Pre-Loaded Ball Bearing Bushings

I received a unique tooling question the other day…

Rachael
I am considering the option of purchasing pre-loaded ball bearing bushings for a new tool. Are there any drawbacks to this option?
My Response
Such bushings are a great option for the longevity of your tooling. These demonstrate significantly less wear when compared to regular brass or steel bushings.
The only drawback to this option would be with your tooling maintenance department. If they have not used such a system, they should communicate with the manufacturer to ensure they understand the operation and maintenance of such bushing systems.
Additional Thoughts
I always recommend spending a little extra money for the better leader pin bushings. The price might be a little higher, but the long term value far outweighs the initial cost.
-Andy

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