Linear Bearings & Seals

Linear Bearings UK Stockist

George Lodge Direct are a leading linear bearing stockist supplying UK industry as authorised distributors for major bearing brands since 1880. Operating from our 20,000 sq ft Hull warehouse, we stock a comprehensive range of linear bearings, linear motion components and linear seals from manufacturers including Bosch Rexroth (Star), Thomson, THK, HEPCO, INA, C.T.S. Italy and Bosch.

Linear bearings are designed to enable smooth, controlled linear motion along a shaft or rail. They are essential components in machine tools, factory automation, semiconductor equipment, packaging machinery, medical devices and any application requiring precise straight-line movement. Whether you need ball bushings for high-speed precision applications or plain linear bearings for heavy duty industrial use, our team can help identify the right product for your application.

For help selecting the correct linear bearing or to discuss trade pricing, call 01482 329553.

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What are Linear Bearings?

Linear bearings, also known as linear motion bearings, are mechanical components that constrain motion to a single linear axis whilst minimising friction between moving parts. Unlike rotary bearings which allow rotation around a fixed axis, linear bearings allow translational movement along a shaft, rail or guide.

The two primary types are linear ball bearings (also called ball bushings) which use rolling balls in recirculating raceways to deliver low friction at high speeds, and linear plain bearings which use a low-friction sliding surface in direct contact with the shaft. Each type has specific advantages depending on load, speed, accuracy and operating environment requirements.

Linear bearings are typically paired with hardened, ground linear shafts and supported by housings or pillow blocks. Together these components form a complete linear motion system capable of supporting precise machinery operation across industrial, automotive and automation applications.

Linear Ball Bearings (Ball Bushings)

Linear ball bearings, often referred to as ball bushings, use recirculating ball raceways to provide low-friction motion along a hardened linear shaft. The rolling contact gives ball bushings excellent accuracy, low operating friction and high travel speeds, making them the preferred choice for precision applications including machine tool axes, CNC equipment, semiconductor handling and laboratory automation.

We stock linear ball bearings in standard, super, open and self-aligning configurations across metric and imperial sizes. Open ball bushings allow operation on supported shafts, while closed configurations run on unsupported shafts where space permits. Self-aligning variants accommodate small misalignments between bearing and shaft, simplifying installation and extending service life.

Linear Plain Bearings

Linear plain bearings use a low-friction sliding surface running directly on the shaft, providing high load capacity in a compact, maintenance-friendly format. They handle shock loads, contamination and edge loading better than ball bushings, making them suitable for heavy duty industrial applications, agricultural machinery and demanding environments where ball bushings would be impractical.

Our linear plain bearing range includes DU split bush bearings, Glacier split bushes and other plain linear options across metric and imperial sizes. These are particularly suitable for slow-speed, high-load linear motion applications where simplicity and reliability outweigh the speed advantages of ball bushings.

Linear Bearing Housings and Pillow Blocks

Linear bearing housings and pillow blocks provide structural mounting for linear bearings, supporting the bearing in alignment with the linear shaft and transferring loads to the surrounding machinery. We stock open and closed pillow block housings, flanged housings and twin housings to suit different mounting orientations and load requirements.

Standard housings are stocked in metric and imperial dimensions to match our linear bearing range, ensuring straightforward specification and replacement. Specialist housings are available on request for non-standard installations.

Linear Shafts

Linear shafts provide the running surface for linear bearings and are precision-ground from hardened steel to maintain dimensional tolerances under repeated cycling. We stock linear shafts in metric and imperial sizes, including chrome-plated, induction-hardened and through-hardened variants depending on the application.

Supported shafts (mounted on rails) and unsupported shafts (mounted at the ends only) are both available, along with shaft support rails and end blocks for complete linear system assembly.

Linear Bearing Seals

Linear bearing seals protect the bearing assembly from contamination by dust, moisture and debris, extending service life in demanding environments. We stock Bosch linear seals and other branded linear bearing seals matched to common bearing dimensions across metric and imperial sizes.

