Linear motion bearing is motion of a particle along a straight line over a given period of time. In general, you are given a function in terms of "t" which tells you where on the number line the particle is at time t. If you are in a calculus class, there are certain rules regarding the first and second derivatives which help you determine when the particle is moving left/right, accelerating, stopping, etc.
A linear motion bearing is a bearing designed to provide free motion in one dimension.
Linear bearings are used primarily where something needs to be moved along a straight line with high accuracy. In other words, the object needs to only translate in one direction, and possibly move back to its starting position with high repeatability.
The implications for robotic pick-and-place are obvious, as are uses for optical test fixturing and calibration. The robotic uses of linear bearings have opened up a huge market for the devices in recent years. There is a plethora of manufacturers of the devices, so much so that standardization is sometimes a problem. The three primary types of linear bearings are linear ball bearings, crossed-roller bearings, and slide bushing.
Linear Ball Bearings
Linear Ball Bearings, as their name implies, are linear bearings where the rolling contact is provided by hardened and ground balls. A linear ball slide is a compact form of linear bearing with a small form factor and a similarly short stroke. Maximum stroke can be a maximum of about one-third of the slide length, but the form factor justifies the stroke.
View and buy Linear Motion at Amazon.com Now
View and buy Linear Ball Bearings at Amazon.com Now
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
