Techno Linear Motion Catalog 19
Technical Information
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5) Load Bearing Mechanisms
Load bearing mechanisms are the structural backbone of any linear/rotary motion system, and are a critical
consideration. This section will introduce most of the more common types of load bearing mechanisms
found in linear motion machinery. In general, bearings allow smooth, low friction motion between two
surfaces loaded against each other. The motion can be either rotary (such as in a turning shaft) or linear
(such as a machine part moving back and forth). Some applications require that a bearing accommodate
both types of motion simultaneously, which is referred to as a combination bearing. In both cases there
should be a strong attempt to provide enough lubrication to keep the bearing surfaces separated by a film
of oil. The absence of physical contact provides most bearings with long service lives.
Bearings are evaluated on the basis of how much load they carry, at what speeds they can carry the load,
and how long they will serve under those conditions. Friction, start-up torque, shock- and impact-resistance,
operating environment, rigidity, size, cost, complexity, and lubricating procedures are also important design
considerations.
The following diagram reveals the basic bearing families more widely found in linear motion systems. The
distinction between families is made by the type of motion and type of loading being considered. Bearings
accommodate rotational and/or translational motion. Translational bearings, or linear bearings, are loaded
perpendicular (radial) to the direction of motion. Rotational bearings can be loaded either perpendicular to
the axis of rotation (radial) or parallel to the axis of rotation (thrust).
Most bearings can be classified into one of two general types. The distinction between bearing types is
made by the nature of the bearing mechanism. The two types each have a number of different possible
configurations, and some of the more common configurations will now be discussed. Since many bearings
are either specialized or of proprietary design, this discussion is by no means intended to be all exhaustive,
but rather to serve as an introduction.
Plain Bearings, or Journal Bearings, are the most basic type of
bearing. They have no moving parts, they support loads through sliding
contact, and are usually the least costly to install. Some plain bearings
are self-lubricating and maintenance-free while others are not. In fact,
some plain bearings are classified as to the lubricating method required.
Typically, plain bearings will operate right up to the point of failure with
little or no warning signs. Since the motion involved is usually low level,
the results of failure are typically noncatastrophic, and replacement or
repair is fairly simple. There are several ways to size plain bearings for
an application, as outlined at the end of this section.
Thrust
TRANSLATION
(OR LINEAR)
JOURNAL
OR RADIAL
BEARING
Bearing
surface
THRUST
BEARING
Radial
Load
ROTATION
Motion
Motion
Load
Load
PLAIN BEARING
Bearing
Journal
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Techno Linear Motion Catalog 20
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Raceways Filling slots
Rolling Element Bearings, or roller bearings, make up the bulk of
commercially available and applied bearings. These types of bearings
rely on either balls or rollers to carry the load. The rolling motion
produces less friction than found in plain bearings. For this reason,
roller bearings are also referred to as antifriction bearings. Both radial
loads and thrust loads can be supported by this type of bearing.
Lubrication is either permanently sealed in the bearing or is required
during operation. The largest causes of failure are either exceeding
temperature, load and speed limits, or providing insufficient lubrication
during operation. Since roller bearing applications often involve heavy
loads and high speeds, failure can be catastrophic, extremely costly
and time consuming to repair. Usually there will be an increase in the
sound of the balls or rollers in the raceways when approaching failure.
There are many different configurations of roller element bearings, and
some are discussed in the following section.
Radial Ball Bearings come in two basic variations which
are called the Conrad type, or nonfilling slot, and the
maximum capacity type, or filling slot. The Conrad type has
a deep, uninterrupted raceway in inner and outer rings. This
design is capable of carrying heavy radial and moderate bi-
directional thrust loads. The maximum capacity bearing has
more balls than an equivalent sized Conrad type, therefore
carries a higher radial load. However, the filling slots require
that the thrust loads be light and applied only in combination
with a heavier radial load. If moderate thrust loads are
present, the maximum type can be replaced by a double
row Conrad type bearing. Selection of this type bearing is
outlined in the following section.
Thrust Ball Bearings are designed to
provide axial shaft location and support
thrust l oads. Angul ar contact bal l
bearings support radial as well as thrust
loads, and the ratio of permissible radial
to thrust loads depends upon the angle
of contact between the races and the
bearing axis. Thrust ball bearings are
commonl y used i n l i near mot i on
systems to support the drive screw.
