Click here to optimize your design with a custom Ball Bushing® solution.
Thomson Linear Motion Optmized
Choose Your Login Account
Thomson currently has two account systems - one for the website and CAD model downloads, and one for e-commerce. We understand that two logins is an inconvenience and are working to consolidate our systems into one login process. Until we’re able to consolidate the two logins, please follow these guidelines:
Website Login
- Download CAD models
- Save and retrieve projects in LinearMotioneering® and MicronMotioneering® tools
- Access Distributor Extranet and all related resources
E-commerce Login
- Order directly from Thomson online (North America only)
- Authorized Thomson Distributors can view and order from quotes online (Global)
- View the shopping cart and look up prior direct orders
CLOSE
Customer Service Chat (ONLINE) Customer Service Chat (OFFLINE)
Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings
Thomson offers the world's largest selection of state-of-the-art linear bearings. Choose from several families of inch or metric linear bearings and accessories to meet your specific design needs, including our Super Smart Ball Bushings, which offer load capacities up to 7760 lb. When used with RoundRail linear guides, the inherent self-aligning-in-all-directions design of these linear bearings allows for ultra-smooth travel when mounted to wider-toleranced prepared surfaces. When used with Thomson 60 Case® shafting, our linear bearings last up to 50% longer than conventional bearings.
Find a Product
Select Product Type
Ball Bushing Bearings
For high-load, high-speed applications. Self-aligning with low coefficients of friction
Plain Bearings
For moderate load, moderate speed applications. Self-lubricating, dirt and dust resistant. Ideal for corrosion resistant and washdown applications
Roller Bearings
For high-load or high-speed applications that may be contaminated with dust or debris
Dual Track
For vertical and horizontal support
Single Track
For vertical support only
Without Carriage
For custom mounting
Polymer Inch
The inch/imperial version of Thomson's polymer bushing is not yet available. We are working on it and would like to contact you about your related application.
Thomson is working to define specifications for a new inch version of the polymer bushing. Please leave your contact information, below, if you would be free to discuss your application that needs an inch version of this product. After submitting this form you will be returned to the currently available metric polymer bushing product selector.
Filter Results
Min. Dynamic Load Capacity
Nominal Diameter
Imperial
0.125 in
0.125 in
0.1875 in
0.1875 in
0.25 in
0.25 in
0.500 in
0.500 in
0.625 in
0.625 in
0.750 in
0.750 in
1.000 in
1.000 in
1.250 in
1.250 in
1.500 in
1.500 in
2.000 in
2.000 in
2.5 in
2.5 in
3.000 in
3.000 in
4 in
4 in
Metric
3 mm
3 mm
5 mm
5 mm
8 mm
8 mm
12 mm
12 mm
16 mm
16 mm
20 mm
20 mm
25 mm
25 mm
30 mm
30 mm
40 mm
40 mm
50 mm
50 mm
Lead Time
1 Day
lbbb.filter.day
3 Days
lbbb.filter.days-3
5 Days
lbbb.filter.days-5
10 Days
lbbb.filter.days-10
Families
FlouroNyliner
FlouroNyliner
Super Smart
Super Smart
Super
Super
Precision
Precision
Extra Rigid
Extra Rigid
Die Set
Die Set
RoundWay
RoundWay
Super Smart (EU)
Super Smart (EU)
Super Smart (JP)
Super Smart (JP)
MultiTrac
MultiTrac
SUPER Metric
SUPER Metric
Mini Metric
Mini Metric
Min. Dynamic Load Capacity
For Ball bushing bearings this is the “Dynamic” load capacity: The Dynamic Load Capacity is based on a rated travel life of 2 million inches for Inch sizes, or 100 KM for Metric sizes. The actual Dynamic Load Capacity can be affected by the orientation of the bearing or the direction of the applied load. For dynamic load correction factors see polar graphs in the catalog.
For FluoroNyliner Bushings this is the “Maximum Static” Load Capacity: Never exceed the maximum load capacity.
Options
Adjustable
Bearing working bore diameter is adjustable. For a Bushing only this requires changing the diameter of the housing. In pillow blocks the housing has an adjustment screw.
For more information on how a linear bearing is adjustable click here.
Aligning
Ability to compensate for misalignment.
Corrosion Resistant
On Super and Super Smart bearings and pillow blocks the option provides stainless steel balls and plated bearing plates. For Super Smart, the outer band is also plated.
Wipers
For use in keeping contaminates out of the bearing.
