Bearings & Motion
Flange-Mount Linear Bearings
Prauna flange-mount linear bearings provide high-precision shaft guidance with an integrated flange for secure, perpendicular mounting against bulkheads or mounting plates. Available in round (LMF), square (LMK), and oval (LMH) flange types. These bearings eliminate the need for separate bearing housings, simplifying your assembly while maintaining excellent rigidity and load capacity.
Key Features
Technical Specifications
Product Description
Prauna Flange-Mount Linear Bearings consist of an outer cylinder, a ball retainer, balls, and two end rings. The ball retainer, which holds the balls in the recirculating tracks, is precisely held inside the outer cylinder by the end rings. The integrated flange on the outer cylinder allows the bearing to be bolted directly to a machine surface without needing a separate bearing block.
The LMF series features a round flange, best for applications where space is not strictly limited and uniform bolt spacing is desired. The LMK series features a square flange, ideal for flush mounting in corners or restricted spaces. The LMH series features an oval flange, reducing the overall width of the mounting profile, making it perfect for compact designs.
Both standard and long (double-length) types are available. The long types contain two retainers internally, providing higher moment load capacity and better guidance accuracy over longer strokes.
Industry Applications
📦 Packaging Machinery
Pneumatic cylinder guides, stretch wrappers, and automated carton sealers.
🖨️ 3D Printing & CNC
Z-axis guidance for printer beds and compact router gantries.
⚙️ Automated Testing
Push/pull test stands and precision inspection jigs requiring perpendicular movement.
🏭 Food Processing
Automated slicers, sorting gates, and vertical lifts (stainless variants available).
🧵 Textile Machinery
Weaving looms, automated sewing heads, and fabric cutting machines.
🗜️ Assembly Fixtures
Press-fit stations, clamping mechanisms, and multi-axis alignment tools.
Installation Guidelines
Shaft Requirements: To achieve optimal performance and prevent premature wear, use precision-ground shafts with a surface hardness of HRC 58-64 and a surface finish of Ra ≤ 0.4 µm. A shaft tolerance of g6 or h7 is highly recommended for clearance fits.
Mounting the Flange: Ensure the mounting bulkhead or plate is machined flat. Insert the bearing through the housing bore and secure the flange using socket head cap screws. Avoid over-tightening the bolts, which could deform the outer cylinder. Torque evenly in a cross-pattern.
Shaft Insertion: Never force the shaft into the bearing. Align the shaft perfectly straight with the bearing bore and push it in gently. Twisting or forcing the shaft at an angle can cause the recirculating balls to dislodge from the retainer.
Maintenance & Care
Lubrication Schedule: Although linear bearings are pre-lubricated with a rust-preventative oil, they must be properly lubricated before operation. Apply a thin film of lithium-based grease (NLGI #2) directly to the shaft or pack the internal bearing races every 3-6 months depending on usage.
Contamination Prevention: The built-in double-lip seals keep most debris out, but in highly contaminated environments (wood dust, metal shavings), the use of external bellows or telescopic covers over the shaft is recommended.
Inspection: Regularly inspect the shaft for scoring or grooving. If grooving is detected, the bearing has likely failed or the load is unevenly distributed, and both the shaft and bearing should be replaced simultaneously.