Conrad-type ball bearing, left, and
maximum-capacity (filling slot) type, right
Flat-race, flat-seat thrust ball bearing, A, and
grooved-race, flat-seat thrust ball bearing, B
Aligning, double-acting, grooved-race
thrust ball bearing
A
B
Banded thrust ball bearing, A, and
aligning, single-acting, grooved-race
thrust ball bearing, B
B
A
Outer race
Rolling element
Inner
Race
ROLLING ELEMENT
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Techno Linear Motion Catalog 21
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Flat race, flat seat bearings consist of two flat washers and a ball retaining assembly. They are used
when the ball retainer assembly must carry thrust loads without restraining shaft oscillations or flexures.
They work well with light loads and are very economical.
Grooved race, flat seat bearings are the most common type of thrust ball bearing. They consist of a shaft
mounted small bore washer, a large housing mounted bore washer, and a ball retaining assembly. Grooved
race bearings have a load bearing capacity approximately 4 times greater than flat race bearings.
Banded thrust ball bearings are self-contained, have grooved races, have a stationary and rotating face
with full ball complement, and are encased in a containing band. These bearings are most commonly used
where the bearing's outer circumference must be protected from contamination, for blind installation, or
where separating forces cause substantial axial motion of bearing components.
Aligning grooved race bearings are a variation of grooved race bearings, and are available in single and
double acting types. Aligning members compensate for initial misalignment due to shaft deflection or
mismatch, while allowing uniform distribution of the load through the bearing. The double-acting type carries
thrust in both directions.
Linear Bearings are most commonly used in linear motion applications. This type of bearing is used when
loads are to be supported as the bearing rides back and forth along a shaft. Each raceway holds balls in
rolling contact between the shaft and inner bearing race of the bushing. The remaining balls recirculate
freely in the back side of the clearance in the ball train sleeve. A retainer is usually provided so that when
the bearing is removed from the shaft the balls stay in place. Linear bearings are as easy to install as a
plain bearing, while utilizing the advantages of rolling contact. Among the important factors when considering
load capacity of a linear bearing system are life expectancy, shaft hardness, and load orientation with
respect to the ball trains. Typically, if a lifetime of more than 2,000,000 inches is required, or if a shaft
hardness of less than Rc 60 is specified, then the load-carrying capacity of the bearing system will be
reduced.
Linear Bearings are the most commonly applied bearing type in linear motion systems. Clearly, many
applications involve using two sets of double linear rails, with two bearing blocks on each rail. In this case,
the load found on each bearing block is of interest when selecting the bearing components. There are three
basic orientations for the bearing system and loads, and each case is represented as follows.
Horizontal Translation with Normal Load: when a normal load is applied to a horizontal bearing system,
the loads on each bearing are found by using the following equations. The equations still apply if the load
is acting inside of the carriage mounting surface area. The orientation of the applied load with respect to
the bearing system is the important feature to consider. This means that these equations can still be used
even if the orientation of the translation is not horizontal, as long as the load to bearing relationship is
preserved.
Load-carrying balls
Recirculating balls
in clearance
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L
2
L
4
L
2
L
4
d
3
d
1
( )
d
3
d
1
( )
L
4
L
2
d
4
d
2
d
3
d
4
F
1
F
3
F
2
F
4
L
F
1S
F
2S
F
2
F
1
F
3
d
1
TO CENTER
OF SCREW
FROM CENTER
OF TABLE
d
2
F
4S
F
2
F
2S
F
1S
L
F
1
F
3
F
4
L
d
1
d
3
d
1
d
3
d
4
d
2
F
3S
F
4
Horizontal Translation with Side Load: when a side
load is applied to the bearing system, the loads on the
individual bearings change, and new equations are
required. Each bearing will have a resultant normal load
as well as a side load. The orientation of the applied
load with respect to the bearing system is the important
feature to consider. This means that these equations
can still be used even if the orientation of the translation
i s not hori zontal , as l ong as the l oad to beari ng
relationship is preserved.
Vertical Translation with Vertical Load: when the load
is applied in the direction of travel (thrust), then the
following equations should be used to calculate the
loads on each bearing block. This type of configuration
i s general l y found i n verti cal appl i cati ons. The
orientation of the applied load with respect to the bearing
system is the important feature to consider. This means
that these equations can still be used even if the
orientation of the translation is not vertical, as long as
the load to bearing relationship is preserved.
