Linear Motion and Bearings
When you’re facing a linear motion requirement — whether it’s general machinery, optical equipment or high-precision measurement machines — NB Linear Systems has your solution. Decades of experience to designing and manufacturing award-winning linear rails, slides, bearings, and guides have been applied to a vast array of industry needs.
Nippon Bearing products combine compact size, high-load capacity, flexible mounting options and high resistance to demanding environments.
Product Lineup
Linear Bushings (Slide Bushes)
Linear Bushing | NB Slide Bush
The NB Slide Bush is a linear bushing with mechanism utilizing the rolling motion of ball elements. Since linear motion is obtained with simple mechanism, the linear bushing can be used in a wide variety of applications, including transportation , food processing and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- A space-saving round shaft that allows for smaller component designs, lighter overall weight and other engineering advantages
- A precision-ground raceway surface that minimizes contact with ball elements, reducing friction and providing smoother linear movement
- A double-lip seal that reduces grease leakage while preventing dust and other foreign particles from damaging bushing components
- Seamless compatibility with a wide range of shaft types
Series:
- SW/SM/KB Series
- Pillow block type Series
- FIT Series
TOPBALL® Series
The Nippon Bearing TOPBALL linear motion mechanism is a self-aligning high load capacity linear ball bushing incorporating many unique features that make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. TOPBALL linear ball bushings are often used in automated factory equipment and industrial machines, optical and measuring instruments, and any other application that requires precision, light weight and low cost.
The new optimized load plate and outer cylinder structure increases the TOPBALL Ultimate’s load ratings by 1.3 times and travel life by 2.2 times in comparison to the standard TOPBALL TW type. This amounts to 4 times higher load rating and 64 times longer travel life in comparison to conventional NB SLIDE BUSH types.
Models:
- TW 12H
- TW 16H
- TW 20H
- TW 24H
Linear Stroke Rotary Bushing – SR Type
The NB STROKE BUSH is a linear and rotational motion mechanism utilizing the rotational motion of ball elements between an outer cylinder and a shaft. It is compact and can withstand high loading. The retainer is made of a light metal alloy with high wear resistance. Smooth motion is achieved under high-speed and high-acceleration conditions. Although the linear motion is limited to a specific stroke length, the combined rotation and stroke motion is achieved with very little frictional resistance. The NB STROKE BUSH can be conveniently used in a variety of applications.
- High resistance thanks to heat-treated and ground metal and alloy components that are designed for heavy-duty use
- Smooth performance in both high-speed and high-acceleration conditions, with exceptional rigidity and accuracy
- Easy installation with uniform dimensions and various mounting options
- Reduced size and weight for compact equipment
- Fewer maintenance requirements thanks to an easy-to-lubricate design
Slide Rotary Bush SRE Type
The Nippon Bearing SLIDE ROTARY BUSH SRE SERIES provides rotary and linear motion functions. Linear motion with unlimited stroke and rotary motion are merged into a single bush resulting in great space saving compared with a combination of any conventional bearings. There are three types; standard, flange, and unit type with sizes ranging from 6 to 40.
SRE linear rotary bearings consist of a steel outer cylinder, an inner retainer holding a series of ball elements in place and a side ring. The retainer itself has been engineered to move freely in any direction, allowing for unlimited rotational and linear movement while keeping load distribution uniform while in operation.
- Smaller Footprint
- High Load Capacity
- Smooth Operation
- Configuration Options
Slide Rotary Bush RK Type
NB SLIDE ROTARY BUSH RK type is a highly accurate and high load capacity bearing providing smooth continuous linear and rotational motions. Its structure imposes no constraints on linear and rotational motions. It is much more compact than a standard slide bush with separate rotational bearing.
- A smooth unlimited linear and rotational motion is obtained.
- There is no need to machine separate housing.
- High accuracy is ensured for extended period of usage.
- Its high compatibility eliminates replacement problems.
- High rigidity enables it to withstand an unbalanced load and large load.
Ball Spline, Stroke Ball Spline
The BALL SPLINE is a linear motion mechanism utilizing the recirculating motion of ball elements. It can be used in a wide variety of applications including robotics and transport type equipment.
Ball Spline SSP/SSPM
Nippon Bearing ball splines are used in a wide range of applications, including robotics, transport-type equipment and other machinery where it is necessary to sustain heavy loads while transferring torque smoothly. Several models are available, including various nut and shaft configurations.
NB ball splines are comprised of a shaft and nut assembly. Ball spline shafts feature raceway grooves. Nut assemblies consist of an outer cylinder, retainer, side rings and ball elements.
- Reliably smooth motion with specially designed spline nut and shaft
- High load capacity and long travel life are realized by large ball contact areas and machined grooves that maintain a close radius between shaft and nut components
- Precise high torque transmission capability with an effective contact angle between shaft and ball elements
- Adjustable preloads that can be configured to deliver higher rigidity and positioning accuracy
- High-speed motion performance is realized with a well-balanced, compact outer cylinder design
Rotary Ball Spline SPR
You can use NB rotary ball splines in many applications requiring linear and/or rotational motion, such as automatic tool changers, SCARA robots and pick-and-place assembly equipment. Their unique design features a spline nut with a rotating portion that moves via cross rollers. This configuration offers many advantages, including high accuracy and a substantial reduction in installation costs.
