Opposing rotary partner

Normally, for a slide bearing, the shaft acts as the opposing rotary partner. When choosing the shaft it is important to consider the surface roughness, the thermal conductivity and the hardness.

The recommended surface roughness for a shaft, which is to run in a slide bearing, is a mean surface deviation of Ra = 0.2-1.6 µm and an average surface deviation, Rz = 1.25-8 µm. These values are only guidelines that can vary depending on the application. If a slide bearing is to be used in a measuring machine, with high requirements for precision, a fine tolerance is needed which requires a finer surface. We recommend that shafts with values higher than Rz = 4 µm are not used.

Drawn shafts have been used with good results, especially with axial movements.

In a bearing, where the surrounding temperature and friction are such that they generate high temperatures, a shaft with good thermal conductivity should be used.

The surface hardness of the shaft, where possible, should exceed 50 HRC.