LM76 Blogger

Linear Bearings that EXCEED the Challenge

Linear Motion – Tiger Linear Bearings, Great for High Loads!

March 20th, 2015

Editor

E. Longmeadow, MA – Linear Motion – Tiger Bearings from LM76 are a tough maintenance-free option to traditional PTFE lined or injection molded plastic linear bearings. Available as 3/4 inch and 1 inch closed bearings, these are the ideal bearings for high load applications up to 35,000 lbs. such as: Backhoes, front end loaders, marine davits/sheaves, valve stem bushings, hitches, hydraulic cylinder pivots, graders, and mining equipment.

Tiger Bearings, developed by LM76 engineers, are multi-layered. These drop-in replacement bearings feature a standard diameter ceramic coated aluminum outer shell. The innermost layer consists of a synthetic fiber/PTFE layer. The middle layer consists of epoxy-coated high-angle glass filaments, and the outer layer is of epoxy-coated low-angle glass filaments. It is this multilayered design that withstands the crushing shock loads, environmental contamination, the simultaneous rotating and twisting motion, shaft misalignment, corrosive chemicals and high and low temperatures found in construction and marine environments.

The electrically insulated, layered Tiger Bearings are self-lubricating (coefficient of friction is just .02 to.25), operate in temperatures of -300O F to +300O F, and have very low water absorption (<.05%). The layers of high angle and low angle epoxy coated glass filaments stabilize the bearings preventing “Creep” or “Cold Flow” under high pressure typical of standard PTFE bearings under high loads.

About LM76

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman PTFE Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: , Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Linear Motion – We Want To Get To Know You Better!

December 8th, 2014

Editor

We want to get to know you better so we can better serve your needs. It goes without saying that OEM Purchasing has a different set of needs than Design Engineering. Thus we have broken our customer base into 4 categories: OEM Purchasing, Design/Mechanical Engineering, Bearing Distribution and MRO Maintenance. Beginning in January 2015, we will create blog pages and RSS Feeds tailored to each group. Your feedback is critical in making this program a success:Tell us what you need Tell us what you expect and let us do the rest.
OEM Purchasing Fill-out our survey and get a free copy of Best Linear Buying Practices
Design/Manufacturing Engineering Fill-out our survey and get a copy of our latest engineering solution white paper
Bearing Distributors Fill-out our survey and get a copy of our 2014 Distributor policy
MRO Maintenance Fill-out our survey and get our MRO Policy

LM76 also manufacturers a broad variety of FDA & USDA compliant bearings and shafting, in inch sizes of .25 inches to 1.5 inches, and a FDA & USDA compliant profile rail and slide system that can easily be integrated into new and existing applications. The bearing options include: Self-lubricating FDA & USDA compliant Teflon® composite bearings in a 304 stainless steel shell, and lower cost bearings with a ceramic coated shell and FDA & USDA compliant liner. Bearings are available in closed and open configurations, and are drop-in replacements for all inch sized linear ball bearings.

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman Teflon® Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: , Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Linear Motion – Low Cost, High Speed Linear Roller Blocks and Rail Systems!

September 17th, 2014

Editor

E. Longmeadow, MA – Linear Motion – LM76 is the exclusive distributor of SAIBO Linear Motion Systems in the US. SAIBO SB-LGA Roller Block and Rail Systems feature: Low noise, smooth travel, high speed to 10 m/s (120 ft/s), high acceleration to 50 m/s (150 ft/s), low weight, high accuracy, low friction, low cost, and easy installation into new and existing applications. SB-LGA systems are available in three sizes to meet load requirements up to 1200 N. (270 lbs) and lengths to 4000 mm (157 in.)

SAIBO SB-LGA Roller Block and Rail Systems have an adjustable preload system to control the required level of precision needed for most applications. For use in: Robotics, assembly, pick-and-place, sorting, packaging, manufacturing, sampling, laser cutting, wafer handling, and other precision applications. The rail systems are protected from debris, dust, chips, and contaminates by oil filled felt pads held in place by spring loaded plastic end caps. The felt wiper pads also deliver lubrication to the guide and rollers. The wipers are easily relubricated through convenient oil ports in the end caps.

LM76, the exclusive US distributor of SAIBO linear motion components, also manufacturers a broad variety of FDA & USDA compliant bearings and shafting, in inch sizes of .25 inches to 1.5 inches, and a FDA & USDA compliant profile rail and slide system that can easily be integrated into new and existing applications. The bearing options include: Self-lubricating FDA & USDA compliant Teflon® composite bearings in a 304 stainless steel shell, and lower cost bearings with a ceramic coated shell and FDA & USDA compliant liner. Bearings are available in closed and open configurations, and are drop-in replacements for all inch sized linear ball bearings.

