How to find the right Linear Motion Bushing Shafts AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Linear Motion Bushing Shafts
- Hardened and ground shaft
- Use case-hardened (around 60 HRC) ground shafting for ball bushings. Recirculating balls dent and groove soft shafts.
- Diameter tolerance match
- Shaft tolerance (commonly g6 or h6) must suit the bushing bore, for example 8 mm shafts with LM8UU bushings. A mismatch produces play or binding.
- Support style
- End-supported shafts (SK blocks) suit short spans. Use continuously supported rail (SBR type) for long travel or heavy loads. Unsupported shafts deflect in the middle under load.
- Plain vs ball bushings
- Polymer plain bearings tolerate dirt and need no lubrication. Ball bushings are lower friction but need clean, hardened shafts. The environment decides which type survives.
Brands that matter
- Thomson: Originator of the ball bushing and of 60 Case shafting.
- igus: drylin polymer plain bearings for dirty or lubrication-free use.
- Misumi: Configurable shafts cut to length with machined ends.
What to avoid
- Running ball bushings on unhardened rod or threaded rod.
- Long unsupported spans carrying cantilevered loads.
- Mounting two parallel shafts without checking alignment, which causes binding.