Flexibility in Linear Motion: Choosing the Perfect Profile

Flexibility in Linear Motion: Choosing the Perfect Profile

3d rendering of rail support

When it comes to linear shafting, rails, and guides, PBC Linear understands that the value of these components is often underappreciated as compared to their respective bearings. The truth is, without applying the same high-quality standards to shafting and rails, one can be left with a subpar performing system, even if the bearings are top tier. PBC Linear offers a full complement of profiles that help support our world-class bearing technologies. The article below offers a brief insight into our portfolio of profile solutions, and how these multiple options help provide flexibility to our customers’ application solutions. Simply put,we have the perfect profile for every solution!

Discover your ideal linear motion solution:


Round shafting and materials and coatings

Not every 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 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.

Stainless steel options

PBC Linear offers a variety of different stainless steel types within its arsenal of shafting and rails. Each type has its own unique steel and alloy composition, offering flexibility within a wide range of caustic and washdown applications.

  • 300 series stainless steel (types 303, 304, and 316):  All of these offer different combinations of corrosion resistance, machinability, and weldability.
  • 400 series stainless steel: Our 440 stainless steel is a very popular material type and the true compromise for industrial automation linear shafting because it combines some corrosion resistance with the ability to harden, making it possible to use with rolling element bearings.

Stainless Steel Applications: Good for harsh environments that include clean rooms, medical equipment, food and washdown equipment, marine environments, and dirty environments like welding.

For more information on our stainless steel profiles, read our blog How to Optimize for Washdown Applications.

Rails for rigid, continuous support

PBC Linear offers aluminum 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 Rail Systems for Long Travel Applications.

Profiles for Rail Supports and assemblies
V guide profile image

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.

Large profiles for IVT
Medium Profiles for IVT
Large profiles for IVT
Profiles for Redi-Rail and Hevi-Rail

Redi-Rail® and Hevi-Rail® 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 OverviewRedi-Rail Linear Guide Overview4- and 5-Roller Redi-Rail Carriage LoadHevi-Rail: The Heavy Duty Roller Bearing, or An Overview of Cam Roller Technology.

Commercial Rail-Hardened Crown Rollers profiles

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.

Profile images for Uni-Guide and Mini-Rail

Profiles for enhanced gliding surface systems

Uni-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.

  • Uni-Guide profiles are characterized by dual parallel shafts machined into one rail which offers a unique advantage of built-in alignment and easy assembly.
  • Mini-Rail and its low profile cousin stay true to their name by being compact, lightweight, and corrosion resistant.
  • Low Profile Uni-Guide uses wide rail angles to avoid pooling, chemical build-up, and bacteria growth, making it a perfect choice for food processing applications.

To discover more on our gliding surface profiles, please click on the appropriate link: Uni-Guide Linear Slide Overview, or An Overview of the Low Profile Uni-Guide.