WOOD DALE, IL – Thomson introduces Ultra Light Aluminum LinearRace® Shafting. 65% lighter than typical linear shafting, Ultra Light LinearRace Shafting delivers smoother and easier linear motion positioning, making it an attractive and cost effective shafting option in any number of plain bearing applications. This shafting is constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum with an HRC 70 hard anodized finish, and is available in Inch sizes ranging from 0.25 in. to 1.0 in. and in lengths up to 120 in. Metric sizes are available upon request, as are special machining options to satisfy unique application needs.

“Ultra Light LinearRace shafting is a lower cost, and in some cases better performing, alternative to standard steel shafting in a number of industries and applications. For example, the non-magnetic material is ideal for use in medical imaging applications, and corrosion resistant properties provide superior performance in washdown and submerged environments where steel shafting can corrode over time,” says Ryan Thomas, Product Specialist. “Certain applications such as form, fill and seal in the packaging industry have axes of motion with lower precision needs, where using aluminum shafting instead of standard steel shafting can significantly reduce material costs. This light weight shafting is also attractive in fitness applications, where it can simplify installation, as well as transportation and positioning by reducing overall equipment weight.”

Thomson Ultra Light Aluminum LinearRace Shafting can be combined with self-lubricating Thomson?FluoroNyliner® Bushing bearings to deliver high performance linear motion in applications with heavy loads, high contamination and corrosive environments. It can also be paired with new FDA and USDA-compliant Thomson Food Grade FluoroNyliner Bushing bearings for use in food processing, pharmaceutical and medical applications.

For more robust application requirements, Thomson also has available stainless or carbon steel 60 Case® Shafting. Genuine Thomson 60 Case Shafting is available in diameters up to 2 in. in full random lengths, or can be cut to specification with no extra cut charges. A complete range of special machining is available to satisfy specific application needs, with no setup fees. Genuine Thomson Ball Bushing® Bearings, in combination with 60 Case Shafting, last up to 50% longer than imitation bearings and shafting.

About Thomson
With more than 60 years of motion control innovation and quality, Thomson is the industry’s premier producer of Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings and Profile Rail Bearings, 60 Case® Shafting, ground and rolled Ball Screws, Linear Actuators, Gearheads, Clutches, Brakes, Linear Systems, and related accessories. Thomson invented the Linear Ball Bushing Bearing in 1945, and has set the standard ever since with an unsurpassed set of mechanical motion control solutions serving global commercial and aerospace & defense markets. Thomson Industries, Inc. has facilities in North America, Europe and Asia with over 2000 distributor locations around the world.