Nylon balls
Used to reduce noise in bearing operation. Available in full nylon balls replacing carbon steel balls (-NB) and alternating nylon and carbon steel balls (-NBA). Load capacity is reduced.
Roll pack
Bushings are bulk packaged instead of individually boxed, reducing time spent unpackaging before installation.
Oil Hole
Bushing has an oil hole.
Food Grade
Designed for use in food applications.
Twin
Pillow block with two bearings.
Dry Pack (Oil Free)
Bushing is packed without any rust preventative oil or lubricant. Most often used when a special lubricant (i.e. Vacuum grease) is being applied by the customer during installation and there is concern about possible incompatibilities between the fluids.
Lube 4 Life
Self-lubricating cartridges are pressed into each end of the pillow block housing, and the linear bearing is lubricated initially with EP2 grease.
Pre-greased
Bearing is lubricated with Thomson Linear Lube prior to packing.
Nominal Diameter
For a bushing bearing it is the nominal outside diameter of the mating shaft.
Lead Time
Estimated time until the product ships. Shipping time not included.
Families
Super Smart
Self-aligning, 6x the load capacity or 216 x the L10 travel life of a similar sized Precision Steel bushing bearing.
Super
Self-aligning, 3x the load capacity or 27X the L10 travel life of a similar sized Precision Steel bushing bearing.
Precision Steel
Steel sleeve anti-friction recirculating ball bushing. Not Self-aligning.
Extra Precision
Precision Steel bearing with working bore diameter is held to tighter tolerances. Not Self-aligning.
Instrument
High Accuracy and Compactness for Instrumentation Level applications.
MultiTrac
Twin track configuration, steel sleeve and a Delrin retainer.
Die Set
Designed specifically for die movement applications.
Extra Rigid
Five times the load capacity or 125 times the life of a similar sized Precision Steel bushing bearing. Not Self-aligning.
RoundWay
All steel construction and a chain that connects the rolling elements.
FlouroNyliner
PTFE tape is bonded to the ID of an aluminum housing. Plain Bearing.
FluoroNyliner Compensated I.D.:
- Precision I.D. – Standard FluoroNyliner bearing bore size.
- Compensated I.D. – FluoroNyliner bearing bore diameter is slightly oversized to provide additional running clearance, ideally suited for high speed and non-parallel shaft applications.
Recommended ProductsAll Products
Roller Bearings, Dual Track, Inch
| Bearing | Related Shafting | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Dynamic Load Capacity | Overall Length | Height | Part Number | Bearing Unit Price1 | Lead Time2 | Shaft Part Number | Shaft Price Per Inch | ||||
| 0.5 in | 1370 lbf | 2.38 in | 1.38 in | RW8V | $1534.00 | Next Day | Customer ServiceProduct Number: RW8V This part number is not available for sale online but may still be available for sale. Click here to contact Thomson Customer Support. |  | 1/2 L PD CTL 166.000 | $4.44 | ||
| 1 in | 4300 lbf | 3.75 in | 2.38 in | RW16V | $2024.80 | Next Day | Customer ServiceProduct Number: RW16V This part number is not available for sale online but may still be available for sale. Click here to contact Thomson Customer Support. | | 1 L PD CTL 178.000 | $5.24 | ||
| 1.5 in | 8600 lbf | 5.38 in | 3.38 in | RW24V | $2788.94 | Next Day | Customer ServiceProduct Number: RW24V This part number is not available for sale online but may still be available for sale. Click here to contact Thomson Customer Support. | | 1 1/2 L PD CTL 202.000 | $6.94 | ||
| 2 in | 17500 lbf | 7.38 in | 4.33 in | RW32V | $4105.49 | Next Day | Customer ServiceProduct Number: RW32V This part number is not available for sale online but may still be available for sale. Click here to contact Thomson Customer Support. | | 2 L PD CTL 178.000 | $11.11 | ||
| 3 in | 35000 lbf | 11 in | 6.69 in | RW48V | $8634.96 | Next Day | Customer ServiceProduct Number: RW48V This part number is not available for sale online but may still be available for sale. Click here to contact Thomson Customer Support. | | 3 L CTL 202.000 | $14.05 | ||
| 4 in | 70000 lbf | 14.88 in | 8.63 in | RW64V | $14923.90 | 5 Days | Customer ServiceProduct Number: RW64V This part number is not available for sale online but may still be available for sale. Click here to contact Thomson Customer Support. | | 4 L CTL 202.000 | $24.32 | ||
