Linear Shafts and Bearings From Automotion
A linear shaft is a straight, precision machined bar on which linear bearings run to create a linear guide system to support or guide the movement of equipment in a linear fashion. Available in hardened steel, hardened stainless, 303 and 316 stainless, and aluminium. We can also manufacture on short lead times linear shafts to your drawing with custom machining, keyways, circlips grooves, drilled and tapped holes and more.
As specialists in linear motion systems we offer you a choice of materials and sizes. So whether you need lightweight aluminium rails for use in aviation applications or stainless steel components for when exposure to water or corrosive chemicals is a factor, our knowledgable technical engineers are always on hand to provide assistance.
Make sure you request a free Linear Motion Handbook here and utilise our free CAD to help you save time planning your projects.
Aluminium Anodised shaft bars for use with self lubricating ceramic bearings.
Linear bushing carriages for use with both hardened shafts and shaft support rails.
Shaft support rails come complete with shafts and are available in lengths up to 6m.
Hardened steel and corrosion resistant steel linear shafting stocked in lengths of 3m.
Ceramic bearings are ideal for use on all shaft bar materials.
Associated Products
Product Selection
L1770 - Hardened steel shafts
For use with linear bearings.
Ø6 to Ø60
L1771 - Hardened hollow shafts
For use with linear bearings. Hollowed for lighter weight.
Ø12 to Ø50
L1772 - Hardened Stainless shafts
For use with linear bearings Anti-corrosion.
Ø6 to Ø60
L1773 - Stainless 303 shafts
Soft stainless, high anti-corrosion.
Not for use with ball bush linear bearings.
Ø6 to Ø60
L1774 - Stainless 316 shafts
Soft stainless, very high anti-corrosion.
Not for use with ball bushing linear bearings.
Ø6 to Ø60
L1778 - Aluminium shafts
Light weight, non-magnetic.
Ø10 to Ø50
General Guidance
Linear ball bushings
Applications
- Computers and peripheral equipment.
- Recording equipment.
- Linear motion systems.
- Multi-axis drilling machine.
- Printing machines.
- Food packaging machines.
- Punching presses.
- Tool grinders.
- Assembly systems.
- Card selectors.
Interchangeability
Our linear bushing systems are designed to have full interchangeability, with other manufacturers’ parts. For shafting see part numbers L1770 to L1785.
High precision retainer
The single body retainer guides 4-6 ball circuits. It precisely guides the balls with a smooth motion.
Tolerance of housing bore
Normal fit is standard, pressed fit is for without clearance.
| Part no. | Normal fit | Pressed fit |
| L1706 to L1733 | H7 | K6, J6 |
| L1706...-1 to L1733...-1 | H7 | J7 |
Rigid outer sleeve
The hardened and precisely ground outer sleeve is made of bearing steel.
L1750 bushing carriages
Consists of light aluminium case and L1706 type linear bushing, so the installation can be finished simply by bolting. Longer life can be obtained by adjusting the orientation of the ball circuits in the linear carriage element against the direction of load.
Tolerance of shaft
| Part no. | Normal fit | Tight fit |
| L1706 to L1733 | h6 | k6 |
| L1706...-1 to L1733...-1 | f6, g6 | h6 |
Basic dynamic load rating C
The basic dynamic load rating is defined as the constant load both in direction and magnitude under which a group of identical linear bushings are individually operated. 90% of the units can travel 50Km without failing due to rolling contact fatigue.
Basic static load rating C0
If a linear bushing is subject to an excessive load or impact, a permanent deformation occurs between the raceway and the rolling element. The basic static load rating is defined as the static load that gives a prescribed constant contact stress at the centre of the contact area between the rolling element and raceway receiving the maximum load.
Superball linear ball bushings
- 3 x the load rating and 27 x the travel life of conventional linear bushings
- Self-aligning feature
Features
Higher load ratings
The uniquely designed ball plate (in the outside diameter of the bushing), is made of hardened steel. The precision ground groove is slightly larger than the ball size, which provides greater contact area between the balls and the ball plate, and as a result, provides 3 x higher load ratings of conventional linear bushings.
Self-alignment
The ball plate has a convex shape to provide a pivot point at the centre which allows self-alignment up to ±0.5°. This self-alignment capability eliminates any possibility of edge pressure caused by inaccurate machining, errors on mounting, or shaft deflection.
Tolerance of shaft and housing bore
| Part no. | Shaft Ø d1 | Tol. h6 μ | Housing bore Ø d2 | Tol. H7 μ |
| L1740.010 | 10 | +0 to - 9 | 19 | +21 to -0 |
| L1740.012 | 12 | +0 to - 11 | 22 | +21 to -0 |
| L1740.016 | 16 | +0 to - 11 | 26 | +21 to -0 |
| L1740.020 | 20 | +0 to - 13 | 32 | +25 to -0 |
| L1740.025 | 25 | +0 to - 13 | 40 | +25 to -0 |
| L1740.030 | 30 | +0 to - 13 | 47 | +25 to -0 |
| L1740.040 | 40 | +0 to - 16 | 62 | +30 to -0 |
| L1740.050 | 50 | +0 to - 16 | 75 | +30 to -0 |