SME 16 OP MTM 16 mm - Open Linear Bearing Unit

SME 16 OP MTM 16 mm - Open Linear Bearing Unit

SME 16 OP MTM is an open ball-type linear bearing unit in a housing, designed for linear motion on a supported shaft with a diameter of 16 mm. The open design allows the bearing unit to travel along a continuously supported shaft, making it suitable for linear guides used in machinery, automation, positioning and material-handling systems.

SME 16 OP MTM - Technical Data

SME 16 OP - Linear Bearing for a 16 mm Shaft

The number 16 in the SME 16 OP designation identifies the size of the unit designed for use with a linear shaft with a nominal diameter of:

16 mm

This value should not be interpreted as an outside dimension of the housing.

The bearing forms part of a linear motion system in which recirculating balls enable the bearing unit to move along a suitable precision shaft.

What Does OP Mean?

The suffix:

OP

identifies the open version of the linear bearing unit.

This open construction is particularly important when the linear bearing operates on a shaft supported along its length.

A conventional closed linear bearing surrounds the shaft around its circumference, preventing it from passing over a continuous shaft support.

The SME 16 OP has an open section that provides the necessary clearance for the shaft support.

Ball-Type Linear Bearing - Not a Plain Bearing

SME 16 OP MTM is a ball-type linear bearing unit.

It should not be classified as a polymer or composite plain linear bearing.

Linear movement is achieved using rolling elements - balls - which circulate within the bearing and provide rolling contact with the linear shaft.

This distinction is important when considering:

• linear guide design

• lubrication

• load capacity

• maintenance

• shaft selection

• replacement selection

SME Housing

SME 16 OP is supplied as a complete housed linear bearing unit intended for direct installation in a machine structure.

The integrated housing simplifies the construction of a linear guide because a separate housing for the linear bearing does not need to be designed and manufactured.

For SME16-OP-MTM, the mounting specification includes:

M5x12

The principal housing dimensions W and L are:

45x45 mm

The shaft centre height h is:

20 mm

For 16 mm Supported Linear Shafts

One of the key features of the SME 16 OP design is its ability to operate on a:

16 mm supported linear shaft

Supporting the shaft along its length can reduce shaft deflection compared with a shaft supported only at its ends.

This configuration is useful in linear motion systems where additional shaft support and rigidity are required.

A typical system can consist of:

16 mm supported shaft + SME 16 OP open linear bearing unit + moving machine component

SME 16 OP MTM Load Ratings

The specified load ratings for SME16-OP-MTM are:

Dynamic load rating C: 774 N

Static load rating C0: 1180 N

These ratings should not be interpreted simply as the maximum permissible load of the entire machine or linear axis.

Correct linear guide design should also consider:

• direction of the applied load

• number of bearing units

• distance between bearings

• distance between parallel guides

• moment loads

• travel speed

• stroke length

• lubrication conditions

• mounting accuracy

• structural rigidity

Applications of SME 16 OP

Open housed linear bearings of this type can be used in:

• linear guide systems

• industrial automation

• production machinery

• assembly equipment

• positioning systems

• linear tables

• material-handling equipment

• packaging machinery

• special-purpose machines

• CNC equipment

• systems using supported linear shafts

Suitability for a specific machine should always be verified according to the required load capacity, accuracy, speed and operating conditions.

SME 16 OP vs Closed Linear Bearing

The fundamental difference is the open construction.

SME 16 OP

The open section provides clearance for the support underneath a supported linear shaft.

Closed Linear Bearing

A conventional closed bearing surrounds the shaft around its full circumference and is therefore normally used where there is no continuous shaft support passing through the bearing travel path.

When a shaft is supported continuously along its length, an appropriate open bearing design is required.

SME 16 OP vs SME 16L OP

Do not confuse:

SME 16 OP

with:

SME 16L OP

SME 16 OP is the standard, shorter version.

For SME 16 OP, dimension L is:

45 mm

SME 16L OP is an extended version. These are different linear bearing units and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.

Selecting an SME 16 OP Replacement

When selecting a replacement, do not compare only the 16 mm shaft diameter.

Verify:

1. 16 mm shaft diameter.

2. Open OP construction.

3. Housing dimensions.

4. Shaft centre height h.

5. Mounting dimensions.

6. M5x12 mounting specification.

7. Load ratings.

8. Overall bearing unit length.

9. Compatibility with the supported shaft arrangement.

The description “16 mm linear bearing” alone is not sufficient to confirm interchangeability.

Installation

During installation, the SME 16 OP should be correctly aligned with the linear shaft and its support.

Important installation factors include:

• shaft parallelism

• correct spacing between guides

• clean running surfaces

• condition of the linear shaft

• correct tightening of mounting fasteners

• unrestricted movement throughout the full travel

Incorrect alignment of parallel linear guides can increase running resistance and impose additional loads on the bearings.

FAQ

What is SME 16 OP MTM?

SME 16 OP MTM is an open ball-type linear bearing unit in a housing designed for linear motion on a 16 mm shaft.

Is SME 16 OP a plain bearing?

No. SME 16 OP is a ball-type linear bearing unit using rolling elements. It should not be classified as a plain linear bearing.

What shaft diameter is SME 16 OP designed for?

It is designed for a linear shaft with a nominal diameter of 16 mm.

What does OP mean?

OP identifies the open construction, which allows the bearing unit to operate with a supported linear shaft.

What are the housing dimensions of SME 16 OP?

For SME16-OP-MTM, dimensions W and L are 45x45 mm, while shaft centre height h is 20 mm.

What is the dynamic load rating of SME 16 OP MTM?

The dynamic load rating C is 774 N.

What is the static load rating?

The static load rating C0 is 1180 N.

How much does SME 16 OP weigh?

The specified mass is approximately 0.150 kg.

What is the mounting specification?

For SME16-OP-MTM, the mounting specification is M5x12.

Can SME 16 OP operate on a supported shaft?

Yes. The open OP design is specifically suitable for systems using supported linear shafts.

Are SME 16 OP and SME 16L OP the same?

No. SME 16L OP is an extended version, while SME 16 OP is the standard shorter version.

SME 16 OP MTM - Quick Technical Answer

SME 16 OP MTM is an open ball-type linear bearing unit in a housing for a 16 mm supported linear shaft. Housing dimensions W and L are 45x45 mm, with a shaft centre height h of 20 mm. Dynamic load rating C is 774 N, static load rating C0 is 1180 N, and mass is approximately 0.150 kg.

SME 16 OP MTM at simmering.pl

SME 16 OP MTM is available from simmering.pl, a specialist B2B supplier of linear bearings, linear motion components, rolling bearings and industrial sealing solutions.

Stock and technical service are located in Lublin, Poland, with worldwide shipping available.