The ball bearing is the best-known – and most widely used – bearing type, and its many variants can be applied to a range of specific application. Phil Burge, Country Communication Manager at SKF explains the fundamentals.
A key benefit of plain linear bearings is that they are simple to use. In comparison to recirculating ball bearings, which require oil or grease lubricants and periodic maintenance, plastic plain bearings are self-lubricating and therefore run maintenance free.
Let’s first consider stress, set and weight as important considerations in establishing a custom spring design which need to be understood at the outset.
Industrial spring applications are found every day but are rarely seen, being hidden away and therefore many aspects of the design/material selection are overlooked.
While the cost of linear bearings is low, their performance is essential to the accuracy, throughput and reliability of critical production machines.