Thomson Linear Motion Optmized
RoundRail Shafting
Thomson RoundRail shafting is manufactured to the highest quality standards in an ISO 9001:2015 registered facility to provide industry leading surface finish, roundness, straightness and cylindricity. Thomson offers the widest selection of linear shafting in the industry to ensure optimal performance, minimal maintenance and long life.
Standard RoundRail Shafting
Custom RoundRail Shafting Options
A vital component for many linear motion systems, roundrail shafting provides a smooth and low drag platform, and is ideal for applications where standard precision is acceptable or lower component costs are critical.
Why Thomson RoundRail Shafting?
With more than 70 years’ experience as one of few suppliers that produces its own precision bearing shafts, Thomson provides best-in-class case hardness and depth, surface finish, roundness, straightness and cylindricity. And when used with Thomson Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings, travel life and load capacity are significantly increased compared to conventional models.
Learn more about Thomson Linear Ball Bushing Bearings
Customization Options
When your linear motion projects require shafting that doesn’t fit within our standard offering, Thomson skilled machinists can perform a wide variety of special machining operations on the ends or along the length of the 60 Case® shaft to provide the exact part needed for your application. Examples of our customization capabilities include drilling and/or tapping, special tolerances, milling, turning, extended lengths, special coatings/finishes and many more.
Where Can You Get Started?
Thomson provides extensive online resources to help you no matter where you may be in the roundrail shafting purchase decision process:
VIDEO: Shaft Selection Considerations for Your Next Linear Motion System
Maximize the performance and life of your linear motion systems by knowledgeably choosing the optimal shafting. All it takes is becoming familiar with a few key considerations.
VIDEO: Instant 3D Quote Tool – Immediate Pricing and Lead Times on 60 Case Shafting
Don't wait so long for a customized shafting quote. Simply upload your 3D model and get instant pricing and lead time on custom 60 Case LinearRace shafting.
VIDEO: Tech Tips: Mounting Options for Round Shafting
Properly mounting round shafting is required for it to be used as a linear guide. Watch this video to learn about the most common shaft mounting methods.
VIDEO: Round vs Square - Linear Guide Rail Basics
What is the difference between round rail and square rail? How do you know which one is more appropriate for a given application? How do you size them? Learn the basics of linear guide technology and how to size them for your next application. Plus - get a guided tour through the new online Linear Guide Component Tool.
VIDEO: Linear Bearings and Guides – Design Applications
In this webinar, you will learn: Linear Bearing Types, Typical Applications, Design Considerations, Application Requirements, Optional Features, and Design Calculations.
Technical Articles
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Round or Square? Which is the Ideal Linear Guide for Your Application
Advancements in load capacity, life and ease of manufacture allowed an ever-widening range of applications to benefit from nearly friction free linear guidance. Since the introduction of the square, or profile rail, linear guide in the 1970s, the design engineer has been faced with the pivotal question: round or square?
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Picking the Right Linear Rails for Your Application
How to choose between the main types of linear technologies, and how to design automation systems that deliver optimal performance using design requirements, rather than cost, as the primary consideration in selecting linear components.
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Selecting and Applying Rolling Element Linear Bearings and Guides
Specifying the right bearing for a given application is necessary to save time and excessive costs. Understanding the tradeoffs of each bearing type is important to accurately size and select the right bearing for your application. This article will provide an overview of the major types of linear bearings and guides, explain how to specify them for specific applications and describe how to trouble-shoot common application problems.
LinearRace Shafting 2D/3D Interactive Models
| 60 Case Shafting | |||
| 60 Case Shafting Support Blocks | |||
| T-Case Shafting |
