Title:- A Quick Guide to Select a Best Linear Motion Product

There are wide range of linear motion products in the market so it is difficult to choose right product for
our business. In this article, we will look at the different types of products available for rolling elements,
and the advantages, disadvantages and limitations.

What is mean by Linear Motion Products?

The main objective of linear motion products is to move from one direction to another along a straight
line. Normally this is done using rolling element bearings. Traditionally, these rolling elements are balls
or rollers, but at present some linear bearings are known as "normal" bearings because they do not
contain rolling elements. These plain bearings are simply plastic or ceramic bearings and are sometimes
coated with PTFE or plastic impregnated with oil to reduce sliding friction.

It is possible to achieve linear motion without bearing but moving a load without a bearing requires a lot
of efforts.

Linear bearings can be moved in various ways. It can drive with screws, straps, chains, rack and pinions,
or simply push them with your hands also.

What is the Range of Products??

For the sake of simplicity, several linear motion products are discussed according to type.

Linear ball bearings provide the least friction. The two main products are the recirculating ball bushes
and the motion guidance systems.

1.The recirculation ball bearings are traditional linear bearings and are used with hardened and polished
shafts. The friction of the ball is very low because the contact area of the point is very small. However,
small contact areas produce large forces on the shaft, so it is essential to use only on hardened shafts.

2. Motion guidance systems (also known as ball guides and linear guides) use recirculation balls but
operate on the profiles. The ball grooves in these rails are generally in the form of a Gothic arch to
maximize the load capacity. Again, the rails must be hardened to prevent the high load balls from
becoming deformed. These systems are generally more forgiving at the time than conventional linear
recirculating bearings.

Roller bearings have a higher rated load capacity than ball bearings of equivalent size. But they are less
tolerant of lateral forces. Roller bearings are mainly used as chain rollers, but can also be used for cross
roller guides.

1.A track bearing is a bearing that rolls the outside diameter along the track. Normally, rolling elements
include rollers, but can sometimes contain balls (usually when radial load capacity is required). The
caterpillar bearings are very versatile and come in a variety of styles. The simplest is a rigid and
complete complementary roller bearing while the other profiles the outer ring to match a molded
(sometimes cured) rail. It can be joined using a spike, a threaded stud or a wieldable hub. Other designs
include secondary shaft rollers to accommodate side loads.

2.The roller guides are similar to the ball guides, but offer a greater load capacity than the equivalent
size versions of the ball. Due to their compactness and precision, they are often used in medical
applications.

3.The crossed roller slide provides very high precision and a high load capacity. However, due to the
nature of the design, it is susceptible to contamination and, as a result, is often used in cleanroom or
vacuum applications.

A plain bearings (or bushes) have evolved rapidly in the last two decades with the development of low
friction plastics. Normally the bearings are usually plastic or ceramic. The coefficient of friction is
reduced, but the coefficient of friction is generally much higher than that of rolling element bearings.

1.Linear plastic bearings are cheaper and reduce friction than using two similar materials together.
Because there are no rolling elements, there is little or no concern about product contamination due to
dust, dirt and debris. Nowadays, a wide range of plastics offers a variety of benefits.

2.Linear ceramic bearings offer characteristics similar to linear plastic bearings. They are quiet and soft,
and are generally the same size as conventional recirculating linear bearings and do not need lubricant.
There is also a combination of movement of rotation and linear movement.

Moderate

There are many factors to consider when choosing a linear motion product. The range of products
available is extensive and each product is available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Obviously, the price
is always an element, but each system has advantages and disadvantages.

Factors to be consider while selecting Linear Motion Product.

1.Load Capacity

2. Accuracy

3.Support arrangement

4. Environment

5. Resistance to corrosion.

6.Size and Scale

7.Friction

Advantages and Disadvantages Of products :-

1.Ball Bushing:-

Advantages of Ball Bushing:

 High accuracy
 Very low friction
 Harder than plain bearings.
 You can make small moments.
 Long life
 High speed

Disadvantages Of Ball bushing:-

 Do not like contamination

 Need lubrication
 Must run on hardened shafts
 Some noise

2.Ball Guide:-

Advantages of Ball Guide:-

 High accuracy
 Carry large moments
 Compact
  Very low friction & start-up friction
 Miniature size option

Disadvantages of ball guide:-

 Do not like contamination

 Need lubrication
 Rail can be expensive

3.Cross Roller Guide:-

Advantages of Cross Roller Guide

 High load capacity

 Very high accuracy
 Compact design
 Low friction

Disadvantages of Cross Roller Guide

 Expensive
 Do not like contamination
 Rails must be protected with bellows
 Fixed stroke

4.Roller Linear Guides:-

Advantages of Roller Linear Guides:-

 Higher load capacity than ball guide equivalent

 High accuracy
 Compact Design
 Low friction

Disadvantages of Roller Linear Guide:-

 Expensive
 Don’t like contamination
 Not as readily available as Ball Guides.

When assigning a linear motion product, you must take into account the advantages and disadvantages
of each product. Special attention must be paid to friction because the coefficient of sliding friction
(ordinary bushing) is significantly higher than the rolling friction (balls and rollers).