Linear Motion

Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026

Specification	Details
Types	Linear bearings, ball screws, lead screws, linear guides, actuators, slides
Standards	ISO 12090 (linear bearings), ISO 3408 (ball screws)
Accuracy grades	C0 to C10 (ball screws), N/H/P (linear guides)
Brands	THK, Hiwin, Bosch Rexroth, INA, NSK, Thomson

What are Linear Motion?

Linear Motion refers to systems that convert rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa using components like ball screws and linear guides. These systems enable precise positioning in machinery across various industries.

Linear Motion is the backbone of modern manufacturing, enabling precise movement along a straight line. Components such as linear bearings, ball screws, lead screws, linear guides, actuators, and slides are important for applications ranging from automation to robotics.

Types of Linear Motion

There are several types of Linear Motion components:

• Linear Bearings: Ball or roller bearings that provide smooth linear motion.
• Ball Screws: Convert rotary motion into linear motion with high accuracy (ISO 3408 standard).
• Lead Screws: Similar to ball screws but typically less precise, suitable for lower-cost applications.
• Linear Guides: Rails and slides that guide movement along a straight line (ISO 12090 standard).
• Actuators: Motor-driven mechanisms that provide linear motion with control over position and speed.
• Slides: Simple mechanical devices used to guide parts or components in a linear direction.

Each type has unique advantages depending on the specific application requirements. For example, ball screws offer high precision but are more expensive than lead screws, which have a simpler design suited for lower accuracy needs.

Materials and Specifications

Linear Motion components use materials like stainless steel (A2-70), carbon steel (EN8), brass, bronze, and plastics. Standards such as ISO 12090 (linear bearings) and ISO 3408 (ball screws) ensure uniform quality across the industry.

When selecting materials for Linear Motion systems, it's important to consider durability and corrosion resistance. Stainless steels like A2-70 offer excellent wear resistance and are ideal for harsh environments. Carbon steel grades such as EN8 provide a balance between cost and performance but may require additional protective coatings in corrosive conditions.

Linear bearings come with accuracy ratings from C0 to C10, where C0 is the most precise. Linear guides use N/H/P designations, indicating preload and stiffness levels.

How to Choose the Right Linear Motion

Choosing the right Linear Motion component involves assessing load capacity, speed requirements, environmental factors, and precision needs. For example, if high precision is critical (C0 grade), ball screws are a better choice than lead screws despite higher costs. Conversely, for less demanding applications, cheaper options like lead screws or bronze bushings suffice.

Load capacity is important when selecting linear guides; the larger the load, the wider the rail and more rollers needed to support it. Speed requirements also dictate material selection-faster systems may need lower friction components like ball bearings rather than roller bearings.

UK Suppliers

MLC lists verified Linear Motion suppliers from Companies House, ensuring that buyers can find reliable options across the UK. This directory includes companies like THK, Hiwin, Bosch Rexroth, INA, NSK, and Thomson.

Suppliers listed on MLC adhere to strict verification processes through Companies House, providing a trusted network of vendors for procurement managers and maintenance engineers. By sourcing from these suppliers, buyers can access high-quality products backed by industry standards and warranties.

Common Applications

Linear Motion systems are used in diverse applications such as CNC machines, robotics, assembly lines, medical equipment, and packaging machinery. In CNC machining centers, ball screws ensure precise tool positioning, while linear guides support the machine's axes with minimal friction. Robotics often utilise actuators for controlled movements, ensuring accurate placement of parts during automated processes.

Packaging machinery relies on lead screws to move components smoothly and efficiently along conveyor lines, reducing wear and tear compared to traditional mechanical systems. Medical equipment applications include surgical robots that require highly precise Linear Motion systems to perform detailed procedures with minimal human intervention.

Linear Motion listings on MLC cover products including linear bearing rail and linear guide bearing. All suppliers are verified against Companies House public records.