Open Graphite Linear Bushings for Supported-Shaft Transfer Carriages

A transfer carriage running on supported round shafts needs an opening that clears the support along the travel path. This page reviews LM-OP-style graphite sliding sleeves for that interface. The closed LM example in the reused family image is shown for comparison; it cannot pass the same support envelope.

Closed and open graphite-plugged copper-alloy linear bushing examples — Existing BONIU product image reused as a construction example. It is not a photograph of this application or proof of an alloy grade. The approved drawing defines the supplied part.

Clear the rail support while resolving carriage moments

The payload offset creates carriage moments that must be reacted through the bearing spacing and shaft arrangement. Opening clearance alone is not sufficient: support fasteners, joints and changing support sections can interfere with travel. A sliding sleeve also has different starting and running behaviour from a recirculating-ball bushing.

Start with the matching BONIU product construction. Send the assembly section as well as the individual bearing drawing so that the working contact, locating surfaces and installation access can be reviewed together.

Dimensions and operating data for quotation

Review item	Required information
Rail envelope	Shaft diameter, support cross-section, opening width and angle, joint and fastener clearances.
Carriage arrangement	Bearing spacing, two-rail alignment, payload centre of gravity and force/moment directions.
Travel duty	Stroke, acceleration, speed, cycle rate, shaft finish, wipers and contamination.
Purchase specification	Drawing revision, quantity, units, exact material or composite specification, finish, inspection-document requirements and delivery destination.

Selection boundaries and installation

Align the two supports before fitting the carriage. Orient each opening to the support and check movement over the entire stroke without forcing misaligned sleeves into place. Review drive-force requirements and installed clearances for the selected sliding material. No ball-bearing load rating is transferred by an LM-OP name.

Material and replacement approval

For copper-alloy parts, state the exact standard and grade required by the design. JDB/500# and geometry codes do not establish chemical composition. Do not treat different national alloy designations as interchangeable without checking their specifications. Product colour and a reused image cannot confirm material. Required documentation, dimensions and manufacturing scope are reviewed with the quotation.

The application description is a design-review starting point. No stock availability, service-life guarantee, machine approval, universal load limit or test result is claimed. Contact pressure, motion, temperature, counterface condition and the assembled load path must be checked for the chosen specification.

Purchasing questions

Can a closed sleeve be slotted to make the open part?

Not without an approved design. Slot geometry, stiffness and retention need their own review.

Does one open bushing support every carriage moment?

No. Provide the whole bearing layout and payload offset.

Is it automatically interchangeable with an LM-OP ball bearing?

No. Compare geometry, retention, clearance, drive demand and duty before approving a change.

Can the original product image be used to approve this application?

No. It illustrates the bearing structure. Use the approved part and assembly drawings to confirm dimensions, material, clearance and duty.

Request an application-specific quotation

Send your drawing and the checklist above through the BONIU enquiry page. Identify any proposed substitution explicitly so it can be reviewed before order confirmation.