Linear rolling bearings and linear sliding bearings

Linear bearings are the ideal choice for transmitting motion. For rotating bearings, the design of distance should consider whether they are rolling or sliding during operation.

The requirements for linear components vary depending on the application field. In the transmission and feeding system, both speed and accuracy are required, for example, in measuring instruments, emphasis is placed on precision and rigidity. Finding the appropriate linear guidance system for a specific application, a comprehensive product, and careful consultation are important. INA provides a wide range of linear products and professional services. Furthermore, by appropriately matching accessories for certain applications, the comprehensive standard range of the guide rail system can be optimized.

The design characteristics of each linear product make it particularly suitable for a specific linear arrangement. Generally, the selection and application principles of guide rail systems can only be reduced to a small extent, as you need to consider more and more factors and weigh the pros and cons. In addition to load, acceleration, speed, and travel, factors such as temperature, lubrication, vibration, installation, and maintenance also need to be considered.

Linear rolling bearings

Linear rolling bearings include linear guide system, roller guide system, optical axis and linear ball bearing guide system, flat plate cage guide system, linear circulating ball or roller guide system, and drive unit (actuator and worktable). Additionally, INA also manufactures special micro guidance systems for small-scale design applications. For example, applications in mechatronics and precision industry. These compact components have a very large load-bearing capacity, low friction, high rigidity, and a selection of retaining frames and cycling types for you to choose from. Due to their compact design, they can replace solutions that require a lot of space.

These guiding systems include a guide rail/slider unit, a linear ball bearing/optical axis system, or a guiding unit with rollers or ball flat retainers between them. The drive unit is a complete system with single or multiple axes, equipped with a mechanical guidance system, a motor, and a controller that matches the system.

The linear guidance system is a ready to install positioning guide rail, mainly without travel restrictions. The flat holder guide system and linear guide pair are used in situations with limited travel due to the nature of the holder. The slider supports forces from all directions - except for the direction of motion - and moments around all axes. The optical axis guidance system with linear ball bearings is suitable for supporting loads from two directions and can compensate for static deviations in the optical axis. Due to the frequent requirements for high rigidity and precision during operation, most units are preloaded or can be preloaded during installation. Due to different precision and preload levels, it can meet different guidance and positioning requirements in applications.

In order to determine the size of the guidance system, the primary consideration is the level and type of load, as well as the requirements for the lifespan and reliability of the slider. Overall, with the same external dimensions, roller sliders can withstand greater loads than ball type sliders. Ball guidance systems are typically used for small to medium loads and high dynamic motion, while roller guidance systems are used for high loads. If high loads are to be supported, flat plate holders and circulating roller guide systems are also applicable.

Linear sliding bearing

In rolling bearings, the bearing ring is separated by rolling units (rolling elements), and in a sliding guide system, the movable part slides on a static guide rail or shaft. According to the type of track system, the sliding layer is located on movable or rigid components. Lubricating oil is embedded in the sliding layer to achieve lubrication purposes.

Linear sliding bearings are linear positioning bearings with infinite stroke length. These linear guidance systems may be micro sliding guidance systems, INA linear sliding bearings and INA linear sliding bearing units, as well as flat plate guidance systems. The micro sliding guide system includes a guide rail/slider system and a maintenance free sliding layer. The INA linear sliding bearing unit is a low maintenance requirement INA liner installed inside a light metal ring. The flat guiding system is a guiding system with extremely low maintenance requirements for the sliding layer on the guide rail.

The sliding guidance system has almost no wear and tear, high static load-bearing capacity, insensitivity to impact loads and pollution, low noise, and operates without sticking or slipping. The sliding guidance system that does not require maintenance does not require lubrication, requires low maintenance materials, and has good extreme operating characteristics. Due to its versatile nature, sliding guidance systems are used in many fields, especially in situations where maintenance free or low maintenance is required, there is a possibility of insufficient lubricating oil, or where lubricating oil cannot be used.

The service life of a linear sliding guidance system depends on the load, sliding speed, temperature, and operating cycle. There are some additional limiting factors, including pollution, corrosion during dry operation, or lubricant aging due to insufficient lubrication. Therefore, the basic rated lifespan is for reference only.

Many external influences on linear sliding bearings cannot be estimated. Therefore, the service life of the guidance system tested under operating conditions is the most accurate and reliable.