Frequently Asked Questions
What do the terms accuracy and repeatability mean?
- Accuracy refers to the ability to achieve a commanded position
- Repeatability refers to the ability to go to any given spot in a consistent grouping
Does PBC Linear offer ball bearings that are corrosion resistant?
Corrosion resistance for recirculating ball bearings is tricky, and PBC does not offer linear ball bearings in stainless steel or other corrosion resistant material. Reference the Round Shaft Technology catalog for available materials. PBC Linear does offer a plain bearing solution with a standard anodized aluminum housing that stands up well to most situations. For more extreme environments, PBC Linear offers the option of a 316 stainless steel housing. Combine this with our available 316 stainless shafting and your application should become corrosion resistant.
Does the EPK25G flange mount have seals?
Seals are integral on all PBC linear ball bearing products.
Does the IPP series of pillow blocks have seals?
Seals are integral on all PBC linear ball bearing products.
Is the IP-G series of linear ball bearings self-aligning?
No, the IP-G series has a straight OD. The IPS series is self-aligning.
What is the temperature range for linear ball bearings?
−4° F to 176° F (−20° C to 80° C)
Are the rollers replaceable on the IVT carriages?
Rollers are permanently installed to ensure accuracy and load capabilities and are not replaceable.
Are the rollers replaceable on the Redi-Rail sliders?
Rollers are permanently installed to ensure accuracy and load capabilities and are not replaceable.
Can Hevi-Rail be welded?
Hevi-Rail is a low carbon rail product and can be welded under good standard MIG welding practices.
Yes. Bearings with pre-welded flange plates are only capable of the system max. Static load capacities shown in the CRT (Cam Roller Technology) catalog. The actual bearings are rated for higher load ratings if configured without the pre-welded flange plate and utilized with customer supplied Hardened Rail HRC 55 (minimum 2.54 mm depth provided).
Yes. Bearings with pre-welded flange plates are only capable of the system max. Static load capacities shown in the CRT (Cam Roller Technology) catalog. The actual bearings are rated for higher load ratings if configured without the pre-welded flange plate and utilized with customer supplied Hardened Rail HRC 55 (minimum 2.54 mm depth provided).
Is it correct that the version of the Hevi-Rail bearing without the welded flange plate, has a higher load capacity than the version with the welded flange plate?
Yes, that is correct. The Welded Bearing/Flange Plate Assembly is rated to accomodate up to the System Maximum Static Load Ratings as published in the CRT (Cam Roller Technology) catalog. These same "System Maximum Static Load Ratings” also apply to the maximum load rating that the Mild Steel U-Channels and I-Channels can accommodate on a per. Roller basis. These are the limiting factors in the system.
Can you replace just the rollers on a Redi-Rail slider?
No. Redi-Rail underwent a design change in 2006 from a threaded shaft attachment to the current solid stud shafts that are pressed in.
Does PBC Linear offer heat treated versions of Hevi-Rail channels?
No, PBC Linear only offers Hevi-Rail channels in mild steel.
A word of caution: If you’re considering outsourcing Heat Treatment of Hevi-Rail Channels, discuss, review and potentially test samples with a Heat Treatment Specialist for best methods of Heat Treatment. Improper Heat Treatment methods may result in material distortion, bowing and stress fracturing of Hevi-Rail Channel.
The S450J2 MOD. material can be heat treated, but usually requires a re-straightening after heat treatment due to warping from the heat treatment if the whole bar is heat treated.
Preferred Method - Surface hardening with induction heating with a mechanical clamping or guiding of the bar through the induction coils is what others use that prevents warping.
Improper Heat Treatment of Hevi-Rail channels can lead to bowing - twist distortion and stress fracturing of channel.
A word of caution: If you’re considering outsourcing Heat Treatment of Hevi-Rail Channels, discuss, review and potentially test samples with a Heat Treatment Specialist for best methods of Heat Treatment. Improper Heat Treatment methods may result in material distortion, bowing and stress fracturing of Hevi-Rail Channel.
The S450J2 MOD. material can be heat treated, but usually requires a re-straightening after heat treatment due to warping from the heat treatment if the whole bar is heat treated.
Preferred Method - Surface hardening with induction heating with a mechanical clamping or guiding of the bar through the induction coils is what others use that prevents warping.
Improper Heat Treatment of Hevi-Rail channels can lead to bowing - twist distortion and stress fracturing of channel.
Does PBC Linear provide wrenches for the Commercial Rail and why would I need one?
Yes, PBC Linear has wrenches available for the Commercial Rail. Commercial Rail has an adjustable bearing on each slider allowing the user to customize the fit for every application. You may find the wrenches here.
Does Redi-Rail have a reference surface to aid in rail alignment?
The Redi-Rail product provides a reference notch along the length of the rail to indicate the reference edge.
How can I tell the difference between compensated and precision Mini-Rail carriages?
