Linear bearings are used in linear motion systems with cylindrical shafts for linear travel. Because the bearing balls are in point contact with the bearing outer sleeve, the steel balls roll with minimal frictional resistance. Therefore, linear bearings have low friction, are relatively stable, and their performance does not change with bearing speed, resulting in highly sensitive and precise smooth linear motion. However, linear bearings also have limitations. The most significant limitation is their relatively poor impact load capacity and overall load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, linear bearings generate considerable vibration and noise at high speeds. Linear bearing selection for automation is included in this guide. Linear bearings are widely used in sliding components of industrial machinery such as precision machine tools, textile machinery, food packaging machinery, and printing machinery.
Because the bearing balls are in point contact with the bearing, the load capacity is small. The steel balls rotate with minimal frictional resistance, thus achieving high-precision and smooth motion.
Plastic linear bearings are a type of self-lubricating linear motion system. The biggest difference between them and metal linear bearings is that metal linear bearings use rolling friction, with point contact between the bearing and the cylindrical shaft, making them suitable for low-load, high-speed motion; while plastic linear bearings use sliding friction, with surface contact between the bearing and the cylindrical shaft, making them suitable for high-load, medium-to-low-speed motion.