Linear bearings offer higher performance and lower noise

According to Thomson Linear Bearing, the new design optimises the surface interfaces between steel and plastic transition areas along the ball bearing circulation path for more precise operation. New standard end seals provide twice the protection from contaminants compared to competitive products, with optional low-drag end seals for lower-friction requirements. Additionally, new optional 440B stainless carriages and support rail units deliver corrosion-resistant operation for applications such as medical, electronic assembly, semiconductor, and food and beverage applications.

Tom Dwyer, the business unit manager for Thomson Profile Rail Bearings, comments: "Thomson 500 series profile rails have four longitudinal seals per carriage to provide much better contaminant protection than competitive designs that typically have just two longitudinal seals. An additional lubrication reservoir enables longer running time between servicing, while easy-change end caps and seals can be replaced in seconds to help maximise machine uptime."