Compensated carriages will have a dimple, or mark, on the underside.
How do I protect Hevi-Rail products from oxidation and corrosion?
PBC Linear suggests sand blasting or bead blasting Hevi-Rail channels to remove any signs of oxidation or rust that may have been acquired during shipment and storage. Then follow-up with one of the following coating suggestions:
- PBC Linear suggests priming, painting and / or powder coating the Hevi-Rail Channels. Surfaces on the Hevi-Rail Channel surfaces that are considered Roller Contact surfaces, should be masked prior to applying the coating. Roller contact surfaces must remain bare steel surfaces, but coated with NLGI #2 or Grade 3 Grease to minimize oxidation and corrosion.
- A Hard Chrome Plating or Armoloy (TDC) Thin Dense Chrome Plating can be applied by the customers plating resource to the Hevi-Rail Channels for oxidation and corrosion resistance. An NLGI #2 or Grade 3 Grease should still be applied to the Rollers and Roller contact surfaces of the Rail to increase life expectancy.
How do you mount Hevi-Rail bearings?
Unless purchased as the bearing and flange plate assembly, the bearings must be welded to the framework.
How do you mount the PAC2247?
It must be welded or clamped in place.
Is Hevi-Rail available in stainless steel?
No, Hevi-Rail components are available in carbon steel only.
Is IVT available with stainless steel rollers and raceways?
The raceways are stainless steel as a standard. However, rollers are not available in stainless steel.
Is the load rating for Redi-Rail sliders per slider or per pair?
Redi-Rail sliders are rated per slider.
Is V-Guide rail hardened?
Yes, the V-Guide rail is induction hardened on the roller bearing “V” running surface only to approximately 55Rc and the lower mounting surface of the rail remains soft to provide a machineable surface for installation.
We have Redi Rail sliders with a threaded stud shaft, and we recently ordered some more. The ones we received don’t have replaceable rollers. We’d really like the same style as the ones we already had, are they still available?
Redi Rail underwent a design change a few years ago in which the threaded stud shaft was replaced by a press fit version onto which the roller was secured by orbit forming the end.
What are the Hevi-Rail mounting plate holes intended for?
What do the arrows on the Redi-Rail slider mean?
The arrows point in the direction that the radial load should be applied. The Redi-Rail slider has three rollers, two of which are in contact with one side of the rail and the middle roller is in contact with the other side. Orienting the load with the arrows offers the greatest load capacity.
What is the average C.O.F. range for a IVT Carriage?
The rolling resistance of the Carriage Roller Bearings is .008~.015, the C.O.F. can be affected by pre-load and operating environments.
What is the average cof of the LPM slider/rail system?
.200-.300
What is the operating temperature for Hevi-Rail?
14° F to 176° F (−10° C to 80° C)
What is the operating temperature for Mini-Rail?
−32° F to 176° F (0° C to 80° C)
What sizes of Simplicity bearings have the seal option?
Inch series 1/2" thru 4", ISO metric 20mm thru 80mm.
What is the operating temperature for Redi-Rail?
14° F to 176° F (−10° C to 80° C)
What is the operating temperature for the Hardened Crown Roller series?
14° F to 176° F (−10° C to 80° C)
What is the operating temperature for the low profile Mini-Rail?
−30° F to 150° F (−34° C to 65° C)
What is the operating temperature for V-Rail?
14° F to 176° F (−10° C to 80° C)
What is the operating temperature for Integral-V Technology?
14° F to 176° F (−10° C to 80° C)
What kind of lubrication should be used on Hevi-Rail?
To optimize performance, PBC Linear recommends a lubrication expert should be contacted to review applications, however a general purpose grease such as the Shell Alvania #3 or equivalent is typical in lieu of application-specific lubrication.
What kind of screws are needed for Redi-Rail?
Redi-Rail requires Button Head Cap Screws (BHCS).
What size T-Nuts fit the Uni-Guide?
D075: Fath 096286; D100 &D125: 80/20 3279
Why does the CRT (Cam Roller Technology) catalog identify Hevi-Rail with multiple Load Ratings for each size product?
Each Size Hevi-Rail product is specified with System Max. Static Load Ratings per. Roller for both Radial & Axial Load Capacities which shouldn’t be exceeded when using the Mild Steel U & I Channels that PBC Linear offers. This System Max. Static Load Rating takes into account operating the Roller on a soft Mild Steel Rail.
Each Size Hevi-Rail Product is also specified with Maximum Bearing Loads (Static and Dynamic) per. Roller which requires the usage of Heat Treated Channels that PBC Linear doesn’t offer. Note: Maximum Bearing Loads achievable when used with a hardened rail HRC 55 minimum 2.54mm deep.
Why is the load rating of the bearing much greater than the load rating of the system?
The load ratings for the rollers are based on using a hardened rail of 55 Rc minimum. The rails offered by PBC are hot rolled, mild structural steel and are not hardened. Therefore, the load ratings are limited by the softer rail material. PBC does not offer hardened rails.
