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Gliding Surface Linear Guides
Gliding Surface Linear Guides

Gliding Surface Linear Guides

Gliding Surface Technology (GST) refers to linear guides, also called linear slides, that use sliding elements in the form of a self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® under-carriage liner in simple two-piece rail and carriage designs. Instead of using rolling elements like recirculating balls or rollers, these gliding-surface linear slides separate the carriage from the rail with the liner, eliminating metal-on-metal contact while providing smooth, quiet, maintenance-free linear motion in low-profile and compact assemblies. PBC Linear GST products use the same Frelon®-lined bearing technology found in its plain linear bearings, making them well suited for harsh environments where dirt, debris, vibration, shock, washdowns, or contamination can cause rolling-element guides to fail. Below is a brief overview of Gliding Surface Technology and its advantages.

Discover your ideal linear guide solution:

The plain bearing design means these bearings and shafts will not catastrophically fail. Additional unique advantages include:

  • Vibration damping that provides smooth and quiet linear motion
  • Pre-engineered systems that are ready to use
  • Corrosion resistance throughout the entire bearing assembly
  • Light-weight aluminum construction
  • Long life that requires no lubrication
  • Options for compact, space-saving solutions 
  • High loads and high shock resistance

PBC Linear’s GST catalog is available for download. The full color catalog offers detailed information on the GST family of products, including performance statistics, engineering drawings, and application examples. Users can also gain access to other useful tools such as quick e-mail links, links to product related informational videos, and free CAD downloads.

PBC Linear’s core product competencies spread beyond Gliding Surface Technology (GST) with a wide array of components and complete mechatronics solutions. Technologies include:

Linear bearing on shaft

Round Shaft Technology (RST) utilizes precision round shafting as the guideway and the option of linear plain bearings or linear ball bearings for linear motion. Bearing designs include open and closed, sleeves, pillow blocks, and bushings. 

Cam Roller Technology (CRT)

Cam Roller Technology (CRT) uses PBC Linear precision straight rails and a multitude of different sliders to provide high accuracy and high-speed linear guidance in an economical solution.

Integral-V Technology (IVT)

Integral-V Technology (IVT) provides a complete system built with or without structural support framework. Hardened steel raceways are directly embedded into the rail to eliminate fasteners and reduce mounting components.

In addition to a broad range of components, PBC Linear offers a full lineup of mechatronics solutions, including sophisticated motor options from Moons’ Industries.

The UG Series utilizes the SIMO Linear Motion Platform that is a family of solutions designed to put flexibility into the Design Engineer’s hands. They can choose from different rail heights, as well as bearing and drive-type options, making the SIMO Linear Motion Platform easily configured to fit any application. Linear Actuators are the ideal choice for automated positioning, transfer, and guidance. Choose from belt, ball-screw, lead screw or un-driven systems complete with options for mounting and performance accessories. They can choose from different rail heights, as well as bearing and drive-type options, making the SIMO Linear Motion Platform easily configured to fit any application. Linear Actuators are the ideal choice for automated positioning, transfer, and guidance. Choose from belt, ball-screw, lead screw or un-driven systems complete with options for mounting and performance accessories.

Gliding Surface Technology Linear Rail Family

Linear Rail Family

Explore the versatile world of linear motion with the GST family, where precision engineering meets industry-specific needs

  1. Uni-Guide Linear Slide: At the heart of our lineup is the Uni-Guide Linear Slide System, a pinnacle of reliability and innovation offered in tall and low profiles. Utilizing Simplicity technology in a two-piece aluminum design, it eliminates tolerance stack-up, dampens vibrations, and handles shock loads effortlessly. With a static load capacity of up to 1,000 lb and a lightweight, pre-engineered assembly, it's the go-to choice for applications demanding precision and durability.
  2. Mini-Rail Linear Slide: For miniature applications requiring top-notch performance, the Mini-Rail Miniature Linear Slide shines. Its two-piece design, fast installation, and static load capacity of up to 3,559 N make it a trusted choice for semiconductor wafer handling and other demanding tasks.
  3. Low Profile Mini-Rail Linear Slide: Looking for compact, low-friction motion? Enter the Low Profile Mini-Rail Linear Slide. Ideal for space-constrained environments in industries like medical and packaging, its molded polymer slider with stainless steel thread inserts and anodized aluminum rails ensure smooth operation and chemical resistance.

Cam Roller Technology Linear Rail Family

CAM roller image

  1. Commercial Rail Linear Slide: Featuring precision-formed zinc-plated carbon steel linear rails and machined aluminum slider bodies, the Commercial Rail Linear Slide is designed for applications such as automation, packaging, and material handling. With transfer speeds up to 1.5 m/s and load capability up to 1,330 N, it offers flexibility and durability.
  2. Hevi-Rail Roller Bearings: The Hevi-Rail series provides solutions for extreme high load capacities and industrial strength handling applications. With options like fixed or adjustable bearings and linear guide rail lengths up to 6 m, Hevi-Rail is suitable for custom lift units, lift trucks, and heavy load applications in industries such as material handling, depalletizers, aerospace and steel.
  3. Hardened Crown Roller Bearings: PAC Hardened Crown Rollers come pre-assembled and self-aligning, making them a low-cost linear motion solution for point-to-point applications. With maximum wheel bearing load up to 1,334 N and transfer speeds up to 762 mm/s, they are suitable for machine tool doors, guarding, and material transfer.
  4. Redi-Rail Linear Slide: Available in metric and inch versions, Redi-Rail Linear Slides feature precision machined aluminum linear slide rails with hardened steel races, offering high accuracy and parallelism. With options for corrosion resistance and compact designs, they are suitable for applications such as automated vending and medical or laboratory equipment.
  5. V-Guide: The V-Guide offers flexibility with V-Guide wheels and bushings available in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel. With radial loads up to 9.9 N per wheel and options for shielded or sealed bearings, V-Guide wheels and bushings provide precise and reliable linear motion for diverse mounting configurations.

Integral-V Technology Linear Rail Family


Integral V family

The IVT family of v-rail linear guides encompasses a diverse array of linear slides meticulously crafted to meet the exacting demands of industrial applications. Crafted from precision-machined aluminum anodized linear slide rails featuring embedded hardened stainless-steel races, IVT linear slides offer a unique blend of lightweight construction and robust performance. 

With options like wider base rails for enhanced stability and alternative cost-effective solutions tailored to various needs, the IVT family ensures versatility across industries. With load capacities of up to 8,900 N (2,000 lbf) and high-speed capacities reaching 10 m/s (394 in/s), these linear guide rails excel in dynamic environments. 

Furthermore, their maintenance-free operation and compatibility with a wide range of accessories—including wheel covers, scrapers, and wipers—make them ideal for applications spanning automation, packaging, semiconductor handling, and more. Whether you require long-length applications, rapid speed capabilities, or resilience to harsh conditions, the IVT family offers tailored solutions to elevate your lin

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Source: PBC Linear - “Gliding Surface Linear Guides”
https://pbclinear.com/blogs/blog/a-quick-overview-of-gst
Last updated: June 2026