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman Teflon® Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Linear Bearing Engineers Design Camera Sliders for the Pro and Beginner!

December 12th, 2013

Editor

Designed by Linear Bearing Engineers Camera Sliders for the Beginner and the PRO

The difference between rolling and sliding friction in camera sliders. Mike Quinn

Take a quarter and roll it on its edge across a table – goes forever and moves quickly. Now take that quarter and lay it on its side and push it…that’s the difference. Sleeve bushings inherently have much more surface area under load. Simply put, they have big feet. Conversely, a ball and roller have much smaller feet ensuring them a meaningfully lower co-efficient of friction. A ball offers point contact loading and loosely reside in 4 rows within a steel or plastic shell:

These balls literally kick each other along as the balls roll down the shaft. Because they have so little contact area, the coefficient of friction is as low as .001 – they roll easily and smoothly. The drawbacks in a camera slider are readily recognizable:

1. Resonance – noise – ZING! ZING! ( Metal on metal contact and because they push each other from load to preloads, they create resonance, noise and vibration. 2. They are made from steel and can rust – they require lubrication.

Rollers have internal ball or needle bearings at their core, between the inner and outer race. They are separated in a retainer, unlike linear ball bushings which run loose in their track ways.

These are sealed and lubricated for life. They have more contact area but the coefficient of friction remains low approximately .003 – not as low as the ball – but very close. These rollers come in dual angular contact ( gothic arch ) or V geometries. They are very smooth, take high loads/moment loads ( overhanging loads )and provide great stiffness. They are however steel and they run on steel shafting or V groove rails. They can produce noise and are vulnerable to the elements.

Plastic Sleeve Bearings are truly all weather and can run very smoothly and tolerate debris. However, the real world coefficient of friction is around .2 – factors higher than ball and rollers. They are also prone to a phenomena called edge loading. This effect can cause the carriage plate ( slider ) to ratchet or get sticky due the bearings digging into the shaft. This is particularly troublesome when you attempt to slide the carriage plate with top heavy rigs like a DSLR with a Red Rock system. You will need two hands.

There is an answer…Camera Motions new ” Silent Slider “

Why? Because we offer a solid, 1 piece precision machined aluminum carriage block that is black anodized. Not an extrusion that is cheap and has varying tolerances one lot to another. We have selected the best industry urethane cam followers with needle bearing rollers – tight and true. Moreover, the rollers damp any noise or vibration yet hold a 25 pound load. Smooth, quiet and solid. The Silent Slider is a product of linear motion engineering – pure and simple. It was was designed to run on a 16mm twin extruded rail which is ubiquitous in the the camera slider industry. Keep your rail and tripod shoe and move to the future – The” Silent Slider!”

Let engineering win – not salesmen. Only $ 230.00. Call Mike Quinn @ 1-800-698-5820.

Linear Motion – Defender Rails Go Quiet!

October 4th, 2013

Editor

Linear Motion – High Load X & Z axis System Can Be “Washed Down!”

October 4th, 2013

Editor

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman Teflon® Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Breaking News – LM76 Introduces Curved Rail & Block System!

October 4th, 2013

Editor

E. Longmeadow, MA – — Curved Rail System – LM76’s new “Curved Rail & Block System” takes Linear Motion in a whole new direction, “Around the corner!” Capable of “Inside” and “Outside” curves, this smooth, low friction system can be easily assembled in almost any configuration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=5klYuKQbDmk

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman Teflon® Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Linear Motion Application Story – “If You Need A Solution – Call LM76!”

September 23rd, 2013

Editor

Linear Motion - LM76's SLM Logo

Ask for ETX Seal for FDA/USDA Applications

linear motion bearing with ETX seals supplied by LM76

Linear Motion Application Story – A manufacturer of cheese slicing equipment called. He said, he was told, ” if you need a solution, call LM76!”

He did, and we solved his problem. The customer is an internationally known manufacturer of cheese slicing equipment. He needed a hard, low friction seal which would also act as a scraper. However, unlike Buna or Nitrile seals which increase friction and trap debris, this application required a seal which would contribute to low friction while having the hardness and dimensional characteristics of a scraper. LM76 machined seals from ETX:

ETX has wear-resistance and dimensional stability surpassing other common wear grade plastics, and excellent resistance to many harsh chemicals, including aggressive food products, cleaning solutions and petroleum products. It outlasts unfilled nylons (PA) by a minimum factor of 8 and lasts a minimum of 50 times longer than unfilled acetals (POM). Even industry-standard wear materials like PTFE filled acetal and oil filled nylon are no match for the performance of ETX. Because of the material’s unique composition, its wear resistance increases as bearing velocities increase. Adding to the product’s strengths are its ability to maintain tight dimensions and close tolerances in wet environments unsuitable for nylon materials.

