Open Type Linear Bearing is designed for linear motion systems where a standard closed linear bearing cannot pass over the shaft support. Its open window allows the bearing to run on supported linear shafts, such as SBR rail assemblies, while keeping smooth ball circulation and stable sliding motion along the hardened round shaft.
Unlike a fully closed LM bearing, the open type structure is not chosen only because it looks different. It is selected when the shaft must be continuously supported from below to reduce deflection, especially on longer travel axes used in CNC routers, woodworking machines, packaging equipment, measuring devices, and custom automation slides.
Product positioning:
DLY open type linear bearings cover common LM...OP and LME...OP series for supported round shaft systems. They are suitable for buyers who need bearing replacement, rail-and-block matching, or complete supported shaft assemblies.
Open window structure for supported round shaft applications.
Open type linear bearing with internal ball circulation path.
What Makes an Open Type Linear Bearing Different?
The main difference is the longitudinal opening in the bearing body. This opening creates clearance for the shaft support base, allowing the bearing to slide along a supported shaft instead of being blocked by the rail support. For machine builders, this means a long shaft can be supported continuously without giving up the low-friction movement of a ball-type linear bearing.
This is why open type bearings are commonly used together with supported linear rails, aluminum shaft supports, and bearing housings. They are especially useful when a long unsupported shaft would bend under the weight of the moving carriage, tool head, worktable, or fixture.
| Bearing Type | Structure | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Linear Bearing | Fully cylindrical bearing body | Shorter shafts or shafts supported only at both ends |
| Adjustable Linear Bearing | Narrow slit for clearance adjustment | Applications requiring bearing clearance fine-tuning inside a housing |
| Open Type Linear Bearing | Large opening for shaft support clearance | Supported linear shafts, SBR rails, long travel linear motion systems |
Available Series and Model Reference
DLY supplies open type linear bearings in commonly used metric series. The model is normally selected according to shaft diameter, bearing outside diameter, bearing length, and the required housing or rail assembly.
| Series | Common Model Expression | Typical Selection Point |
|---|---|---|
| LM...OP | LM12-OP, LM16-OP, LM20-OP, LM25-OP, LM30-OP | Common metric open linear bearing series for supported shaft systems |
| LME...OP | LME12-OP, LME16-OP, LME20-OP, LME25-OP, LME30-OP | European metric series; confirm dimensions before replacement |
| Open Bearing Assembly | Bearing installed into open-type block or housing | Used with SBR/TBR supported linear rails and custom slide units |
Linear bearing series reference, including closed, adjustable, and open type models.
Dimensions and Load Data
The shaft diameter, outer diameter, total bearing length, opening size, load direction, and whether the bearing will be installed into a standard housing or a custom-machined block.
Dimension and load reference for LM / LME linear bearing series.
DLY Supply Capability for Open Linear Bearings
DLY supplies open type linear bearings as individual replacement parts and as matched components for supported linear rail systems. For OEM buyers and machine builders, DLY can also provide linear shafts, supported rails, bearing blocks, ball screws, linear guideways, and related linear motion parts from one source.
If you are not sure whether to use a closed bearing, adjustable bearing, or open type bearing, please send the shaft layout or current bearing photo. DLY can help confirm the correct series and avoid mismatch between the bearing and shaft support structure.
DLY supplies linear bearings, supported rails, shafts, and complete linear motion components.
FAQ for Open Type Linear Bearing Buyers
It is mainly used on supported round shafts. The opening allows the bearing to pass over the shaft support base while still providing ball-type linear motion.
No. An adjustable bearing usually has a narrow slit for clearance adjustment. An open type bearing has a larger opening so it can work with supported shafts.
They can run on a matching round shaft, but they are usually selected when the shaft has continuous support. For unsupported shafts, a closed linear bearing may be a better choice.
Please compare the shaft diameter, outer diameter, length, and housing size. If replacing an old bearing, send the model or a photo with measured dimensions.
Yes. DLY can supply open linear bearings, SBR/TBR supported rails, bearing blocks, and matched shaft assemblies according to your machine requirements.
Need Help Matching an Open Type Linear Bearing?
Send us the bearing model, shaft diameter, housing type, quantity, and application. For replacement parts, photos and measured dimensions are very helpful.
Related Products:
Linear Bearing | LM Series Linear Bearing | SBR Linear Guide Rail | Linear Shaft
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