NB ball splines provide linear and rotational motions using a combination of spline nut and rotary cross roller bearing design. Splines feature arch-shaped grooves on both the shaft and inner portion of the cylinder. These grooves approximate the diameter of the ball bearings, allowing them to carry a high load in a linear motion.
- Can typically handle 10 times the load of conventional ball bushings
- Travel life is extended by up to 700 times compared to conventional ball bushings.
- Fewer number of parts – NB ball splines effectively perform the work of two components
- Saves you money and reduces maintenance
- Allows for smaller and lighter systems overall
- High Accuracy
- Higher Rigidity
Rotary Ball Spline SPB
The Nippon Bearing ROTARY BALL SPLINE can be used for both rotational motion and linear motion. The applications include SCARA robots, the vertical shaft of assembly equipment, tool changers, and loaders, etc.
Stroke Ball Spline
The flanged spline nut consists of an outer cylinder, a retainer, side-rings, and ball elements. Since the retainer in the nut is equipped with ball pockets, the ball elements do not contact each other, which allows for a smooth linear motion. The stroke is limited since the retainer is a non-circulating type. For normal operation, it is recommended to consider 80% of the maximum stroke shown in the dimension table as an actual stroke length.
- Extremely Small Dynamic Friction and Low Noise
Stainless steel – excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance (operating temperature: -20 to 140℃)
Ideal for clean room or vacuum applications.
Nut about 20% smaller than conventional ball splines
Lubricant groove and two lubrication holes on the outer surface for lubricant replenishment
Ball Screw Splines SPBR/SPBF
The NB Ball Screw Spline consists of a high accuracy, high rigidity Ball Screw nut and Ball Spline nut attached to the ball screw spline shaft which has a screw groove and spline grooves. SPBR type has a Rotary Ball Screw nut and Rotary Ball Spline nut. Rotary Ball Screw nut is an integration of ball screw nut and angular contact bearings. Rotary Ball Spline nut is an integration of ball spline nut and angular contact bearings. SPBF type has a Rotary Ball Screw nut and a Ball Spline nut.
Slide Ways (Cross Roller Guide)
The SLIDE WAY is a non-recirculating crossed roller slide way utilizing precision rollers. It is used primarily in optical and measurement equipment where high precision movement is required. Precision rollers are used as rotating elements. Since they do not recirculate, there is less frictional resistance fluctuation. Additionally, there is little or no difference between the static and dynamic frictional resistances.
- Cross Roller Linear Slide Guides/Slide Way
- Cross Roller Slide Tables
- Miniature Ball Slide SYBS
- Curved Cross Roller Guides – Gonio Way
Linear Stages (Actuator)
The NB ACTUATOR is a compact single axis linear actuator which integrates a slide guide and precision ball screw. BG type offers compact dimensions and outperforms conventional positioning tables. This is made possible by a unique “U” shaped guide rail and slide block which provides multiple functions of a guide block and a ball screw nut combined into a single unit.
BG linear actuator consists of a linear slide block, guide rail, and ball screws. They are housed in a U-shaped steel component and mounted to a sub table/motor bracket assembly. To accommodate a wide range of installations and applications, these high-speed linear actuators are available in various sizes and block type configurations. BG series linear actuators offer four key benefits:
- Reduced installation time
- High rigidity in a compact package
- High positioning accuracy
- Space-saving design
Slide Screws
The SLIDE SCREW converts rotational motion into linear motion by utilizing the friction between radial ball bearings and a shaft. This simple mechanism eases maintenance and installation work. The SLIDE SCREW is most commonly used as transport devices in many types of machines, and is not intended for accurate positioning requirements.
- Linear Motion on Round-shaft
- No Lubrication Required
- High Machine Efficiency
- Excessive Load Prevention Mechanism
Shafts & Spindles
The NB SHAFT is a linear shafting that can be used in a wide range of applications as mechanical components from straight shafts to the SPINDLE shafts. NB’s expertise in machining and heat-treatment turns into manufacturing spindle shafts, roll shafts, and general machinery shafts for rotational motion. NB’s high accuracy technology answers various shaft machining requirements.
- Superior damage resistance
- Decreased surface roughness
Slide Guides (Linear Guide)
The SLIDE GUIDE is a high-precision and high-rigidity linear guide designed to utilize the motion of rolling elements. They have numerous advantageous characteristics including low friction, no stick/slip, and smooth linear motion even under high load conditions. Since they can maintain their high-efficiency and high-functionality characteristics for an extended period of time, they meet a wide range of needs, from general industrial to precision machinery.
- Needle Roller Guide – EXRAIL®
- Linear Guides – SGL Type
- Linear Guide – SGW Type
- Miniature Linear Guides – SEB Type
- Miniature Crossed Roller Linear Guides – SER Type
Stroke Bushes
The STROKE BUSH is a linear and rotational motion mechanism utilizing the rotational motion of ball elements between an outer cylinder and a shaft. It is compact and can withstand high loading. The retainer is made of a light metal alloy with high wear resistance. Smooth motion is achieved under high-speed and highacceleration conditions. Although the linear motion is limited to a specific stroke length, the combined rotation and stroke motion is achieved with very little frictional resistance. The NB STROKE BUSH can be conveniently used in a variety of applications.
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