Originally Posted by
andy_ck87028
Hi
I have used roller bearings and have an arrangement which I have found to be both simple and sophisticated.
Imagine three rollers set at 1) 270 deg (side) , 2) 0/360 deg (top) and 3) 90 deg (side). That will clearly stop lateral movement in two directions using 1) and 3) and stop downward movement using 2). I.e., all weight is on 2). No upward movement is stopped meaning that an additonal bearing is required or you run the risk of bucking.
By rotating 45deg, (for this example assume clockwise, then 1) becomes 315 deg, 2) becomes 45 deg and 3) becomes 135 deg. The effect of that is that 1) stops lateral movement right and 2) and 3) stop lateral movement left. Also weight is jointly supported by 1) and 2) and now additionally upward movement has also been stopped by 3). Net effect fewer bearings with additional functionality just by spinning assembly by 45 deg.
I have found that approach to be really neat and easy and I have employed it on x and y with the piping being 304 stainless.
If anyone needs pictures, I'm more than happy to provide.
Andy