Linear Ball Bearing

Linear Ball Bearings

Linear ball bearings are rolling-element linear bearings that use recirculating hardened steel balls instead of sliding elements to provide low-friction, straight-line motion along round shafts with only one degree of freedom. They are better suited than plain linear bearings for higher speeds, longer strokes, and overhanging cantilevered loads due to their lower coefficient of friction and because plain bearings may bind under the 2:1 rule, requiring plain bearing spacing to be at least twice the load overhang, a rule rolling-element bearings are not subject to. PBC Linear linear ball bearings feature heat-treated alloy steel shells for durability, precision steel balls for smooth travel, molded polymer resin retainers for reduced noise, and standard double seals to help keep contaminants out. However, linear ball bearings typically require more maintenance than plain bearings, including periodic lubrication and greater care to keep debris, contamination, shock, and vibration away from the rolling elements. Available in closed, open, adjustable, self-aligning, flanged, pillow block, and double-wide configurations, PBC Linear ball bearings are dimensionally interchangeable with industry standards and cover inch sizes from 1/4 in. to 2 in. ID and metric sizes from 8 mm to 50 mm ID. Static load capacities reach up to 3,500 lb. (15,900 N) and dynamic load capacities up to 1,300 lb. (6,000 N), with operating temperatures from -4°F to 176°F (-20°C to 80°C).

More About Linear Ball Bearings

Ways to Order

Catalog Preview
Web Catalog Web Catalog Download PDF Download PDF Video Video Features Features

Browse Categories

326 products
Square-flanged linear ball bearing, 20mm ID ISO metric, standard-sized, end mount, with a closed heat-treated alloy steel shell for durability on end-supported shafts. The square flange provides secure four-bolt mounting, while recirculating hardened steel balls and a low coefficient of friction support smooth, high-speed travel. A resin retainer polymer cage..
$32.75
Round flanged linear ball bearing with a 20mm ID (ISO metric) and standard housing size, featuring a heat-treated alloy steel shell for durability and a low coefficient of friction for speed. A resin retainer polymer cage ensures quiet operation. Ideal for cantilevered applications, it performs best in low-debris environments. Double..
$32.00
Double linear ball bearing, closed, with a 20mm ID (inner diameter). Featuring a heat-treated alloy steel shell for durability, a resin retainer polymer cage for reduced noise and a low coefficient of friction for speed. Handles cantilevered loads better than plain bearings, overcoming the 2:1 binding ratio limitation of plain..
$48.14
Linear ball bearing, open shelled, with a 25mm ID JIS Metric, featuring a standard-sized heat-treated alloy steel shell that enhances durability and load capacity. Recommended over plain bearings in cantilevered applications as the 2:1 binding rule does not apply. Double seals add protection, a low coefficient of friction enables higher..
$38.04
Linear ball bearing with a JIS 16mm ID, square flanged end-mount standard sized housing, heat-treated alloy steel shell, quiet resin retainer polymer cage, and double seals included as standard. Built to Japanese Industrial Standards, the recirculating ball design provides low-friction, high-speed linear motion and can outperform plain bearings in cantilevered..
$25.86
Round Flanged Linear Ball Bearing with a 16mm ID JIS Metric and standard width, featuring an end-mounted flange, a heat-treated alloy steel shell for durability and double seals for enhanced protection. Boasts a low coefficient of friction for speed and a resin retainer polymer cage for reduced noise. Excels in..
$25.37
Linear ball bearing, double-sized and closed, with a 16mm ID JIS Metric, featuring a double wide heat-treated alloy steel shell for greater durability and higher load capacity under cantilevered conditions. Double seals add protection, a low coefficient of friction enables higher speeds, and a resin retainer polymer cage reduces noise...
$39.10
Twin linear ball bearing with JIS 12mm ID, square flanged center-mount housing, heat-treated alloy steel shell, quiet resin retainer polymer cage, and double seals included as standard. Built to Japanese Industrial Standards, the recirculating ball design provides low-friction, high-speed linear motion and can outperform plain bearings in cantilevered applications where..
$22.82
Linear Ball Bearing, Round Flanged and Double Sized, 12mm ID JIS Metric, center mount, equipped with a long heat-treated alloy steel shell for durability and double seals for added protection. With a low coefficient of friction for speed and a resin retainer polymer cage for reduced noise, this enhanced sized..
$23.84
Double-Sized Round Flanged Linear Ball Bearing with a 12mm ID JIS Metric, featuring an end-mounted flange, a heat-treated alloy steel shell for durability and double seals for enhanced protection. Boasts a low coefficient of friction for speed and a resin retainer polymer cage for reduced noise. Excels in cantilevered applications,..
$31.62
Double-sized square-flanged linear ball bearing, 12mm ID, center mount, with a long heat-treated alloy steel shell for higher load and moment capacity. The center flange provides balanced four-bolt mounting and improved resistance to moment loading, while the double-size design is equivalent to two standard bearings mounted back to back. Recirculating..
$44.63
Double-sized square-flanged linear ball bearing, 12mm ID, end mount, with a long heat-treated alloy steel shell for higher load and moment capacity. Equivalent to two standard-sized bearings mounted back to back, the square end flange provides secure four-bolt mounting at the end of the assembly. Recirculating hardened steel balls, a..
$36.79
Double-sized round-flanged linear ball bearing, 12mm ID, center mount, with a long heat-treated alloy steel shell for higher load and moment capacity. Equivalent to two standard-sized bearings mounted back to back, the center flange provides balanced mounting, while the round shape allows flexible rotational positioning and avoids corner interference. Recirculating..
$43.62
Double-sized round-flanged-end linear ball bearing, 12mm ID ISO metric, with a long heat-treated alloy steel shell for higher load and moment capacity. Equivalent to two standard-sized bearings mounted back to back, the round end flange allows flexible rotational positioning during installation and avoids corner interference in tight spaces. Recirculating hardened..
$37.41
Adjustable linear ball bearing with a 20mm ID JIS Metric, featuring a flexible slit along the side that provides adaptability for imperfect or worn shafts. A standard-sized heat-treated alloy steel shell enhances durability and load capacity, especially in cantilevered applications. Double seals add protection, a low coefficient of friction enables..
$25.26
Adjustable Linear Ball Bearing with a 20mm ISO Metric ID (inner diameter). This adjustable round shaft bushing has a slit down the side which would be used when working with an old shaft or an old machine, or any other environment where parts are not perfectly made. Temperature Range: -4/+176°F..
$25.28
Closed Linear Ball Bearing with a 20mm ID (inner diameter). Heat treated allow steel shell for durability, low coefficient of friction for speed and resin retainer for quiet motion. ISO Metric Series - Closed shell for end-supported shafts Handles cantilevered loads better than plain bearings Temperature Range: -4/+176°F (-20/+80°C) Variant..
$20.91
Adjustable linear ball bearing, closed, with a 5/8" inner diameter (ID). The adjustable split shell design lets users fine-tune fit and running clearance for smooth, accurate linear motion with a low coefficient of friction. Its ball bearing design offers an advantage in cantilevered applications where plain bearings may be limited..
$40.60
Linear ball bearing, closed, with a 5/8" inner diameter (ID). Its ball bearing design provides high speed linear motion with a low coefficient of friction and offers an advantage in cantilevered applications where plain bearings may be limited by the 2:1 binding rule. The heat-treated alloy steel shell provides durability,..
$15.81
Linear ball bearing with a JIS 12mm ID, square flanged end-mount standard sized housing, heat-treated alloy steel shell, quiet resin retainer polymer cage, and double seals included as standard. Built to Japanese Industrial Standards, the recirculating ball design provides low-friction, high-speed linear motion and can outperform plain bearings in cantilevered..
$21.80

