Ceramic Coated Aluminum Linear Shafting

Ceramic-coated aluminum linear shafting uses a lightweight aluminum-alloy core with a hard ceramic-like surface coating to provide a durable running surface for compatible plain linear bearings. PBC Linear Feather Shaft is ceramic-coated aluminum shafting with a surface hardness up to approximately RC70, designed for Simplicity® self-lubricating plain linear bearings and pillow blocks using FrelonGOLD® liners. It is not designed as a raceway for linear ball bearings or roller pillow blocks.

The aluminum core significantly reduces shaft weight compared with steel, making Feather Shaft useful for weight-sensitive linear axes and moving assemblies. Its hard coated surface provides corrosion and wear resistance while remaining non-magnetic and resistant to vibration. Weld splatter, paint, and many process contaminants have difficulty adhering to the ceramic-like surface, making ceramic-coated aluminum shafting useful in welding, painting, washdown, automation, and other demanding environments.

PBC Linear ceramic-coated aluminum linear shafts are available in inch and metric diameters as solid round shafting or pre-drilled shafting with industry-standard hole spacing for supported linear rail assemblies. Maximum shaft length is 12 ft. Custom end machining, tapping, and nonstandard hole patterns are available through Configure and Quote.

This shafting is intended for linear motion systems using FrelonGOLD® plain bearings where low shaft weight, a hard running surface, corrosion resistance, or non-magnetic properties are important. For applications using linear ball bearings or roller pillow blocks, choose compatible hardened steel or hardened 440 stainless steel shafting instead.

• Inch and metric sizing options
• Solid round or pre-drilled versions offer design flexibility
• Custom end machining is available
• Maximum 12 ft length
• Aluminum alloy base material offers weight savings over steel
• Ceramic-like coating provides hardness up to RC70 and increased corrosion resistance
• Non-magnetic and vibration resistant
• Weld splatter, paints, and contaminants will not stick
• Designed for Simplicity® plain linear bearings and pillow blocks using FrelonGOLD® liners
• Not designed for linear ball bearings or roller pillow blocks
• Pre-drilled shafting available with industry-standard hole spacing
• Custom tapping and nonstandard hole patterns available through Configure and Quote

Standard products in this line are solid as in not pre-drilled. You can click "Configure CAD & Quote" below the product description to have non-standard drilling done to the side of the shaft as well as to have end-tapping performed, usually a threaded hole to one or both ends of the shaft that normally conforms to an industry standard per the shafft diameter (see more below). Standard drilled shafts exist in the regular product line found here in the store.  

Industry Standard Hole Spacing Along a Shaft

The pre-drilled variants have industry standard hole spacing. For 8mm and 10mm diameter shafts, there is 100mm spacing starting 50mm from the shaft end. For 12mm Ø shafts, the hole spacing is 120mm starting 60mm from the end. For 16mm and 20mm diameter shafts, the spacing is 150mm starting 75mm in from the end. For 25mm and 30mm diameter shafts, the spacing is 200mm starting 100mm from the shaft end.

Industry Standard End-Tapping Threaded Holes at Shaft End:

Metric Thread Sizes and Corresponding Shaft Diameters:

• M6: Typically used with shafts around 6 mm in diameter. Suitable for small components.
• M8: Commonly matched with shafts of 8 mm diameter. Ideal for medium-sized applications.
• M10: Usually paired with shafts that are 10 mm in diameter. Frequently found in machinery and automotive contexts.
• M12: Typically used for shafts of 12 mm diameter. Suitable for larger parts.
  
• M16: Often corresponds to shafts that are 16 mm in diameter. Appropriate for heavy-duty applications.
  

Inch Thread Sizes and Corresponding Shaft Diameters:

• 1/4": Generally used with shafts around 1/4 inch (approximately 6.35 mm) in diameter. Common for light-duty fastenings.
• 5/16": Typically matched with shafts of 5/16 inch (approximately 7.94 mm) in diameter. Often used in automotive and machinery applications.
• 3/8": Usually corresponds to shafts that are 3/8 inch (approximately 9.53 mm) in diameter. Suitable for medium to heavy applications.
• 1/2": Typically used for shafts of 1/2 inch (approximately 12.7 mm) in diameter. Common for larger components.
• 5/8": Generally paired with shafts around 5/8 inch (approximately 15.88 mm) in diameter. Suitable for heavy-duty applications

Frequently Asked Questions