Choosing a Profile for Your Linear Guide, Linear Rail or Shafting

Not every linear shaft is the same

PBC Linear uses specific materials, surface finishes, and coatings that complement its bearings, resulting in the highest system performance.

Simplicity 60 Plus® shafting offers a prime example of this specialized engineering. This class of linear shafting has been formulated to work with all types of Simplicity bearings by implementing an optimized surface finish that is neither too smooth nor too rough. The surface of Simplicity 60 Plus® shafts are ideal because of micro grooves that allow the Frelon liner of our Simplicity plain bearings to fill in these minute gaps and valleys with Frelon material. This process creates a truly self-lubricating condition, resulting in a precision-matched set that provides long-lasting, high-performance linear motion.

Applications: The self-lubrication, low outgassing, and minimal particulate buildup make the precision-matched set of Simplicity shaft and bearing an excellent solution in clean rooms, vacuums, washdown conditions.

Discover more on how Simplicity 60 Plus® shafting complements Simplicity bearings with The Benefits of Simplicity 60 PLUS Shafting. To see how our RC60 linear shafting outcompeted a leading brand, read our White Paper: Hardened Steel Shafting Comparison.

Rails for rigid, continuous support

PBC Linear offers aluminum linear support rails that provide full-length support to linear shafting. Rails can be configured by height, material, and surface finish for maximum flexibility in applications. Profiles include:

• Tall supports that afford the ability to mount shafting vertically or horizontally.
• Low supports that offer a reduced footprint with a 40-percent lower profile.
• Support rail and shaft assemblies constructed with alloy steel, stainless steel, ceramic coating, Armoloy, and chrome plating.

Shafts and rails are offered in cut-to-lengths up to 4 feet and can be butt welded for much longer applications. Custom end machining is also available upon request.

For more information on shafting and supports, read our blog Linear Rail Systems for Long Travel Applications.

Profiles for more rugged applications

The profiles that make up our cam roller blend of components offer flexibility in applications the generally require higher loads, tougher environments, and modest precision.

V-type profiles such as V-Guide and Integral-V Technology (IVT)are recognized by their distinct V shape. This structure of the guide follows its complimentary groove on the roller, offering higher speeds and precision. V-Guides are offered as separate components, while IVT has seven versatile types of easily installed rail and carriage systems. IVT offers hardened stainless steel V-raceways that are embedded into its aluminum rails, providing high performance in harsh environments.

Redi-Rail® and Hevi-Rail® linear guide profiles make up the bulk of the heavy weightlifters. While Hevi-Rail provides heavy duty might in applications like telescopic rack and lift systems, Redi-Rail offers slightly less load capabilities but with more precision, or what we call practical precision. In addition, Redi-Rail’s metric, imperial, and low profile versions bring even more flexibility to this already versatile profile.

To discover more on either Integral-V Technology (IVT) or Cam Roller profiles, please click on the appropriate link: Integral-V Technology Overview, Redi-Rail Linear Guide Overview, 4- and 5-Roller Redi-Rail Carriage Load, Hevi-Rail: The Heavy Duty Roller Bearing, or An Overview of Cam Roller Technology.

The low-cost, no-nonsense profiles for Commercial Rail and Hardened Crown Rollers can be found in everything from overhead garage door tracks to industrial sliding doors. They are the ubiquitous and hard-working profiles that should be considered for any application where easy installation and good structural characteristics are desired.

Profiles for enhanced gliding surface systems

Uni-Guide linear guide tall profiles and low profiles, along with Mini-Rail implement a ceramic hard-coated, aluminum rail that benefits industries such as medical and laboratory equipment, automation and assembly lines, and more.