Smooth linear bearing EconoGlide®

stainless steelpolymeraluminum

Overview
Plain linear bearings with injected polymer liners provide a self-lubricating, maintenance-minimizing solution for cost-sensitive linear motion applications. EconoGlide® bearings from PBC Linear use an injection-molded Frelon® IM polymer liner with lubricant impregnated into the liner pores. During operation the liner transfers a thin lubricating film to the shaft while inner-diameter channels help move dust away from the shaft surface to maintain consistent, low-friction motion and reduce wear over the bearing life.

Performance & Benefits

• Self-lubricating Frelon® IM liner with lubricant impregnated into liner pores
• Maintenance-free operation for many applications
• Inner-diameter channels to move dust away from the shaft and reduce wear
• Quiet operation with vibration damping
• Corrosion resistance from polymer liner and standard anodized aluminum shell
• Suitable for dusty or dirty environments where linear ball bearings may wear, bind, or fail
• Can support linear motion with occasional rotational or oscillating movement

Applications
Cost-sensitive linear motion uses where operating conditions do not require bonded liners or where bearing replacement causes minimal downtime. EconoGlide® bearings are an economical alternative to other polymer-lined plain bearings and a simpler option versus PBC Linear’s Simplicity® bonded-liner bearings for less demanding environments.

Availability & Options

• Available in inch and metric plain bearing sizes
• Metric flanged plain bearings (flanged versions available in metric sizes)
• Shell material: standard anodized aluminum; stainless steel shells available as an option
• Mounting options: O-ring and retaining ring grooves for multiple mounting methods
• Optional external lubrication where additional lubrication is desired

Notes
EconoGlide® bearings are intended as a low-cost, maintenance-minimizing option. For more demanding applications—where contamination, extreme operating conditions, or downtime risks require greater robustness—PBC Linear’s bonded-liner Simplicity® bearings are recommended.

Technical specifications

• Sizing options: inch and metric sizes available
• Temperature rating: -58ºF to +194ºF (-50ºC to +90ºC)
• ID sizes: 3/8" to 2" and 8 mm to 50 mm
• Maximum speed: 1.5 m/s
• Shell material: standard = aluminum; stainless steel shells available
• Self-lubricating: lubricant-impregnated Frelon® IM liner for oil-free operation
• Mounting: O-ring and retaining ring grooves available
• External lubrication: optional
• Vibration damping: yes (designed to provide smooth, quiet operation)
• Bearing styles: open and closed plain bearings; flanged bearings (metric)