Linear bearings are essential components of automation. The main design difference between rolling and plain bearings is that while plain bearings have two surfaces sliding on each other, rolling bearings have rolling bodies placed between the two surfaces, which roll away as the surfaces move.

Considering their mechanical properties, sliding friction resistance is orders of magnitude higher than rolling resistance, so significantly less energy is required to move the mounted machine units.

Although rolling bearings are more complex in design, modern manufacturing technology means they are available in standardized, interchangeable units and are easy to use if installation guidelines are followed. Good examples of this are: profile rail guides, which offers precision linear guides and carriages for industrial automation applications.

The simplicity of sliding guides

Although their construction is simpler, their manufacturing does not necessarily follow this. In the past, the sliding guides were manufactured as part of the basic machine body, which made the bearings practically non-replaceable. Although the system can be readjusted by replacing the wear plates and the track can be readjusted, over time they can completely fail, making replacement almost impossible or uneconomical.

There are applications where they are still used today, as they can have more favorable properties in terms of vibration damping and load capacity in larger and more precise machines – such as grinding machines. In smaller constructions and more subordinate tasks, cost-effectiveness and simple construction can be an advantage.

Rolling linear guides

Linear rolling bearings consist of significantly more parts, but due to their mass production, they are available at a favorable cost compared to their complexity. Their real advantage lies in the fact that they can be replaced easily and quickly after their service life has expired, thus minimizing machine downtime.

These bearings are preferred in most areas of automation due to their ease of installation and low rolling resistance. In applications requiring high rigidity and multidirectional load capacity, for example, SHAC GH linear guides they offer a solution.

Their main advantages:

1. Even load distribution:
   Carefully designed guideways and linear carriages ensure that the load is distributed evenly, reducing wear and increasing service life.

2. High precision movement:
   The complex cross-section minimizes backlash, which is essential for precision industrial applications such as CNC machines or robotic systems. As a complete, integrated solution for such applications, the linear modules, which offer guidance and propulsion in one system.

3. Multidirectional load capacity:
   Linear guides are able to withstand forces from multiple directions, further increasing the stability of the system.