Questions with David Cowan, BSME

1. Which industries need a self-aligning bushing?

The machinery, factory automation, optical and measuring equipment industries, and any other application requiring a precise, lightweight, and low-cost motion control linear bushing that’s easier to install, because it’s more forgiving of shaft or housing imperfections.

2. How is the TOPBALL Ultimate more forgiving?

With floating load plates, it automatically adjusts clearance. Its self-alignment is not restricted because it has floating wiper seals.

3. Is TOPBALL Ultimate as precise as non self-aligning bushings?

All NB linear ball bushing products achieve precision tolerances by grinding, not stamping, the raceways and load plates.

4. Why does NB call it TOPBALL Ultimate instead of just calling it TOPBALL?

We do have a line called TOPBALL, but the TOPBALL Ultimate has a new optimized load plate, outer cylinder structure, and twice as many ball circuits as the standard TOPBALL, which increases its load ratings to 1.3x and travel life to 2.2x. That’s on top of the standard TOPBALLs having 3x the load capacity and 27x more travel life compared to conventional bushings.

5. How much greater is the load capacity and life of the Ultimate compared to conventional slide bushings?

It can carry 4x the load and has 64x the life of conventional slide bushings. In addition to more ball circuits, ball contact is increased because of its ground circular arches.

6. So are they bigger?

Despite the higher capacity, TOPBALL Ultimate fits into the same space as TOPBALL and conventional slide bushings. They’re ideal for new designs and interchangeable for retrofitting.

7. What effect do they have on energy consumption?

Their lightweight construction reduces energy consumption.

8. What ordering options does NB offer?

The NB TOPBALL Ultimate slide products are available as total systems or as individual components such as slide bushings, housings, slide shafts, and supports. They’re currently available in inch sizes 12 (0.75"), 16 (1.00"), 20 (1.25") and 24 (1.50"). Download the NB Linear Mobile App or go to our website to access drawings, specifications, and interchange capabilities as well as 3D CAD!

FOR MORE INFO: https://www.nbcorporation.com