Which type of bearing is designed specifically to control linear motion?

The type of bearing designed specifically to control linear motion is the guide bearing. Guide bearings are engineered to facilitate the smooth and controlled movement of components in a linear path, allowing them to move back and forth along a fixed track or guide. This design is crucial in applications where precise alignment and movement are necessary, such as in conveyor systems or in machinery that requires linear actuation.

In contrast, thrust bearings primarily support axial loads and are typically used in rotating applications where forces act along the axis of the shaft. Bridge bearings are specifically used in civil engineering to support structures and allow for controlled movements due to thermal expansion or contraction, but they are not designed exclusively for linear motion. Ball bearings, while capable of supporting rotary motion and reducing friction, do not specifically cater to linear guidance in the same way that guide bearings do. Therefore, the guide bearing is the most accurate choice for controlling linear motion.