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Round Shafts and Linear Bearings in Medical Applications
Round Shafts and Linear Bearings in Medical Applications

Round Shafts and Linear Bearings in Medical Applications

Linear Bearings and Round Shafts

Linear bearings and round shaft systems deliver reliable linear motion solutions for a wide range of medical applications on tables, wherever precise adjustments are essential—from patient handling on surgical tables and chair lifts to scan heads, ceiling tracks for movable lights, and fine instrument tuning.

Besides the gliding advantages of self-lubricating plain bearings, the ultra-low coefficient of friction in linear ball bearings makes them perfect for ergonomic designs, enabling effortless movement under cantilevered loads to enhance user comfort and safety.

Advanced ball re-circulation and internal lubrication systems ensure compact, high-precision performance that's smooth, quiet, and virtually maintenance-free—all at a competitive cost.

Discover your ideal linear bearing and shaft solution:

Special steel alloy rails are induction heat treated using the latest in CNC equipment and controlled to precise depth and hardness.  Specially designed long length CNC grinders, precision grind all surfaces simultaneously ensuring accurate, smooth motion no matter what length. The internal design of the runner block/carriages provides vibration-free ball re-circulation and optional ball retaining caged carriages provide up to 84% less noise and up to 19% more load capacity for a nominal cost.  The internal lubrication system of the runner blocks allows for minimal maintenance and long life. The caged runner blocks add additional lubrication via special reservoirs built into the cage. Both versions feature a new end seal design and unique pop-in longitudinal seals that keep contaminants out of the bearings and lubrication inside. This leads to, depending on the application, no additional lubrication or maintenance for the life of the machine; resulting in clean performance and long lasting guidance for medical equipment. 

Fully supported shafting configurations offer higher rigidity and precision of movement, especially in parallel shaft applications. Consider a pre-engineered solution for ease of installation, reference the Actuator Products section of the PBC Linear website, or pages 100-127 of the Round Shaft Technology catalog.

Linear Motion Materials in Medical Applications

Aluminum components, such as Simplicity linear plain bearings and Feather Shaft/Feather Rail, are ideal for those machines where non-magnetic components are desired or required.

In applications where sterilization might be a consideration, our Washdown White Paper offers guidance on selection of components. The scale of requirements spans from no sterilization to severe wash down with caustic chemicals.

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Source: PBC Linear - “Round Shafts and Linear Bearings in Medical Applications”
https://pbclinear.com/blogs/blog/linear-bearing-shafting-in-medical-applications
Last updated: October 2025