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Hybrids and unique materials
We start from a proven standard product and upgrade it with better materials, coatings and careful engineering. The result lasts longer and performs more reliably in real-world conditions.
Almost any product, in almost any material
We look at the details others overlook. Every upgraded LINROX product starts from a proven standard and is then improved through material selection, precise engineering and ongoing testing.
We work with leading manufacturers to pick the best components and combine them into one product made for the specific application. Recent examples:
- Full SUS316L linear guideways that withstand the harshest environments
- Full AISI 440C linear guideways for demanding conditions
- PermaCoated solutions: lubrication- and maintenance-free, wash-down proof, chemically inert, low-friction, completely drip-free and FDA-approved
- Ball screws and linear guideways upgraded with Si3N4 ceramic balls
- Hard-chrome-coated rails that endure years of ammonia exposure
- Bearings with solid lubrication, lubricated for life and able to run in all kinds of contamination
- Electrolyte-safe components in linear guideways for areas exposed to battery acid
What makes the difference
- Higher quality and reliability than typical standard parts
- Design focused on practical use and easy maintenance
- Continuous work to refine and upgrade existing solutions
Ceramic balls
Our ceramic balls are made from premium silicon nitride (Si3N4) with the highest possible surface finish and roundness. Silicon nitride outperforms both other ceramics and standard steel balls, and the quality of the balls ultimately decides the performance and life of a bearing.
The CeramicSpeed balls we use have exceptional impact strength, smoothness and roundness and low brittleness.
15% harder
than other ceramic balls on the market, and more than twice as smooth.
400% smoother surface
Ceramic balls have a surface that is four times smoother than steel, which means less friction.
Up to 50% more RPM
so long-life bearings can be used in high-speed applications such as spindles and turbomachinery.
Why ceramic beats steel
Ceramic balls are better than steel in every measurable physical property. A harder ball means a smaller contact area with the raceway, which gives lower friction, higher speeds and less energy loss. The hard, very smooth surface also makes the balls far more durable.
Ceramic balls are much lighter than steel, which lowers the centrifugal load on the raceway. Wear drops and the bearing stays in good condition for longer. Their low friction coefficient also greatly reduces the need for lubrication.
AISI 440C and SUS316L stainless steel
When standard bearing steel is not enough, AISI 440C or SUS316L can be used instead.
AISI 440C can be hardened and carries very high loads. SUS316L is much softer and has only about 10–15% of that load capacity, but it is used in extremely harsh, contaminated environments and is chemically inert to many common solvents.
LINROX is a pioneer in making linear guideways from SUS316L steel.
| AISI 440CMartensitic stainless steel | SUS316LAustenitic stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Best at | Strength and wear resistance | Corrosion resistance and hygiene |
| Pros | Very high hardness and wear resistance. Polishable to a mirror finish. Excellent dimensional stability. Great for precision parts and high loads. | Outstanding corrosion resistance. Excellent weldability and formability. Low carbon content. Ideal for hygienic environments. |
| Cons | Limited corrosion resistance. Hard to machine and weld. Needs heat treatment. | Lower hardness and wear resistance. Not for high-load bearings. Can deform under pressure. |
| Typical use | Bearings, valve parts, precision tools | Food and pharma equipment, medical devices, marine parts |
| Surface | Mirror polished | Matte or brushed |
Surface coatings
The right coating protects a guideway against corrosion and wear without changing its precision. LINROX can also supply alkaline colouring and colour anodising on request.
Raydent is our most widely used anti-corrosion coating.
Black chrome
Electrolytic black chrome plating for cost-effective rust protection. Better corrosion resistance than martensitic stainless steel, a dark finish and less light reflection. It does not affect the precision of the guideway.
Industrial hard chrome
Surface hardness above 850 HV, with excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance comparable to martensitic stainless steel.
Raydent
Low-temperature fluoride chrome plating: black chrome combined with a special fluoride resin layer. For high corrosion resistance, and for cleanrooms where low dust generation is essential.
After any surface treatment, use a high safety factor when calculating the linear guide.
Continuous learning, proven performance
Every new concept is tested in our own laboratories, validated with our suppliers and then proven together with customers under real operating conditions.
That shared testing gives solid evidence that the solutions outperform standard components. By connecting design, field data and customer feedback, each product becomes not only new but measurably better where it matters: in the application.