Linear Bearings
Linear bearings put recirculating balls between shaft and carriage, turning sliding friction into smooth rolling motion.
What are linear bearings?
A linear (ball) bearing is a bushing containing recirculating ball circuits that run directly on a hardened shaft, giving low-friction linear motion. Standard series cover common shaft diameters; variants handle clearance adjustment, supported-shaft (open) designs and flange mounting.
Types of linear bearings
Standard linear bushings
Cylindrical body, retained ball circuits — the basic unit.
Clearance-adjustable types
Slit body allows fine radial clearance adjustment in the housing.
Open types
Cut-away section clears the rail of a supported shaft for long, rigid axes.
Flanged types
Integral flange bolts straight to the carriage — no housing needed.
How to select linear bearings
- Shaft diameter and the matching bearing series.
- Load and life calculation from the applied load and stroke.
- Closed, open or flanged form by the mounting design.
- Sealing and lubrication for the environment.
Not sure? Send what you have — a part number, drawing or photo — and our engineering team will confirm the selection.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a linear bearing and a linear bushing?
- The terms are used interchangeably — both mean a bushing-format bearing running on a round shaft. 'Linear ball bushing' emphasises the recirculating-ball construction versus a plain (sliding) bushing.
- When should I use an open-type linear bearing?
- When the shaft is continuously supported along its length (for rigidity on long axes), the bearing needs an open segment to pass the shaft support rail.
Related components
Linear Shafts
The shaft is half of every linear bushing system — its hardness, roundness and surface finish set the accuracy and life of the motion.
Linear Guide Rails
Profile rail guides carry heavy, offset loads with high rigidity — the standard motion element of machine tools and automation axes.
Oil-Free Bushings
Oil-free bushings run without lubrication lines — solid lubricant embedded in the bearing wall feeds the sliding surface continuously.
Need linear bearings?
Tell us the specification, quantity and application — or just send the drawing.