Shaft Guidance Systems: always based on surface hardened shafts

Smalltec shaft guides are always based on surface hardened and precision ground steel shafts in quality up to IT6. These steel shafts are used in conjunction with a unit of linear ball bearing(s) which are installed in suitable linear housing(s) in order to be able to execute a precise linear movement along the shaft. Often this precision steel shaft is bolted to solid aluminium support bodies (support rail unit), which together with the linear housing unit represents an economically favourable system.

As an alternative to the combination of shaft and linear ball bearing in the housing, the combination of shaft/rail unit together with profile rollers is also often used in practical applications. 

This system of various machine elements enables precise linear movement of the associated assemblies along a specific path, which is also commonly referred to as stroke. These surface hardened shafts are available from Smalltec in various material grades up to the high-alloy stainless steel X90CrMoV18 (1.4112).