Linear bearings are used to support the load of a slide as it moves along a single axis, providing a low friction surface for smooth sliding along a guide rail. In a linear guide system, the slide moves along a guide rail in a straight or curved path, and the guide rail is integrated into the linear bearing.
These bearings come in a variety of forms, including rolling elements and fluid-based devices to minimize friction. They ensure high precision, stable mounting and smooth motion. Linear bearings are used in 3D printers, sliding doors, and other automated systems that require precise rail motion. NSAR shares more bearing information with you.
Linear bearings are a key component of linear guide assemblies. It is used in cutting machinery, XY positioning tables, machine slides, industrial robots, and instrumentation systems. The motion can be driven using a motor-driven ball screw, lead screw, cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or manual force, and the single-axis motion is limited to the XY plane. Hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic cylinders are widely used as the basis for the XY bed of computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines.
Linear bearings are mainly divided into two types: rolling linear bearings and sliding linear bearings. The following sections explore the components, operating principles, and design considerations of each type in detail.
How do linear guides work?
Linear guide systems consist of two parts: linear blocks and linear rails. Linear guide blocks move down the length of the linear guide along their locating planes.
Also called “linear bearings and guides” or “linear guides,” linear guide systems use precise, smooth linear motion to support and guide a load or mounted tool.
What is a linear guide block?
A linear guide block or “carriage” is a component of a linear guide. The block sits on the rail. Internal steel ball bearings minimize friction and allow the block to move up and down smoothly. These bearings can easily fall out if the carriage is opened, and are difficult to replace once removed. It is therefore recommended that users do not open the block. Linear carriages are typically made of carbon steel or stainless steel.
What is a linear guide?
Linear guides are the stationary components of a linear guide system. The block moves along the stationary rails, moving smoothly along the X and/or Y axis. Linear guides can be mounted horizontally or vertically. The length of the rail will determine the distance the slide can move. Rails can be butted together to increase the overall length. Rail spacing is determined by the distance between the centers of each hole on the rail. Linear guides are typically made from carbon steel or stainless steel. Click here for other quality bearing products.
Linear Guide Basics
Environmental Considerations
The environmental considerations for linear guide carriage assemblies depend on the intended use. However, there are some guidelines that should be followed for any linear guide.
The user should ensure that the environment is clean and free of debris to prevent debris from entering the circulating rolling elements. Dirt or dust on the rails can combine with the internal lubrication of these rolling elements to cause a loss of accuracy and efficiency, and may even cause damage.
For applications where a clean environment cannot always be maintained, upgraded lubrication options can be added to the linear guides to help extend the life of the rails and offset the effects of a dirtier environment.
Required Maintenance
The primary maintenance requirement is to monitor and, when necessary, replenish the grease to ensure maximum life of the slide. Most linear guides are equipped with an easily accessible lubrication mechanism within the slide. This provides a huge advantage for users to easily perform maintenance.
While proper lubrication is the most critical part of linear guide maintenance, it is also important to thoroughly remove dust and unnecessary debris from the linear guides, as this debris can cause linear guide damage.