Long linear bearings extend the load-bearing contact length without forcing the designer to space two separate short bushings by hand. The extra axial envelope can improve carriage support and moment resistance when the surrounding housing has enough room for the longer body.
The catalogue groups both LM…LUU and the European LME…LUU family under the long-type heading. LM…LUU follows the standard metric body family; LME…LUU follows the European metric envelope. The outline records a combined bore range of roughly 6–60 mm and specifically positions these bearings for greater stiffness and support span.
Key Features
Technical Specifications
| Series | Dimensional Basis | Documented Bore Range | Length Character | Load / Stiffness Intent | Housing Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM…LUU | LM metric family | Approx. 6–60 mm | Long type | Higher support than standard LM | Long cylindrical housing |
| LME…LUU | European metric family | Approx. 8–60 mm in catalogue family | Long type | Higher support than standard LME | European-size housing |
| Open / special versions | Suffix dependent | Model dependent | Long / open | Supported-shaft use | Confirm support-web clearance |
Catalogue note: The exact dr, D, L, groove geometry, eccentricity, C, Co and weight change by model. Use the long-series table rather than doubling a standard bearing dimension.
Typical Applications
Long bushings suit tall carriages, vertical slides, inspection fixtures and automation axes where a short bearing would allow excessive pitch or yaw. They are also useful when the machine builder wants one bearing cartridge rather than two individually aligned bushings.
The longer body does not remove the need for a stiff shaft. If the shaft deflects under load, adding bearing length alone can increase edge loading instead of improving accuracy.
Selection Guide
Choose LM or LME according to the housing dimensional standard, then compare the long-series axial length with available carriage space. Check the dynamic and static ratings at the actual model and assess whether the carriage sees meaningful overturning moment.
Where two separate standard bearings are already used, do not assume a long bearing is a drop-in replacement. Housing shoulders, lubrication access and support spacing can make the architectures behave differently.
Installation & Maintenance
Align the housing and shaft before final tightening. A long bushing is less forgiving of angular error because the ball circuits contact the shaft over a greater distance.
Keep the shaft lubricated and clean. During inspection, look for wear concentrated at one end of the bearing; that pattern is a useful indicator of misalignment or shaft deflection.
Related Products
FAQ
Why use a long linear bearing?
Are LM…LUU and LME…LUU interchangeable?
What bore range is documented?
Can a long bushing fix a flexible shaft?
Request a Quote
Include the shaft diameter, available housing length and whether the machine follows LM or European LME dimensions.
Send the model or shaft size, quantity, application, expected load and available drawing to sales@netherlandsdrive.com. Ever Power Netherlands Branch will use those inputs to confirm the appropriate catalogue configuration before quotation.