Choose between desk rollers and heavy duty linear bearing systems

Knowing what your linear motion systems will be called on to do will guide you to the right linear bearing manufacturers. Do you need lightweight bearings for cabinet and desk drawers or are you buying heavy duty industrial equipment?

I recommend: Accuride International Inc., produces a wide variety of linear slides suitable for office equipment, furniture, and storage uses. Techno Inc., produces linear rails and bearings for dispensing, inspection, testing, assembly and lightweight automation. NSK Corporation's product line includes heavier duty linear bearing systems ideal for machining and other applications that demand a high load capacity.

Ask your technical folks for more about the linear ball bearings you want

Now's the time to consult with your technical or engineering department about the specs for your linear bearing system. If they can't tell you what you need to know--or if you don't have the proper experts in place--you might get some help from the linear bearing companies themselves.

I recommend: Motion Industries lets you search for bearings by diameter, housing elements and other specifics. If you're lacking in-company technical support, LinTech maintains electrical and mechanical engineers on staff to help you choose the right product.

Order linear bearings that fit your maintenance needs

The final thing you must consider before you buy linear bearings is your company's maintenance capabilities vs. the product's maintenance needs.

I recommend: If your company doesn't have staff capable of cleaning and lubricating bearings on payroll, you can consider purchasing maintenance-free bearings from Norglide for light applications, or look to Oiles America Corporation for a variety of heavier duty self-lubricating bearings.