Linear guides have preloaded bearings

Made by Agathon Machine Tools Inc., Bethel, Conn. (www.agathon.com), each element consists of a guide pillar, ball cage, and guide bushing, made from 52100 tool steel, hardened to HrC 62. The components, once assembled, run together under a preload to provide absolute alignment between mounting points. They can be run dry or lubricated for higher speeds, and handle operating temperatures up to 100°C. All components larger than 12 mm are laser etched for easy identification and replacement, and superfinished for an optimum surface finish.