Re: Alternative shafts for linear bearings

Thank very much for all of the replies. Before the net I would have
spent a few weeks finding answers to my questions.

It appears that in the end that there are very few, if any, practical
alternatives to a properly ground shaft which meets the tolerances &
durability requirements for linear bearings.

I had not thought of the unsupported span I could use closed linear
bearings for so I guess if I can source the shafts at a resonable
cost (I'm in South Australia), I will be using them for the y & z
axis only.

I came across the site below for the plastic type bearings on
aluminium shafts which I guess are similiar to the "Frelon" bearings.

http://www.igus.com/drylin.htm

I always tend to think that things made out of plastic are cheaper but
I wouldnt be surprised if there cost was equivalent to metal bearings.

Thanks
Robert