Simplicity Linear Bearing Installation Video

Hello, I'm Dave Humblet, Senior Application Engineer with PBC Linear.

In this video, we’ll be talking about the installation of Simplicity bearings.

Installation of Simplicity linear plain bearings covers several different methods as well as bearing types.

Standard Simplicity bearings, with part numbers beginning with FL or FM, have a straight OD when matched with a standard pillow block that has a spherical ID. The bearing will be capable of ½° pivot or self-alignment in all directions. This arrangement works well for most standard applications.

However, when not using a standard PBC Linear pillow block, there are other options for installing the Simplicity bearing into your own machined straight bore housing.

The most common configuration can handle average shaft misalignment. Typically, a straight-bore housing is paired with a self-aligning bearing to achieve self-alignment in all directions. A crown around the OD of the bearing allows it to rock up to ½° in all directions.

The FLA, FMA, and FJA bearings have this self-aligning feature. This type of bearing is retained within the housing with a snap ring.

Refer to the catalog technical section, or the blog post on our website, to make sure the ID of the housing is machined to the correct tolerance.

A less common installation, which handles very minimal to virtually no shaft misalignment or deflection, is a standard straight-OD bearing slipped into a closely fit housing ID.

In this case, standard retention methods are used, such as snap rings or epoxy.

If using epoxy, make sure that none of it gets onto the bearing liner.

In a slip-fit situation with no misalignment, binding will occur if misalignment is present.

The last slip-fit condition involves severe misalignment configurations. In this case, oversize the housing ID and use O-rings to take up the additional diametrical clearance. The O-rings act as a cushion, allowing the bearing to float and match the misalignment. For retention, use snap rings at each end of the bearing.

Again, do not use epoxy, because it will not allow the bearing to match any misalignment.

The final, and most rigid, setup has no allowance for misalignment or deflection. A standard straight-OD bearing can be press-fit into a machined bore. If choosing this arrangement, be sure to use an FLC or other compensated ID type bearing. Ensure that the housing bore is sized and machined to the recommended tolerance. This will provide proper running clearances after install.

Remember, this setup does not allow for any self-alignment of the bearing and is the least tolerant to shaft misalignment. It is not recommended for the vast majority of applications using Simplicity linear plain bearings.

When creating your own housing for Simplicity linear bearings, be sure to refer to the catalog technical section or to the blog link shown on the screen for the correct specifications and tolerances needed. This will ensure smooth, long-life performance for your linear motion system.