Based on the proven line of drylin W linear plain bearings, igus has now introduced linear rails bent to custom radii, along with adaptable carriages that can self-align between straight linear runs and curves without binding. According to Matt Mowry, Product Manager for drylin linear and drive technology at igus Inc., this new addition to […]
Why use integrated position measuring with linear guides?
Linear guides provide accurate, high-capacity travel for a wide variety of machine types and processes. In the most demanding applications, linear position feedback is often needed in order to ensure the tool, gripper, or workpiece follows an exact path or reaches a precise position. In these cases, design engineers can choose to add a linear […]
A glossary of linear guide terminology
The term linear guide covers several categories of products, from plain bearings to ball bushings and recirculating roller bearings. To compound the potential for confusion, many terms are used interchangeably, or are so generic (take linear guide for example) that they could refer to any one of several different products. And this doesn’t apply to just […]
Three easy ways to reduce maintenance costs for linear systems
If you’ve read many articles on this site, you probably recall that inadequate lubrication can cause bearing failure. But while lubrication is the most important maintenance factor in linear bearing life, there are other things that users can do to reduce maintenance costs and ensure they get the most life from a linear bearing, ball screw, or […]
When should you use dual guide rails?
Linear guide rails and bearings offer high stiffness and good travel accuracy. And they can support not only downward, upward, and side loads, they can also withstand overhung, or moment loads. Of course, the larger the linear rail and bearing system, the more moment capacity it has, but the arrangement of the bearing raceways—face-to-face or back-to-back—also […]
What does “lubricated for life” mean?
Lubrication is one of the most critical factors contributing to linear bearing life, and to achieve optimum performance users historically had to ensure that a lubrication routine was included in their operating and maintenance program, or implement an automated lubrication system. Seeing the opportunity to reduce maintenance and improve total cost of ownership, linear bearing […]
What are the differences between plain and rolling linear guides?
A linear guide (or linear bearing) is a mechanical element that allows relative motion between two surfaces, with one surface supporting the other, and minimum friction between the two. There are two basic types of linear guides: plain and rolling element. While their general function is the same, their design and performance differ significantly. Linear […]
Tips for preventing linear bearing corrosion
Corrosive environments can include anything from detergents and chemicals for washdown (the high-pressure cleaning of equipment), to acid baths and their related vapors, to chemicals in food processing. Because profiled linear rails, round shafts, and ball screws are made primarily from steel components, they’re highly susceptible to corrosive agents, which can quickly cause rust, pitting, […]
What are miniature profiled rails?
Profiled rails have high load-carrying capacity for their size. But when smooth, precise motion is needed and the load being moved is not very high, they can be overkill for the application. That’s why most profiled linear guide manufacturers now make miniature versions, with many of the same performance benefits and features of standard sized […]
How to calculate hole spacing for joined linear guide rails
There are several reasons that a linear guide rail may be supplied in multiple sections rather than in one piece: the overall length is longer than the maximum offered by the manufacturer, the machine design or other space constraints don’t allow installation of a single piece in the length needed, or the risk of damage […]