F
2
= +
L
4
L
2
d
4
d
2
F
1
= +
d
3
d
1
( )
d
4
d
2
F
3
=
d
4
d
2
L
4
L
2
d
3
d
1
d
4
d
2
F
4
= + + ( )
F
2S
= F
4S
=
d
3
d
1
( )
F
1S
= F
3S
= +
L
4
d
3
d
1
( )
L
2
F
3
= F
4
=
L
2
d
4
d
2
( )
F
1
= F
2
=
L
2
d
4
d
2
( )
F
1
= F
3
=
L
2
d
3
d
1
( )
F
2
= F
4
=
L
2
d
3
d
1
( )
F
1S
= F
3S
=
L
2
d
4
d
2
( )
F
2S
= F
4S
=
L
2
d
4
d
2
( )
(7)
(8)
(9)
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Roller Bearings are also widely used in linear / rotary motion applications. There are several principal
types of roller bearings. In general, they have higher load capacities than ball bearings of the same size
due to the increased area of contact and, except for the cylindrical type, lower speed capabilities. They are
commonly used in heavy-duty moderate-speed applications; and, as with ball bearings, there are many
different styles to choose from. Because of the geometry, roller bearings are not tolerant of shaft
misalignment.
Cylindrical Roller Bearings have the highest radial load capacity for a given cross section, and the highest
speed capability for any given roller bearing type. A common problem encountered is roller skidding, which
causes premature failure. Solutions include a slightly concave raceway that pinches the ends of the rollers,
or the use of hollow preloaded rollers to hold position.
Needle Roller Bearings are similar in appearance to cylindrical roller bearings, but typically have a much
smaller diameter to length ratio. They typically exhibit higher load capacities than single row ball bearings
of comparable OD, and can nearly fit into the same space as a plain bearing. In most instances, a hardened
shaft acts as the bearings inner race, although an inner race can be supplied when the shaft cannot be
hardened.
Crossed Roller Bearings are very common in heavy-duty precise applications; however, they are extremely
sensitive to contaminants. The principle is similar to that of cylindrical bearings; however, the roller diameter
must be equal to the roller height. The rollers take on an alternating pattern, with their orientations being
crossed at 90 degrees. This arangement allows very smooth motion, and large load capabilities in all
directions normal to travel. A further benefit of crossed roller bearings is very high straight line accuracy.
Selecting and Sizing Bearing Systems
When selecting and sizing bearings for an application, there are several considerations. Most bearing
applications can be practically analyzed by sizing load and speed requirements. This section is intended to
provide a basic understanding of the bearing selection process, and should not used as an only source.
Plain Bearing Selection: A plain bearings load capacity is generally expressed as pounds per square inch
(psi) of projected bearing area. The size and material of the bearing determine most of the load carrying
ability, and there are several rules of thumb to use as a guide.
Maximum load capacity for static or very low-speed applications is 1/3 the bearing
materials compressive limit. The compressive limit is the lowest pressure that results in
plastic (permanent) deformation.
Most plain bearings carry less than 400 psi.
Cylindrical Roller Bearing Needle Bearing Caged Crossed Roller Bearing
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Plain bearings rarely ever carry more than 3000 psi.
Another way of determining a bearings load capacity is through maximum PV factor. This is the value of
pressure on the bearing (psi) times the shaft speed (feet/min).
If the PV value for the application is less than the maximum PV value for the bearing
considered, and if the application pressure load does not exceed the compressive
strength of the bearing material, and if the application speed does not exceed the
maximum permissible speed of the bearing considered, then the bearing considered
may well serve the application.
Ball Bearing Selection: The nature of the application load must be known and compared to the load
carrying capability of the considered bearing. Combination loads should be converted into a single equivalent
radial or thrust load using manufacturers equations to size the application requirement. Regarding speed
requirements, tolerance grade, lubrication, retainer design and bearing seal type must be considered, and
the maximum application speed must not exceed the maximum allowable bearing speed. A useful guide for
ball bearing selection is to consider the DN value (speed value) of the bearing. The DN value is the product
of the bore size (mm) and the shaft speed (rpm). This quantity will suggest the type of lubrication and
tolerance grade required. Use for the ball bearing type include applications involving shafts that may be
slightly misaligned.
Linear Ball Bearing Selection: This selection is generally based on speed and load requirements.
Understanding the orientation and magnitude of the application loads on the bearing is of paramount
importance. Most manufacturers and suppliers of such bearings will include information regarding the load
capabilities with respect to load orientation, as shown below.
Roller Bearing Selection: Load, speed, and shaft alignment are the most important features to consider
when selecting roller bearings. It is suggested that, in the case of needle bearings, the shaft parallelism be
less than 0.0003" for the entire length of the bearing section. Further, the shaft should be round to within
0.0002" or to within half the shaft tolerance.
F
Z
F
A
F
Y
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
F
Y
X
F
Z
A
F
D
e
r
a
t
i
n
g
F
a
c
t
o
r
(
D
)
80
60
40
20
0
20
40
60
80
A
n
g
l
e
o
f
A
p
p
l
i
e
d
L
o
a
d
(
A
)
Force on Single Bearing Force on Double Bearing
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