You might be familiar with rotary needle roller bearings (often referred to as simply needle roller bearings) which are used extensively in automotive and industrial power transmission applications due to their compact size and high load-carrying capability. But did you know that some linear bearings also use needle rollers? For linear bearings, needle rollers were […]
Slides + guides (all)
Why are cages used in crossed roller guides?
Crossed roller guides are non-recirculating linear bearings whose rollers are oriented in a “crisscross” pattern (each roller is turned 90 degrees relative to the one next to it) and move between two parallel guides with V-shaped grooves. Because the rollers don’t recirculate, these guides provide high load capacity and good stiffness, with smoother motion than […]
When to use linear bearings and ball nuts with ceramic balls
What is curvilinear motion and when is it used?
In single-axis motion systems, travel is typically either linear (in a straight line) or rotary (in a partial or complete circle). But some applications call for a system that combines straight sections of motion with curved sections — referred to as curvilinear motion. Curvilinear systems generally take one of two forms: simple, constant-radii sections (such as […]
Linear motion systems for packaging applications from Bishop Wisecarver
Bishop-Wisecarver offers product options that include UtiliTrak linear guides and LoPro linear actuators, to complete actuated system solutions. LoPro linear actuators excel in high speed, long length and dirty environments. UtiliTrak is constructed with DualVee Motion Technology in vee and vee/crown designs, and using MadeWell Crown Rollers, and are ideal for commercial applications in need […]
What are Hertz contact stresses and how do they affect linear bearings?
Linear bearings that use balls or rollers to carry a load are subjected to Hertz contact stresses — a type of material stress that plays a significant role in determining the bearing’s load capacity and fatigue life. When two surfaces of different radii are in contact and a load is applied (even an extremely small load), […]
Bearing damage: What’s the difference between brinelling, spalling, and fretting?
Bearing damage, and ultimately, failure, can be caused by a variety of conditions, including improper mounting, poor lubrication, and overloading, to name a few. The mode of damage — what actually happened to the bearing as a result of detrimental conditions — is characterized by visible features, such as discoloration, wear marks, or pitting, on […]
Full extension telescoping rails feature smooth sliding
LM76 has added a new series of 100% extension rails to their extensive product line of linear motion components and complete linear motion systems. The exclusive distributor of SAIBO Linear Motion Systems in the US, LM76, is now offering the SAIBO TDB28 and TDB43 series of Telescoping Extension Rails. Stroke lengths (extension) are 100% of […]
PHD Inc. offers linear slides that are IP54 and even IP67 rated (for washdown)
PHD Inc. offers electric Series ESU linear slides that are IP54 rated with magnetic band sealing for rugged protection. These are electric-motor and belt-driven linear actuators with a robust enclosed design and high-capacity rail bearing system to deliver exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes with travel lengths to 5,500 mm (with other […]
igus linear guides help drones repel pests
One Spanish OEM has developed a drone for pest control; the design features low-weight carbon linear guides and a micro energy chain and pillow block bearings manufactured by igus. The FitoStinger was developed by the Technology & Advances Centre of Barcelona. It includes an extendable arm that allows the precise spraying of pesticides. Light maintenance-free […]