1 Costs associated with shipping, packaging, and import taxes/duty not included.
2 Lead times may increase with higher quantities. Lead time displayed in business days.
Shopping CartModel DownloadPrint Specifications Contact Information
Print Specifications Contact Information
Overview
Polymer Bushing Bearings
RoundWay Roller Bearings
FluoroNyliner Bushing Bearings
Miniature Instrument Ball Bushing Bearings
Super Ball Bushing Bearings
Super Smart Ball Bushings Bearings
Precision Steel Ball Bushing Bearings
MultiTrac Ball Bushings Bearings
XR Extra Rigid Bearings
Lube for Life Cartridges
Seals, Retaining Rings
Legacy Ball Bushing® Bearings
Standard Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
Polymer Bushing Bearings
RoundWay Roller Bearings
FluoroNyliner Bushing Bearings
Miniature Instrument Ball Bushing Bearings
Super Ball Bushing Bearings
Super Smart Ball Bushings Bearings
Precision Steel Ball Bushing Bearings
MultiTrac Ball Bushings Bearings
XR Extra Rigid Bearings
Lube for Life Cartridges
Seals, Retaining Rings
Legacy Ball Bushing® Bearings
Custom Linear Ball Bushing Bearing Options
Optimize your design with a custom Ball Bushing solution.
Let Thomson Help You Make Your Selection!
For applications in which heavy loads require linear motion with speed, precision and no friction, Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings provide an optimal solution.
Why Thomson Ball Bushing Bearings?
Available in metric or inch sizes, state-of-the-art Thomson universally self-aligning linear slide bearings have been manufactured to the highest quality standards for smooth, accurate motion for the past 75 years. And when used with Thomson 60 Case® LinearRace® shafting, travel life and load capacity are significantly increased compared to conventional models.
Customization Options
When your design requirements call for something outside of the standard Thomson offering, it’s no problem. Our experienced support team can work with you to create the optimal solution for your application. Our custom bearing options include factory installed pillow block configurations, precision balls (corrosion-resistant, stainless steel, nylon and many more), factory lubrication and special finishes.
Where Can You Get Started?
Thomson provides extensive online resources to help you no matter where you may be in the Ball Bushing Bearing purchase decision process:
VIDEO: Choosing Between Closed and Open Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
After selecting shafting for your linear motion design, linear ball bushing bearings are next. An open or closed bearing will depend on the type of shafting you chose.
VIDEO: Mounting Thomson Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
The efficiency of your linear ball bushing bearings depends largely on how well it is mounted into your machine or device. Watch this video for tips and accessories to help you properly mount your linear bearings.
VIDEO: A Closer Look at Thomson Adjustable Linear Bearings
In your linear motion applications, adjustable diameter linear ball bushing bearings can help you achieve higher precision.
VIDEO: How the Orientation of a Thomson Linear Ball Bushing Bearing Affects its Load Capacity
For maximum capacity, linear bearings are oriented so the load is distributed between load bearing tracks. Watch this video to learn why this is so important to linear bearing performance, and, in turn, your machine designs.
Technical Articles
-
Round or Square? Which is the Ideal Linear Guide for Your Application
Advancements in load capacity, life and ease of manufacture allowed an ever-widening range of applications to benefit from nearly friction free linear guidance. Since the introduction of the square, or profile rail, linear guide in the 1970s, the design engineer has been faced with the pivotal question: round or square?
Learn More -
Four Linear Bearing and Guide Lubrication Mistakes that Can Bring Your Machines Down
For most manufacturers, the financial cost of machine downtime can be significant, resulting in the loss of thousands or even millions of dollars. Small investments in routine and preventive maintenance, however, can pay off many times over.
Learn More -
Picking the Right Linear Rails for Your Application
How to choose between the main types of linear technologies, and how to design automation systems that deliver optimal performance using design requirements, rather than cost, as the primary consideration in selecting linear components.
Learn More -
Linear Bearing Maintenance – 5 Key Tips to Avoid Unplanned Downtime
How a $25 investment now can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in unplanned downtime.
Learn More
Literature
Brochures
Catalogs
Data Sheets
| Self-lubricating Linear Bearing Pillow Blocks | 167 KB | |
| Stainless Steel Ball Bushing Bearings | 1812 KB | |
| Super Metric Ball Bushing Bearing Cross Reference Sheet | 172 KB |
Technical Articles
Certifications
CAD Models
-Linear Ball Bushing Bearings 2D/3D Interactive Models
To provide better service to you on our websites, we and our service providers use cookies to collect your personal data when you browse. For information about our use of cookies and how to decline them or turn them off please read our cookie policy [available here].