Product category:
Bearings
News Release from: HepcoMotion | Subject: Pacific bearings
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 06 May 2003
Sometimes better is also cheaper
Many designers still opt for ball bushings before considering higher-spec, yet cheaper alternatives, simply because it is standard practice.
Many designers still opt for ball bushings before considering higher-spec, yet cheaper alternatives, simply because it is standard practice and recirculating systems are widely available from a range of suppliers But this easy option is not only more expensive in the short term; the life expectancy of ball bushings is limited especially in hostile environments
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 3 Feb 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Bearings and profile rails assembled to order
Winkel GmbH builds complete high load lifting units to meet customer's specific needs and Hepco is pleased to extend this service to UK companies.
Hepco takes on framework system
Whilst Hepco is not unique in marketing an aluminium frame building system, the fact that it is Europe's leading linear motion specialist adds considerable value to this modular product range.
Users face not only replacement cost but also lost production in the event of a system failure.
More and more companies are having the foresight to buck this trend by switching to Pacific bearings from Hepco Linear Slide Systems, and are reaping rewards in terms of both cost, performance and longevity.
Whereas a typical ball bushing can run up to 2m/s if well lubricated and maintained, a Pacific bearing is comfortable at 4m/s and will even run at 1.5m/s without lubrication.
Pacific bearings offer far greater load bearing too - up to 15 times greater in fact.
A small ball bushing would have a maximum static load of around 27kg whereas its Pacific equivalent is rated for 420kg.
Although tightly sealed and well lubricated, a ball bushing is not able to operate effectively in arduous conditions.
As the Pacific has no moving parts and can operate without lubrication, traditional expansion/contraction problems are eliminated.
It even wipes the rail to prevent dirt ingress.
As a result, it will work immersed in salt water or sand, in the presence of dust, swarf, weld and paint spatter, in a vacuum and at any temperature between -240 and +260C.
Yet despite all these attributes, a Pacific bearing is typically 25% cheaper than its recirculating equivalent.
UK manufacturers are increasingly making a choice in favour of the superior Pacific bearings and this demand is being met by Hepco's increased stockholding of standard metric or imperial sizes.
All can be readily used as a direct replacement for failing ball bushings. Request a free brochure from HepcoMotion ...
• HepcoMotion: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