Why is there a discrepancy between the height of the V-Guide Rail in your catalog and the actual height of the V-Guide?
The overall height dimension given in the catalog is not a physical dimension that can be measured. It is the theoretical point where the two planes would intersect. Thus the dimension given in drawing is for Reference Only, and the actual rail will be slightly smaller. Keep this in mind as you check the height or the rail during inspection, or as you are designing to meet a specific vertical location requirement.
Are PBC Linear products REACH compliant?
Yes, you can find our certification here.
Are PBC Linear products RoHS compliant?
Yes, you can find our certification here.
Does PBC Linear offer a curved track?
No, we do not offer a curved track.
How do I receive the CAD file for my part number?
Go to our Configure & Quote page, build your part number, put first name, last name, company and email address in CAD options and Contact Info at the bottom of the configurator. Hit finish and the file(s) and summaries will be emailed to you.
I am interested in the corrosion resistance of your aluminum components and slides.
Standard Simplicity® products use aluminum alloy, which is known to have the best corrosion resistance of the high strength aluminum alloys. The sulfuric bath anodizing and nickel acetate sealing provide the best corrosion resistance available in anodized coatings. They can withstand a rigorous 14-day exposure in a 5% salt spray solution at 96°F per military specifications without significant damage. With the coating intact, it is considered to be inert in most fluids with a pH value between 5 and 8. Hard coat anodizing provides the same chemical resistance but is applied to a .002" thickness, providing a more durable surface that will stand up to greater abuse. However, if the coating is penetrated, the resistance is reduced.
For more information please see our Linear Motion Design in Washdown white paper.
For more information please see our Linear Motion Design in Washdown white paper.
Is there a sales rep or distributor in my area?
Please visit our Sales & Support page.
Looking for product specific dimensions, CAD models or drawings?
Dimensions and specifications can be found in the specific product catalog - these are available for download from the PBC website. In addition, CAD models are available for download using PBC Linear's online product configurators.
What is your Cage Code?
79879
What is your Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)?
EAR99
Where do I send my payment?
PBC Linear, Remittance Processing, PO Box 7265, Rockford, IL 61126
How do I confirm bank payment information?
To set up your ACH/wire transfer for PBC Linear, go to the Payments with Electronic Transfer Page to help complete your transaction. There you will find instructions for both domestic and international transactions. Remember, wiring bank fees are the responsibility of the payor not the payee. All payments are to be in U.S. dollars.
Where do I send my purchase order?
Where do I send my quote request?
Are there different size options for the ASRS?
No. There is currently there one size available.
Can I add my own cart or trays for the ASRS?
Yes, but this will require additional programming of each shelf height.
Can the ASRS be moved?
Yes. This system can be moved with a pallet jack.
Does the ASRS shelf have a brake installed?
The shelf utilizes a lead screw that will only drive if power is applied.
Does the system require a pneumatic line?
No air line is needed for the system. However, the cobot setup may require air lines.
How long does it take to change jobs when operating the ASRS?
The ASRS job turnover is equal to however fast an operator can swap out trays and a rack. 15 minutes is standard with all the necessary equiptment (new grippers and trays).
How long does it take to install the ASRS?
1-2 days depending on the application.
Is the ASRS compatible with my CNC/machine?
Our system works with any CNC/machine and can be tied into functions such as chuck close, cycle start, etc.
Is the ASRS safe and collaborative?
Yes. The system is enclosed with light curtains on the openings.
What are other ASRS use cases besides a CNC?
Any application that a cobot/robot currently can do.
What are the dimensions of the ASRS?
72 in x 58 in x 75 in including the rack 54 in x 58 in x 75 in without the rack (L x W x H).
What is included in the ASRS package?
The ASRS, a ready rack, and 17 trays.
What is the expected ROI on an ASRS?
The current trays can hold 50 lb. There is no height limit but we recommend nothing over 18 inches.
What is the lead time on the purchase of an ASRS?
8-12 weeks.
What is the maximum tray weight and max part height for the ASRS?
The current trays can hold 50 lb. There is no height limit but we recommend nothing over 18 inches.
What is the power requirement for the ASRS?
220V Single Phase with a 30A Recepticle.
What is the repeatability/accuracy of the ASRS?
The repeatability of the ASRS will depend on the repeatability of the cobot/robot.
What is the shop rating of the ASRS? Will a dirty shop or coolant residue affect preformance?
All electrical components are shielded from outside contaminants. Light coolant exposer will have no effect on the system.
What is the weight of the ASRS?
The entire system weighs near 1500 lb.
What robots/cobots is the ASRS compatible with?
Any robot/cobot with 2 open i/o ports and a reach of at least 800 mm.
What size of pallet jack is needed to lift the ASRS?
Most Standard US pallet jacks will be able to move the ASRS.