WHAT IS A HARDENED GROUND BEARING LINEAR SHAFT?
In the world of mechanical engineering and machinery, precision and durability are paramount. One component that embodies these principles is the Hardened Ground Bearing Linear Shaft. A Hardened Ground Bearing Linear Shaft is a specialised steel shaft whose outer layer has undergone a process called induction hardening. This process increases the hardness of the steel's surface, making it more resistant to wear and tear. The "ground" in its name refers to the meticulous grinding process the shaft undergoes, ensuring its precision and smooth finish.
These shafts are not just any regular round bar. They are characterised by their high material quality, surface hardness, and exact dimensions. The hardening process they undergo ensures that they have an enhanced resistance against material fatigue, especially when subjected to alternating bending forces.
Their primary application is, as the name suggests, in linear motion systems. They are often paired with linear ball bearings and rollers to facilitate smooth and precise movement in machinery. However, their versatility doesn't end there. They can also serve as guide shafts with plain bearings, stretch and guide rollers, hinge pins, and more.
We offer our hardened ground linear shafts in three distinct variants:
- Solid: Choose Solid Linear Shafts when corrosion resistance is not required and weight is not a premium.
- Chrome Plated: Choose Chrome Plated Linear Shafts when corrosion resistance is required and weight is not a premium.
- Hollow: Choose Hollow Linear Shafts when corrosion resistance is not required and weight is a premium.
Solid Linear Shafts Pros and Con
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Among the 3 types of linear shafts we stock, solid shafts present the most budget-friendly option. Chrome Plated Linear Shafts are 20% more and Hollow Linear Shafts are 50% more.
- Enhanced Durability: Compared to Chrome Plated Linear Shafts the induction-hardened surface makes them less susceptible to scratches or damages, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Diameter Tolerance: Our Solid Linear Shafts have the highest diameter tolerance: h6 (+0,-0.008 to -0.013mm)
- Deflection Considerations: Compared to Hollow Linear Shafts, in scenarios where the shaft is horizontally oriented, as the magnitude of the applied load escalates, solid shafts become the preferable choice for optimal performance.
CONS
- Corrosion Resistance: Compared to Chrome Plated Linear Shafts, they do not offer protection against rust and corrosion. This may be important when used in environments where exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive elements.
- Cleanliness: Compared to Chrome Plated Linear Shafts they may accumulate more dirt, grime, or other contaminants. This can be important in industries where cleanliness is crucial, such as in food processing or medical applications.
- Weight: Compared to Hollow Linear Shafts, they may not be suitable in situations where weight is a premium, such as in aerospace or certain automotive applications.
Chrome Plated Linear Shafts Pros and Cons
Pros
- Corrosion Resistance: Chrome plating provides a protective barrier against rust and corrosion. This is especially important for steel rods used in environments where they might be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive elements.
Please note this only applies to the outside diameter. The ends will not be chrome plated.
- Wear Resistance: Chrome plating adds a hard, durable surface layer to the steel rod, which can significantly increase its wear resistance. This is particularly beneficial for rods that are subjected to high friction or abrasive conditions.
- Reduced Friction: The smooth and polished surface of chrome plating can reduce friction.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrome plating gives steel rods a shiny, reflective finish, which can be desirable for aesthetic reasons.
- Improved Cleanliness: The smooth surface of chrome-plated rods is easier to clean and less likely to accumulate dirt, grime, or other contaminants. The chrome layer is Cr (VI) free this can be important in industries where cleanliness is crucial, such as in food processing or medical applications.
CONS
- Scratching and Damage: A faulty bearing can cause scratches on the chrome plating. Even minor scratches can expose the underlying steel, making it vulnerable to corrosion. Once the chrome plating is compromised, it can lead to accelerated wear of the plating in that area. To avoid these issues, it's essential to use high-quality bearings that are appropriate for the application and to regularly inspect and maintain both the bearings and the chrome-plated rods.
- Diameter Tolerance: Our Chrome plated Linear Shafts still have a very good diameter tolerance but it is slightly lower than our non-chrome plated induction hardened shafts: h7 (+0,-0.012 to -0.021mm) vs h6 (+0,-0.008 to -0.013mm)
- Cost: Chrome-plated shafts cost roughly 20% more than our non-chrome-plated induction hardened shafts.
Hollow Linear Shafts Pros and Cons
Pros
- Weight Reduction: Hollow shafts are lighter than solid shafts of the same diameter. This can be beneficial in applications where weight is a concern, such as in aerospace or certain automotive applications.
- Rotational Applications: In applications where the shaft needs to rotate at high speeds, a hollow shaft can reduce the moment of inertia, making it easier to accelerate and decelerate.
- Deflection Considerations: Hollow shafts, when compared to solid shafts of identical diameter, exhibit reduced deflection due to their inherent weight. In scenarios where the shaft is horizontally oriented and minimal to no external load is anticipated, hollow shafts offer superior resistance to sagging. However, as the magnitude of the applied load escalates, there’s a threshold beyond which solid shafts become the preferable choice for optimal performance.
CONS
- Diameter Tolerance: Our Hollow Linear Shafts still have a very good diameter tolerance but it is slightly lower than our solid induction hardened shafts: h7 (+0,-0.018 to -0.021mm) vs h6 (+0,-0.011 to -0.013mm)
- Straightness Tolerance: Our Hollow Linear Shafts still have a very good straightness tolerance but it is slightly lower than our solid induction hardened shafts: (+/-0.1 to +/-0.2mm) vs (+/-0.2 to +/-0.3mm)
- Deflection Considerations: For heavy loads solid shafts become the preferable choice for optimal performance.
- Cost: Hollow shafts cost roughly 50% more than our solid shafts.
Our Customisation Services
We aim to make your project completion as effortless as possible by offering a Cut-To-Size service. Cut to +/- 0.5mm with manual deburring for a perfect finish, each shaft is tailored to your exact requirements. We charge per millimetre, with no additional cutting fees. This approach provides a cost-effective solution so you receive your Linear Shafts project ready.
Why Choose Us?
We pride ourselves on being the fastest Hardened Ground Bearing Linear Shaft supplier in the UK. Place your order by 1pm (mon-fri), and we'll despatch it the same day for rapid delivery. Our delivery costs are budget-friendly, and we have mastered the art of packing Linear Shafts so it arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition. Choose us for your Hardened Ground Bearing Linear Shaft needs and experience the difference.
* Please note, sometimes on very large orders containing cutting/customisations, extra time is required to prepare and package, so despatch may take longer. If you require a specific despatch for a large order, please contact us before ordering. Please note the longest length we can ship for international orders is 2900mm.
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