Thomson Linear Motion Optmized
Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings
Thomson offers the world's largest selection of state-of-the-art linear bearings. Choose from several families of inch or metric linear bearings and accessories to meet your specific design needs, including our Super Smart Ball Bushings, which offer load capacities up to 7760 lb. When used with RoundRail linear guides, the inherent self-aligning-in-all-directions design of these linear bearings allows for ultra-smooth travel when mounted to wider-toleranced prepared surfaces. When used with Thomson 60 Case® shafting, our linear bearings last up to 50% longer than conventional bearings.
Standard Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
Custom Linear Ball Bushing Bearing Options
Let Thomson Help You Make Your Selection!
For applications in which heavy loads require linear motion with speed, precision and no friction, Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings provide an optimal solution.
Why Thomson Ball Bushing Bearings?
Available in metric or inch sizes, state-of-the-art Thomson universally self-aligning linear slide bearings have been manufactured to the highest quality standards for smooth, accurate motion for the past 75 years. And when used with Thomson 60 Case® LinearRace® shafting, travel life and load capacity are significantly increased compared to conventional models.
Customization Options
When your design requirements call for something outside of the standard Thomson offering, it’s no problem. Our experienced support team can work with you to create the optimal solution for your application. Our custom bearing options include factory installed pillow block configurations, precision balls (corrosion-resistant, stainless steel, nylon and many more), factory lubrication and special finishes.
Where Can You Get Started?
Thomson provides extensive online resources to help you no matter where you may be in the Ball Bushing Bearing purchase decision process:
VIDEO: Choosing Between Closed and Open Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
After selecting shafting for your linear motion design, linear ball bushing bearings are next. An open or closed bearing will depend on the type of shafting you chose.
VIDEO: Mounting Thomson Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
The efficiency of your linear ball bushing bearings depends largely on how well it is mounted into your machine or device. Watch this video for tips and accessories to help you properly mount your linear bearings.
VIDEO: A Closer Look at Thomson Adjustable Linear Bearings
In your linear motion applications, adjustable diameter linear ball bushing bearings can help you achieve higher precision.
VIDEO: How the Orientation of a Thomson Linear Ball Bushing Bearing Affects its Load Capacity
For maximum capacity, linear bearings are oriented so the load is distributed between load bearing tracks. Watch this video to learn why this is so important to linear bearing performance, and, in turn, your machine designs.
Technical Articles
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Round or Square? Which is the Ideal Linear Guide for Your Application
Advancements in load capacity, life and ease of manufacture allowed an ever-widening range of applications to benefit from nearly friction free linear guidance. Since the introduction of the square, or profile rail, linear guide in the 1970s, the design engineer has been faced with the pivotal question: round or square?
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Four Linear Bearing and Guide Lubrication Mistakes that Can Bring Your Machines Down
For most manufacturers, the financial cost of machine downtime can be significant, resulting in the loss of thousands or even millions of dollars. Small investments in routine and preventive maintenance, however, can pay off many times over.
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Picking the Right Linear Rails for Your Application
How to choose between the main types of linear technologies, and how to design automation systems that deliver optimal performance using design requirements, rather than cost, as the primary consideration in selecting linear components.
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Linear Bearing Maintenance – 5 Key Tips to Avoid Unplanned Downtime
How a $25 investment now can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in unplanned downtime.
Linear Ball Bushing Bearings 2D/3D Interactive Models
