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Question Sources for linear slide bearings?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Map63Vette, Jul 12, 2024.

  1. Map63Vette

    Map63Vette Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2016
    Messages:
    134
    Occupation:
    Mechanical Engineer
    Location:
    Lawrence, KS
    Balance:
    463Coins
    Ratings:
    +32 / 0 / -0
    I've been slowly collecting parts to start building the linear actuators for my 6 DOF simulator design, but one of the most expensive parts in the whole setup is the linear slide bearings at the end of the actuator. I know I can get bearing style ones super cheap, but I also know that ball bearings are not going to get along with my plain steel actuator tubes, so I want to run the plastic bushing type bearings instead so they don't wear as bad. That being said, I've only been able to find them through Igus and Misumi currently, and they both want ~$66 per bearing. My whole actuator is only ~$300 each, so that's a pretty big chunk of it and I'm surprised I can't seem to find any other knock offs out there. Are these really the only options for plastic style bearings? It's especially annoying because the liners themselves are only a couple bucks each, it's the housing that is most of that cost. I'm half tempted to try buying ball bearing assemblies cheap on Amazon and knock the bearings out to replace with the liners, but with my luck they won't be the same size. Also seems like I can only find metric housings on Amazon, but I need imperial sizes to go with my tubing choice.
    Map63Vette, Jul 12, 2024
    #1
  2. Danny Miller

    Danny Miller New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2024
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    My Motion Simulator:
    6DOF
    The best materials for strong, rigid, low wear on both sides would be:
    UHMW-PE
    Delrin
    nylon
    Oil-impregnated sintered bronze ("Oillite" TM)
    Graphite-insert bushings

    The last 2 are best suited for a precision shaft of stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, or hard-anodized aluminum. They are much lower friction under load, but that's probably not essential.

    UHMW-PE is a pretty good choice for a bushing taking ordinary pipe or rod. It's a slick, self-lubricating surface and is essentially unbreakable and highly wear-resistant. But dirt cheap and easy to machine from raw stock on a lathe or mill. You just need sharp tooling and you can make it just the right clearance for whatever rod you have to work with.

    UHMW does have a tendency to warp out of shape in heat or under load. But that's not going to occur if it's a thick sleeve between two pipes
    • Informative Informative x 1
    Danny Miller, Jul 13, 2024
    #2