Further, since ETX has FDA and USDA compliance, it can be used or machined components for food packaging and processing equipment.

LM76 = Problem Solved

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 1-800-513-3163 or 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@stainlesslinearbearings.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Easily Select the Best LM76 Linear Motion Components for an Application Using this Online Capabilities Brochure!

September 13th, 2013

Editor

Linear Motion Capabilities Brochure from LM76!

E. Longmeadow, MA – — Linear Motion – LM76’s new Linear Motion “Capability” brochure features information on: Linear Bearings, Linear Slides, Shafting and Custom Linear Motion Products. LM76 an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and supplier of linear motion bearings, shafting and slides since 1976 has consistently supplied not only off-the-shelf components but “Engineered Solutions,” to perplexing problems. When other component suppliers say no, LM76 often says, “Yes!”

Select the LM76 Linear Motion Components yourself or ask an LM76 specialist for help in choosing from:

Minuteman self-Lubricating linear bearings are the lead¬ing edge in PTFE, sleeve-type linear motion bearings. Minuteman bearings feature a ceramic coated aluminum shell and nonabrasive PTFE self-lubricating liner.
Black Racer Ceramic Coated linear bearings are the original drop-in replacement for linear ball bushings. Employed in applications where acceleration and system speeds destroy ball and roller options.
Stainless (440C hardened to 58RC hardness) Linear Ball Bearings provide low friction, corrosion resistant operation. These bearings can be supplied with a stainless retainer (higher temp) and a resin retainer (less noise, less weight and lower price ) Direct drop-in for industry standard inch linear ball bearings.
Linear Roller Blocks such as: JET Rail, SG SPEED DEMON, OSG SPEED DEMON, and Defender 1 & 2
Low Profile Rail Guide Linear Motion Bearings offer the Following Benefits: High load capacity. high over-turning moment capacity. minimum overall height profile, high accuracy, low friction. easy installation. and fast delivery.
LM76 offers all types of Precision shafting: Round, hollow, predrilled, continuous support extrusions, predrilled & assembled shafting. Precision linear shafting is available in: RC60 1060 Steel, Chrome Plated 1060 Steel. 440C Stainless, 300 Series (303, 304, 316) Stainless, Ceramic Coated Aluminum, Nitronic 50 Stainless, and Ceramic coatings.
Linear Slides and Complete Engineered Systems – Non-driven linear slides operate quietly, smoothly and can take a punch. They have a soft side in medical and pharmaceutical equipment but can show their tough side in wood working, machinery and outdoor applications. Due to all aluminum construction their lightweight and all work well in all weather conditions.

Additionally, Complete Engineered Linear Motion Systems have been designed to meet the most severe environmental conditions. LM76 provides decades of linear motion experience and a complete product line of linear motion components to increase production, reduce downtime, and lower cost.

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman Teflon® Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

Photography – Photographers Build Your Own Linear Motion Camera Slider!

June 19th, 2013

Editor

Photography – Use LM76’s OSG Linear Motion System to build you own Camera Slider!

The verdict is in: If you want to build a camera slider for heavy camera rigs, LM76’s OSG 25 Roller Block and Rail wins the day. For smooth, quiet motion and stable motion
OSG 25 system allows for the best possible results at the lowest possible price.

Ask DP Shane Kelly from Texas:

” I built my slider with LM76’s OSG 25 Roller Blocks and rail system. I am a RED user and this is the best system I have used in 25 years at this price.”

Robin Forst – Lunatic Films from Vancouver:

” The OSG is my favorite. I made my first slide for the ABC TV series “One Upon a time.” After a year of use, I sold it for $3000.00!” I have 1 on rental, always in use
and I am building 2 more.”

John Petrella DP from Toronto:

“The OSG allows me to make the camera slider I want to make for very reasonable money. It has low friction, runs real smooth and quiet, and is lightweight. I can take it anywhere.”
Photos submitted by photographers who built their own “Camera Sliders.”

OSG Pricing for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Users

Call 1-800-513-3163 Ask for Mike Quinn or Christine Carlson

OSGB 25UU	4 Roller Block	$66.00
OSGR 25 xmm	Rail ( Rails Cut to size )	.09 per mm

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman Teflon® Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com