Linear Technology

Linear technology includes machine elements which, analogue to roller bearing technology, transmit the loads between parts moving in relation to one another and avoid undesirable contacts between these parts of a machine. In contrast to roller bearings, the movement sequences in linear technology are translatory (linear movement) rather than rotatory. The raceways are parallel to one another along an imaginary line. Rolling elements (balls or rollers) are positioned between these. To understand better how linear-motion bearings work, they can be imagined like roller bearings unrolled to work in a plane. Processes take place in the roller contact and in the roller bearing, with the difference that the circulation of the rolling elements or their tracking and return is by means of linear bearing movement. Whereas the service life of a roller bearing is determined as a number of revolutions or operating hours, the total travel is the parameter used for calculation. Linear-motion bearings can also be designed as plain bearings with a larger bearing clearance as a disadvantage compared with roller bearings. The same processes take place here as with a rotative plain bearing.