A linear bearing can only perform as well as the shaft it runs on. Surface hardness, diameter tolerance, straightness and case depth determine whether the rolling or sliding contact stays smooth over the working travel. For that reason the shaft should be specified as a motion component, not treated as generic bright bar.
The supplied outline lists GCr15 bearing steel (SUJ2) with hardness HRC60–62 and an effective hardened-layer depth of roughly 0.4–3.0 mm depending on diameter. Metric solid shafts are documented at 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60 mm. Inch shafts span 1/4 to 2 inches, while hollow SP12–SP60 shafts provide outer diameters from 12 to 60 mm with inner diameters roughly 6–48 mm.
Key Features
Technical Specifications
| Shaft Family | Documented Sizes | Tolerance / Hardness | Hardened Layer | Customization | Typical Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric solid | 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 mm | g6 / h6; HRC60–62 | Approx. 0.4–3.0 mm by size | Length / end machining by RFQ | LM, LME, KH and housed units |
| Inch solid | 6.35–50.8 mm (1/4–2 in) | Catalogue tolerance; HRC60–62 | Size dependent | Length / end machining by RFQ | LMBS and inch equipment |
| Hollow SP | SP12–SP60; ID about 6–48 mm, OD 12–60 mm | Precision OD, model dependent | Size dependent | Inner diameter and wall thickness can be specified | Weight-sensitive round-shaft axes |
Catalogue note: The outline gives typical g6 and h6 tolerance bands and notes that hollow-shaft wall thickness can be customised. Exact tolerance values change with diameter.
Typical Applications
Solid precision shafts are used with closed linear bearings, compact guide systems, measuring fixtures and machine slides. Hollow shafts can reduce moving mass or provide a passage for cables, air or other services when the wall section remains adequate for bending stiffness.
For long spans, a supported rail such as SBR may be more appropriate than simply increasing the unsupported shaft diameter. Deflection should be checked from the actual support spacing and carriage load.
Selection Guide
Select diameter from bearing compatibility and deflection, then choose g6 or h6 according to the bearing fit requirement. For a hollow shaft, specify both outside and inside diameter because stiffness is governed by the wall section, not outside diameter alone.
If the shaft needs threaded ends, flats, cross-holes or other machining, include those details before heat-treatment and finish requirements are finalised. Machining through a hardened surface after delivery can be difficult and may damage the running area.
Handling & Installation
Protect the polished running surface during transport and assembly. Clamps, vices and set screws should not mark the travel zone. Use soft jaws or clamp only on designated end sections.
Check alignment and cleanliness before sliding seals or bearings onto the shaft. A small burr at a machined end can cut a seal lip and introduce debris into the bearing on the first installation pass.
Related Products
FAQ
What material is specified?
What hardness is documented?
Which metric diameters are listed?
Can hollow shafts be customised?
Request a Quote
For a shaft RFQ, send outside diameter, required length, g6/h6 fit, solid or hollow construction and any end machining.
Send the model or shaft size, quantity, application, expected load and available drawing to sales@netherlandsdrive.com. Ever Power Netherlands Branch will use those inputs to confirm the appropriate catalogue configuration before quotation.