{"id":496,"date":"2014-08-26T08:58:12","date_gmt":"2014-08-26T13:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/?p=496"},"modified":"2023-03-24T11:46:55","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T16:46:55","slug":"sliding-guides-part-2-linear-bushings-vs-linear-guides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/sliding-guides-part-2-linear-bushings-vs-linear-guides\/","title":{"rendered":"Sliding Guides, Part 2: Linear Bushings vs. Linear Guides"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the introduction<\/a> to our sliding guides series, we looked at different types of guides and their various applications. This article will focus on the specific differences between linear bushings<\/span><\/a> and linear guides<\/span><\/a>. There are many options for each of these products, and each manufacturer tends to use some creative marketing descriptions as an enticement to purchase their product (and thus adding to the confusion). Most of this potential confusion belongs to the linear guide camp, so we’ll first look at linear bushings.<\/p>\n

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\n<\/strong>Linear Bushing Image from\u00a0<\/em>iMall<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Linear Bushings<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you need a quick and easy way to facilitate a linear motion profile, the linear bushing<\/a> is a great choice, especially if you don’t have high tolerance or accuracy requirements. Usually, two shafts are used to support a traveling carriage with linear bushings that slide along the shafts. The shafts must be sized to support the load within an acceptable deflection tolerance \u2013 too much weight and the shafts will bend, causing a positioning error. The bushing to shaft interface is also relatively loose, which can cause issues with accuracy and repeatability. However, these errors are typically small, on the order of a few thousandths of an inch. The setup and maintenance are also very inexpensive compared to other options.<\/p>\n

Advantages:<\/p>\n