Linear Ball Bearings

326 products

Linear ball bearings are rolling-element linear bearings that use recirculating hardened steel balls instead of sliding elements to provide low-friction, straight-line motion along round shafts with only one degree of freedom. They are better suited than plain linear bearings for higher speeds, longer strokes, and overhanging cantilevered loads due to their lower coefficient of friction and because plain bearings may bind under the 2:1 rule, requiring plain bearing spacing to be at least twice the load overhang, a rule rolling-element bearings are not subject to.

PBC Linear linear ball bearings feature heat-treated alloy steel shells for durability, precision steel balls for smooth travel, molded polymer resin retainers for reduced noise, and standard double seals to help keep contaminants out. However, linear ball bearings typically require more maintenance than plain bearings, including periodic lubrication and greater care to keep debris, contamination, shock, and vibration away from the rolling elements.

Available in closed, open, adjustable, self-aligning, flanged, pillow block, and double-wide configurations, PBC Linear ball bearings are dimensionally interchangeable with industry standards and cover inch sizes from 1/4 in. to 2 in. ID and metric sizes from 8 mm to 50 mm ID. Static load capacities reach up to 3,500 lb. (15,900 N) and dynamic load capacities up to 1,300 lb. (6,000 N), with operating temperatures from -4°F to 176°F (-20°C to 80°C).

Standard Linear Ball Bearings

Linear Ball Bearings from PBC Linear provide unmatched performance in linear motion with compatibility for industry standards. These bearings feature durable, heat-treated alloy steel shells and resin retainers for quieter operation and reduced friction.

Feature Specification
Temperature Range -4°F to +176°F (-20°C to +80°C)
Material Heat-treated alloy steel shells
Designs Wide range including double wide and thin wall
Styles Closed Open Double Wide Thin Wall


Linear Ball Bearing Flange Mounts

Designed for compact and efficient installation, Linear Ball Bearing Flange Mounts excel in high-speed applications. These mounts offer outstanding load capacities and low friction for enhanced performance.

Feature Specification
Inner Diameter Range 8 mm to 50 mm
Static Load Capacity Up to 15,900 N
Dynamic Load Capacity Up to 6,080 N
Designs Double wide options available
Styles Round Square Round Center Mount Square Center Mount Double Wide


Linear Ball Bearing Pillow Blocks

Linear Ball Bearing Pillow Blocks are designed for versatile mechanical applications, featuring aluminum alloy housings and ball bearing inserts for stability and efficiency. These blocks accommodate high loads while minimizing friction.

Feature Specification
Static Load Capacity Up to 7,900 N (1,700 lb)
Dynamic Load Capacity Up to 3,800 N (850 lb)
Designs Open and closed configurations
Styles Closed Single Closed Twin Open Single Open Twin

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use linear ball bearings?
Use linear ball bearings when you need smooth, high-speed linear motion with minimal friction and good performance under overhung or cantilevered loads.
What are the main practical use differences between plain linear bearings and linear ball bearings?
Linear ball bearings differ from plain linear bearings in three key ways: (1) they resist rotation and provide more controlled, single-axis motion; (2) they handle cantilevered loads better, avoiding the ~2:1 binding limitation common in plain bearings; and (3) they support higher speeds due to rolling contact instead of sliding friction.