What Is a Linear Bearing?
A linear bearing is a mechanical component that guides linear motion.
It facilitates smooth linear motion with low friction using rolling elements such as balls or rollers. The main components consist of rails and blocks, where the rails feature grooves for the rolling elements while the blocks hold the rolling elements in place.
Linear bearings find applications in a wide range of machinery and devices including machine tools, robots, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and packaging machinery. Their characteristics include low friction, high precision, high rigidity, long life, and ease of maintenance. In recent years, advancements in linear bearing technology have led to the development of linear motors capable of simultaneous linear and rotational motion, as well as magnetic linear bearings that reduce friction using magnetic forces.