An Analytic Comparison of Round Shaft Plain Linear Bearings

In this white paper, two round shaft plain bearing technologies are explored from a tribological and application standpoint. The first technology is exemplified in the PBC Linear Simplicity bearing, which consists of a self-lubricating liner bonded to the inside of an essentially cylindrical shell. The second technology is found in the IGUS DryLin bearing based on a self-lubricating injection molded liner affixed to the inside of a similar shell. The tribological and performance properties are considered, and then the ramifications of these properties in application are investigated. The results indicate that substantial differences in bearing life should be expected.