Simplicity Plain Linear Bearing

Simplicity® Plain Linear Bearings, Sleeve Bushings, Pillow Blocks & Flange Mounts

Plain linear bearings are precision-bored linear motion components that use sliding elements along the bore’s inner diameter, such as a bonded self-lubricating liner or low-cost injection-molded polymer liner, to produce low-friction straight-line motion along a round or square shaft. Open-shelled versions provide a cutout to clear the way for rail supported shafts or profiled rails. Unlike rolling element ball bearings, plain linear bearings eliminate balls that can jam, seize, contaminate, brinell (dent), or fail in harsh environments. Simplicity® plain linear bearings feature a premium bonded, self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® PTFE-based liner that minimizes friction and wear, eliminates the need for external lubrication, and delivers long-lasting maintenance-free performance in conditions involving extreme heat, dirt, welding splatter, particulates, debris, vibration, shock, washdown, and caustic exposure. Configurations include standard, twin-size, self-aligning, die set, flanged, pillow block bearings and sleeve bearings (bushings). Off-the-shelf style choices include include round or square shaft bearings, straight or crowned anodized aluminum shells, open or closed shell designs, standard or double-size housings, and straight or flanged sleeve options. Optional Frelon®J liners provide resistance to corrosive chemicals, and Frelon®W liners support FDA-compliant applications. All variants are available with precision or compensated running clearances and can support linear, rotary, or oscillating motion. ID sizes are offered in Inch, ISO Metric, and JIS Metric standards. The 2:1 binding rule applies to plain bearing systems as the farther a load sticks out from the shaft or rail, the farther apart the bearings or carriages need to be to prevent binding.

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Simplicity® Plain Linear Bearings, Sleeve Bushings, Pillow Blocks & Flange Mounts

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FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed-shell, with a 10mm compensated ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0015" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in a thin-wall anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$15.95
FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed, with a 40mm precision ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0005" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact thin-wall bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in an anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$67.37
FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed, with a 15mm precision ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0005" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact thin-wall bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in an anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$18.55
FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed-shell, with a 20mm compensated ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0015" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact thin-wall bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in an anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$18.91
FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed-shell, with an 8mm compensated ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0015" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact thin-wall bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in an anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$14.38
FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed, with a 16mm precision ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0005" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact thin-wall bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in an anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$18.55
FAG-interchange plain linear bearing, closed, with a 35mm precision ID (inner diameter) that provides a 0.0005" running clearance per side on matching round shafts. This compact thin-wall bearing, sized to FAG interchange dimensions, is encased in an anodized aluminum outer shell and features a bonded Simplicity® self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® bore liner..
$67.37
887 products

Simplicity® Plain Linear Bearings, Sleeve Bushings, Pillow Blocks & Flange Mounts

887 products

Plain linear bearings are precision-bored linear motion components that use sliding elements along the bore’s inner diameter, such as a bonded self-lubricating liner or low-cost injection-molded polymer liner, to produce low-friction straight-line motion along a round or square shaft. Open-shelled versions provide a cutout to clear the way for rail supported shafts or profiled rails. Unlike rolling element ball bearings, plain linear bearings eliminate balls that can jam, seize, contaminate, brinell (dent), or fail in harsh environments. Simplicity® plain linear bearings feature a premium bonded, self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® PTFE-based liner that minimizes friction and wear, eliminates the need for external lubrication, and delivers long-lasting maintenance-free performance in conditions involving extreme heat, dirt, welding splatter, particulates, debris, vibration, shock, washdown, and caustic exposure. Configurations include standard, twin-size, self-aligning, die set, flanged, pillow block bearings and sleeve bearings (bushings). Off-the-shelf style choices include round or square shaft bearings, straight or crowned anodized aluminum shells, open or closed shell designs, standard or double-size housings, and straight or flanged sleeve options. Optional Frelon®J liners provide resistance to corrosive chemicals, and Frelon®W liners support FDA-compliant applications. All variants are available with precision or compensated running clearances and can support linear, rotary, or oscillating motion. ID sizes are offered in Inch, ISO Metric, and JIS Metric standards. The 2:1 binding rule applies to plain bearing systems as the farther a load sticks out from the shaft or rail, the farther apart the bearings or carriages need to be to prevent binding.

  • Sizing Options: Inch, metric, and JIS sizes available
  • Available in open, closed and thin-wall styles
  • ID Sizes: Available from 3/16” to 4” Inch Series, 5mm to 80mm Metric Series
  • Shaft Lengths: Up to 12 feet
  • Shell Material: Standard is aluminum; stainless steel shells are available
  • Maximum Speed: Up to 8 m/s (315 in/s)
  • Temperature Rating: -400°F to +400°F or -240°C to 204°C
  • Maximum Horizontal Static Load: 2,165 to 100,500 lb (982 to 45,586 kg)
  • Seal Options: Nitrile rubber, urethane, and viton seals available from ½” ID and up or 20mm and up
  • Mounting Options: O-ring and retaining ring grooves for multiple mounting options
  • External Lubrication: Optional feature for added lubrication
  • Vibration Damping: Ensures smooth and quiet operation

View the Plain Linear Bearing Product Features page

Frequently Asked Questions

What are flanged plain bearings used for?
Flanged plain bearings are used to simplify mounting and axial positioning in linear motion systems, providing a built-in flange that helps secure the bearing within a housing or plate.
What is a pillow block plain bearing?
A pillow block plain bearing is a mounted assembly that houses a plain bearing in a rigid block, making installation easier while providing alignment support and load distribution.
What are twin or double-size plain bearings?
Twin or double-size plain bearings feature extended length or dual-bearing surfaces to increase load capacity, improve stability, and reduce deflection in demanding applications.
What are die set plain bearings used for?
Die set plain bearings are designed for use in stamping and tooling applications, providing precise linear guidance and durability under high loads and repetitive motion.
What are thin-wall plain bearings?
Thin-wall plain bearings are designed for space-constrained applications, offering a reduced outer diameter while maintaining low friction and reliable linear motion performance.
What is a sleeve bushing in linear motion applications?
A sleeve bushing is a cylindrical plain bearing that provides smooth, low-friction motion along a shaft, commonly used where compact size and simple installation are required.
What are the benefits of self-lubricating liners in plain bearings?
Self-lubricating liners eliminate the need for external lubrication, reduce maintenance, minimize friction and wear, and perform reliably in dirty, dry, or high-temperature environments.
When should mounted plain bearings be used instead of standalone bearings?
Mounted plain bearings, such as pillow blocks or flanged units, should be used when easier installation, improved alignment, and additional structural support are required.
What materials are used in plain bearing liners?
Plain bearing liners are typically made from PTFE-based materials that provide low friction, wear resistance, and consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
Can plain bearings operate without lubrication?
Yes, plain bearings with self-lubricating liners are designed to operate without external lubrication, making them ideal for applications where maintenance access is limited or contamination is a concern.