Every component in a linear motion system experiences some form of loading due to applied forces or motion. The component’s reactions to these loads are described by its mechanical properties. For components subjected to tension or compression — such as load-carrying balls and rollers, shafts mounted vertically, or fastening and joining hardware — the mechanical […]
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One-piece ETX linear bearing/pillow blocks suitable for use in radioactive environments
LM76 now offers one piece ETX Linear Bearing/Pillow Blocks that will not degrade in a radioactive environment. Machined from a solid block of self-lubricating ETX, linear bearing blocks have high strength, excellent wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, and excellent dimensional stability at higher temperatures. Custom designed for use in a nuclear power plant these […]
Follow these four tips when using L10 life to size linear bearings
The well-known bearing life equation, often referred to as L10 life, is a fundamental element in the sizing and selection of recirculating linear bearings. Through statistical analysis and real-world testing, the L10 life equation can predict, with 90 percent reliability, the life that a recirculating bearing can be expected to achieve. But even this universally […]
Rotary ball splines ensure sub-millimeter accuracy
The NB rotary ball spline has a cylindrical nut that rolls on the ball spline shaft. Rotary ball splines can be used for both rotational motion and linear motion, providing sub-millimeter accuracy every time. Popular applications include SCARA robots, the vertical shaft of assembly equipment, automatic tool changers, and loaders. A ball spline’s forte is […]
Profiled rail accuracy: When accuracy class doesn’t tell the whole story
You’ve chosen a profiled rail and bearing for a high-precision application — machining, cutting, or metrology, for example. The bearing (aka carriage, or runner block) has good load capacity and rigidity, so it should provide long life and low deflection. But when you integrate the assembly into your application, you notice that the system doesn’t […]
Heavy-duty but lightweight slide is a solution for transportation and industrial uses
Accuride International announced the U.S. launch of its AL4160 Super Heavy-Duty Aluminum Slide – a strong but light solution that combines a full aluminum body with stainless steel components for diverse transportation and industrial applications. “We designed the AL4160 to address a market need for a slide that supports heavy loads and performs in harsh environments but […]
Selecting shafts for linear bearings: two things you need to know
In a round shaft linear bearing system, the shaft acts as the inner raceway of the bearing and plays a significant role in the wear and life of the system. Both recirculating and plain linear bearings as well as track-roller wheel-based linear bearings can use a wide variety of shaft materials, depending on the application […]
Take the burden out of managing misalignment in linear motion systems
No one wants a linear bearing to fail prematurely. While many factors can threaten a bearing’s expected life, designers of industrial machines must especially guard against alignment errors between the bearing rails and moving elements. Not only is misalignment one of the most common causes of bearing failure, it is also among the most costly […]
How do roller pillow blocks compare with traditional round shaft bearings?
Round shaft guides are typically used with plain (composite, plastic, or bronze) or recirculating ball style linear bearings. But another type of round shaft bearing — referred to as a roller block or roller pillow block — offers better stiffness than plain bearings and higher speed capabilities than recirculating ball types. Instead of balls, a […]
Tribology basics for linear bearings
Tribology is the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear between two surfaces in relative motion. In linear bearing systems, those two surfaces are the bearing element and the guide raceway. Friction and wear The term “wear” generally refers to deterioration, but when discussing tribology principles in relation to bearings, it refers […]
