Outstanding benefits achieved with Ceramic Linear Bearings

After more than 20 years of research and testing PM Bearings have proved that ceramic linear bearings maintain longer and more reliable performance. Now available from Micromech the exclusive UK agents, these bearings are non-magnetic, have reduced friction, retain their stiffness and operate at higher temperatures.  On top of that they have an exceptional life span but require little or no lubrication.

For many years ceramic bearings have been well accepted in demanding ball bearing applications being superior to steel for density and hardness.  Because of the non-magnetic properties this is an ideal material for use in non-magnetic or ultra-high vacuum environment, as is often required nowadays in the new generations of machines. But now, PM Bearings who are the first linear bearing company in the world to realise practical use of ceramic linear bearings can supply their high precision positioning stages to operate under extreme environments. 

The bearings are very lightweight as the ceramics density is about 40%-60% percent of traditional bearing steel DIN 1.3505. Because force is directly proportional to mass, the low-density silicon nitride used significantly reduces the starting force, which is required to move the slide/stage.  This enhances operations in high dynamic applications where the reduction of the mass-moment of inertia is an ongoing issue.