Bearing Blocks are designed to provide free motion in one dimension. Utilizing linear motion bearings, Bearing Blocks provide low-friction linear movement. Most Bearing Blocks use ball bearings, while others find benefits in using dovetail bearings or linear roller bearings.

Ball bearing slides are the most commonly used type of Bearing Blocks. Ball bearing Blocks, offer smooth precision along a single-axis linear design, assisted by housed ball bearings of the Bearing Blocks block, with self lubrication properties that increase reliability.

Bearing Blocks can be constructed from materials such as aluminum; hardened cold rolled steel and galvanized steel. Bearing Blocks consist of two linear rows of ball bearings contained by four rods which are located on different sides of the bearing block. The Bearing Blocks ball bearings and rods provide support to the carriage for smooth linear movement along the ball bearings. Bearing Blocks bearing block low-friction linear movement can be powered by either a drive mechanism, inertia or by hand. Bearing Blocks can be limited to a lower load capacity for their size compared to other Bearing Blocks because the balls are less resistant to wear and abrasions.

The purpose for Bearing Blocks is to position objects as accurately as possible along a single axis. The two main parts to Bearing Blocks include a rail and a carriage. The rail of the Bearing Blocks is the stationary base in which the carriage slides along through rollers or bearings in order to minimize rolling friction and maximize efficiency. There are different types of Bearing Blocks fit for different industries and applications. For example, ball-bearing linear slides are typical for lighter duty and self-lubricating applications while dovetail Bearing Blocks are used for heavier loads.

The Bearing Blocks are ideal for a wide variety of industrial type applications. These Bearing Blocks applications include CNC, laser machining, drilling machines, grinding machines, material handling equipment, industrial robots, medical and optical equipment and many more. Bearing Blocks provide applications a smooth, fast and accurate positioning due to low friction. Bearing Blocks also provide the benefits of project cost reduction. The low coefficient of friction that Bearing Blocks offer allows users to downsize to smaller drives and motors.

Bearing Blocks can be configured in many different ways. The ranges of options Bearing Blocks have allow users to match the right Bearing Blocks to their application. Changes to these options makes up different types of Bearing Blocks. Some options that can be changed include preload, accuracy, and lubrication.

Some applications do not call for Bearing Blocks to be preloaded, even though preload is preferred because of the elimination of internal clearance and the increase of rigidity. The purpose of preload is mainly to reduce elastic deformation in Bearing Blocks caused by the load. The reduction of elastic deformation increases the rigidity of Bearing Blocks by applying stress in advance to the contact area between the raceways and rolling elements. Bearing Blocks usually have the options of standard, light, or heavy preload.

The accuracy of Bearing Blocks is determined by the accuracy combination of both the rail and the block. Manufacturers of Bearing Blocks usually offer an accuracy range from normal to high accuracy between blocks and rails. The quality of the mounting surface to which the linear rail is attached to also affects the accuracy of all Bearing Blocks as well. Because of this, Bearing Blocks should have a straight and parallel mounting face in order to ensure the accuracy of the Bearing Blocks.

The friction of Bearing Blocks affect power consumption, lower operating temperatures and increase the overall efficiency. The two types of friction for Bearing Blocks include static and dynamic friction. The frictional resistance of Bearing Blocks changes depending on the type, load, speed and lubricant. The primary reason for lubrication on Bearing Blocks is to keep raceways, rolling elements and cages from direct metal-to-metal contact. The performance of Bearing Blocks can be influenced by the lubrication. For this reason, it is important to select an adequate lubricant based on elements such as the bearing, load, and speed of the Bearing Blocks. The type of lubrication for Bearing Blocks includes oil or grease depending on the needs of the application.

The price of Bearing Blocks varies based on a number of factors. The factors that affect the cost of Bearing Blocks can include different preloads, precision, block dimensions, block types, and rail lengths. For standard-size Bearing Blocks with normal precision and normal preload, the cost for Bearing Blocks can start as low as $30.00. For Bearing Blocks with higher accuracy and higher preloads, Bearing Blocks can go up to $100. The different rail-length options for Bearing Blocks can start at $20.00 for the shortest length and as much as $500 for the longer lengths. Prices may vary also with the type of materials used and any special requests made by the customer.

Depending on the application's environment, Bearing Blocks require different types of accessories. The basic accessories of Bearing Blocks can include covers, limit switch side mounts, lubrication systems, or coating. Each accessory for Bearing Blocks can play an integral role in the protection and operation of these precision devices.

Most Bearing Blocks will use either an accordion cover or telescoping cover. These covers protect Bearing Blocks from dust particles, chips, and other contaminants that may affect the precision and smooth operation of the rail and block. Accordion covers and the telescoping covers are recommended for Bearing Blocks to protect bearings and screws from these elements.

Limit switch side mounts can be installed on Bearing Blocks to accommodate applications that require this option. This allows the Bearing Blocks to implement hard stop, soft stop, or home positions along a linear axis.

Bearing Blocks have a few options when it comes to lubrication. Applications may call for a manual or automatic lubrication system. Both systems offer an efficient method of supplying oil to Bearing Blocks providing the advantages of smooth operation, cleanliness, and safety. The manual system on Bearing Blocks uses a handle pump or injector, while the automatic system may use an electric gear motor pump lubricator with a built-in time controller.

Other accessories for Bearing Blocks include special coatings. Rails and blocks can be treated with a special coating depending on the environmental conditions of the Bearing Blocks. Coatings can consist of corrosion or abrasion resistant, in addition to a dry film lubricant reducing friction and wear increasing the life of the Bearing Blocks.