Movements that Bearings Make Possible

Very often, we would have come across the term ball bearings, especially when using skateboards or yo-yos. The wheels in skateboards contain two ball bearings in each of the four wheels, while ball bearings can be found in the centre of high quality yo-yos too. Defined as mechanical devices that reduce friction in machines, bearings, achieve this objective by moving in specified degrees of freedom. Ball bearings roll and thereby, make movement possible. Similarly, linear bearings also make movement possible by rolling. However, unlike ball bearings that can move in any direction, a linear bearing can only move in a straight line, or along a single axis. A common example of these bearings can be seen in dresser drawers that open in a linear motion because of the linear bearings in them. The use of these bearings comes in moving heavier objects along single planes. Some types of linear motion bearings include: Crossed Roller Slides: Usually termed as economical types of bearings, these come into use when the distance between bearings needs to be as wide as possible. Being line contact bearings, these can usually handle heavier loads as compared to ball bearings. Ball Bearing Slides: Providing the lowest coefficient of friction because of the separation of the rolling elements from each other, these bearings allow the balls to run at the same length on two tracks. Since the design of these slides remains adaptable, the ball slides can be adjusted to the subassembly. This, in turn, reduces both design time and tolerance build-up. Rolling Element Bearings: Comprising four components i.e. a cage, a rolling element and an inner and outer race, each component within these bearings provides support and guidance to the rolling elements. However, on account of the constant contact between metallic surfaces, these bearings experience variable amounts of vibration damping. Plain Bearings: These possess a cylindrical shape and provide comparatively lower levels of friction, while coming at lower costs. Generally used in light load applications, these bearings make perfectly sound linear motion systems. Power Beam (Ontario, Canada) have been among the principal manufacturers of Power Beam Linear Actuators, which have also been referred to as powerbeams, Asco power beams or even Ascoletric power beams. Having made continuous improvement to the original design of its actuators, Power Beam has streamlined production, reduced lead times and enhanced the solutions they provide to their customers. In the coming days, they aim to

enhance an already considerable reputation, as the supplier that provides longlasting product solutions to its customers.

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