Seal selection depends on the operating environment. For relatively clean indoor applications, standard wiper seals may be sufficient. For outdoor, dusty or wet environments, double-lipped seals or sealed bearing units provide additional protection.

Linear Motion Brands We Stock

George Lodge Direct supply linear bearings and linear motion components from the world's leading manufacturers, with stock held at our Hull warehouse for same-day despatch on orders placed before 4pm.

Bosch Linear Seals: Linear bearing seals matched to common bearing dimensions for replacement and refurbishment of existing linear motion systems.

Bosch Rexroth (Star) Linear: Linear bushings, runner blocks, ball rail systems and complete linear motion solutions for industrial automation and machine tool applications.

C.T.S. Italy: Italian-manufactured linear motion components and precision linear systems for industrial machinery applications.

HEPCO Linear: UK-manufactured linear motion systems including V-bearing slide systems and ring slide systems for specialist applications.

INA Linear: Linear ball bearings, linear ball bearing units and shaft guidance components from INA's industrial linear motion range.

THK Linear: Linear motion guides and ball bushings from THK, the original developer of the linear motion guide.

Thomson Linear Bearings: Ball bushings, super ball bushings and linear motion products from one of the most recognised linear bearing brands worldwide.

Linear Motion Applications

Linear bearings and linear motion components are specified across a wide range of UK industries.

Machine tools and CNC equipment: precision axis movement for milling machines, lathes, grinders and 5-axis machining centres.

Factory automation: linear actuators, robotic systems, pick-and-place mechanisms and assembly line equipment.

Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing: high-precision wafer handling, PCB assembly and inspection equipment.

Packaging machinery: filling lines, capping machines, conveyor positioning and labelling systems.

Medical and laboratory equipment: analytical instruments, diagnostic equipment and surgical robotics.

3D printing and additive manufacturing: gantry systems, build platform movement and print head positioning.

For application-specific guidance on linear bearing selection, our team can advise on load capacity, accuracy, speed and environmental considerations. Call 01482 329553.

Linear Bearings: Frequently Asked Questions

What are linear bearings used for?

Linear bearings are used in any application requiring precise straight-line motion, including machine tools, CNC equipment, factory automation, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, packaging machinery, medical devices and 3D printing systems. They constrain motion to a single linear axis whilst minimising friction between moving parts.

What is the difference between linear ball bearings and linear plain bearings?

Linear ball bearings (ball bushings) use recirculating ball raceways for low friction at high speeds, ideal for precision and high-speed applications. Linear plain bearings use a sliding surface in direct contact with the shaft, providing higher load capacity, better tolerance to shock loads and contamination, and greater simplicity. The choice depends on speed, load and environment.

Which linear bearing brands do you stock?

George Lodge Direct stock linear bearings from Bosch Rexroth (Star), Thomson, THK, HEPCO, INA, C.T.S. Italy and Bosch. Same-day despatch on orders placed before 4pm from our Hull warehouse.

Do you stock metric and imperial linear bearings?

Yes. We stock both metric and imperial linear bearings across all major configurations including ball bushings, plain linear bearings, housings, pillow blocks, linear shafts and seals. Call 01482 329553 to find the correct size for your application.

Can you supply complete linear motion systems?

Yes. We supply linear bearings, linear shafts, housings, pillow blocks and seals as individual components or matched assemblies. Our technical team can advise on system specification including bearing selection, shaft hardness, support spacing and seal selection for specific applications.

Why Choose George Lodge Direct?

As an ISO 9001 accredited business, our linear bearings are supplied with full batch traceability and Certificates of Conformance on every order. We hold over 50,000 bearing lines at our Hull warehouse with direct access to manufacturer warehouses across Europe and the USA. No third-party warehouses in our supply chain.

Same-day despatch on orders placed before 4pm. Free UK mainland delivery. We supply customers across the UK and internationally, including the USA. Our technical team can help identify the correct linear bearing by part number, dimensions, brand cross-reference or application requirements.

For other bearing types including tapered roller bearings, needle roller bearings and deep groove ball bearings, see our complete bearings range or call 01482 329553, Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am to 12pm.