Ball bearing drawer guides have recently become a prominent presence in the minds of industrial companies, medical companies, and many other producers. But, what differentiates them from other drawer guides on the market? What are the advantages of ball bearings? Knowing about this technology will help you make an informed decision about whether this is the right idea for you.
Improved conventional ball bearing technology
Mechanically, these units work like any other. They still feature two rails, one inside the other, one attached to the side of the drawer and one to the side of the space it slides into. When pulled out, the rail attached to the drawer pulls out while the one attached to the cabinet remains in place. The end result is that the drawer is supported by the sides, but is also gently pulled out and pushed back.
Typically, this movement was accomplished with rollers. They are still the most common technology found in inexpensive units, and while they work, they are generally considered inferior to designs that incorporate ball bearings. While they don’t work much differently, ball bearing drawer slides offer a significant advantage because rail wear is mediated by metal balls.
Inherent self-cleaning properties
When designed correctly, this style of rail is self-cleaning with very limited maintenance and care requirements. Self-cleaning designs depend on the type of lubrication used. There is an inherent need for lubrication with this type of rail because otherwise the design could cause increased friction. In addition to lubrication properties, most top-end units will include fluid that flushes dirt and other contaminants from the system. These will generally also protect against rust and other corrosion that can occur over time.
Smoother operation
One of the biggest advantages of bearings is that they generally provide smoother and easier operation than other styles. In other designs, the mechanism that governs how the two rails interact has a single point of contact between them (that is, a roller). The result is an experience that is not totally fluid: it tends to stop and start, or shut down tight. With ball bearings, the contact is much more constant. There is a row of bearings between the rails, which leads to a smooth experience because there are multiple points of contact. Rather than putting undue pressure on one part of the rail, ball bearings distribute pressure while providing a smooth glide.
Longer shelf life
Because the bearings reduce wear and the lubricant is often self-cleaning, these rails tend to have a longer life than their counterparts. They are free from many of the problems that tend to cause rails to fail, such as bending and tensioning. Furthermore, they require limited maintenance and largely self-sufficiency.
Many companies are choosing to use ball bearing drawer guides in their new products. From industrial applications to residential furniture, many companies have seen improvements in their high-end designs. If you are looking for higher performance from your rails, this might be an option to consider.
