Maintenance-free bushings are very reliable and are suitable for use in harsh environments.

They consist of a series of balls enclosed in a guide profile. Maintenance-free bushings are suitable for higher loads and higher speeds. They require less maintenance than linear ball bearings or linear guide systems.

Different types of linear ball bearings

Straight linear ball bearings are usually suspended via a longitudinal member that keeps the balls in a straight line on a flat surface. They are often used as replacements for traditional ball bearings in applications requiring very high precision and accuracy.

Flanged linear ball bearings are mounted between two flanges attached to both ends of the linear ball bearing. This enables the in-line motion of a linear ball bearing. Flanged linear ball bearings are more robust and have a longer service life than straight linear ball bearings.

Installation of linear ball bearings

Straight linear ball bearings are placed in a housing and, depending on the installation type, can be used to compensate for radial misalignment between the housing and the linear guide. After positioning the linear ball bearing, it is held in place opposite the housing either with a retaining ring (or clamping ring) or a stop plate.

Once the linear ball bearing has been installed, it can be used in the relevant applications. Take care to check and service it regularly to ensure that it is working properly.

Positioning linear ball bearings

Where possible, linear ball bearings should be positioned so that the load does not lie directly on a row of ball guides (static load capacity), as the load capacity is lower in this case. If the ball guides are subjected to dynamic loads, i.e. the linear ball bearing is positioned so that the direction of the acting load is precisely between two rows of the ball guides, the maximum load capacity is increased.

Linear ball bearing installation with retaining ring

A ring open on one side is used for installation with a retaining ring. This means that the diameter of the retaining ring can be varied by squeezing or pulling the two open ends apart to fit it. The retaining rings can be placed in a groove in the bore for the linear ball bearing in the housing. This reduces the inside diameter of the bore in the groove area and the linear ball bearing is fixed. If the linear ball bearing protrudes from the bore of the housing on both sides, retaining rings can be placed in the protruding grooves of the linear ball bearing to prevent shifting. This increases the outside diameter of the linear ball bearing in the groove area and prevents it from sliding through the bore.

Linear ball bearing installation with stop plates

When installing linear ball bearings with stop plates, stop plates are firmly screwed on both sides of the housing. These reduce the inside diameter of the bore on both sides of the housing, which fixes the linear ball bearing in place.

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