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PBH Linear Guide FAQ

Everything you need to know — replacement, selection, installation & troubleshooting

01
Replacement & Interchangeability

PBH guides are fully interchangeable with Hiwin within matching series and size — blocks and rails can be cross-used directly.

PBH PGH..CA Hiwin HGH..CA
PBH PGW..CC Hiwin HGW..CC
For other brands (THK, Bosch Rexroth, IKO, NSK, PMI, ABBA, SBC) — replace rail and block together as a matched PBH set.

To identify your replacement: share brand, part number, rail width, hole pitch, block width, hole distance, assembled height, and photos.

02
Choose Your Block Type
PGH..CA
Square Block
Blind tapped holes
Compact footprint
Standard mounting
PGW..CC
Flange Block
Through holes
Wider flange
Easier installation
Load ratings are similar in the same size — choose based on mounting preference, not load capacity.
Normal (N) Precision
Accuracy up to 0.01 mm
03
Load Ratings by Size
SIZE BLOCK RAIL C (kN) C₀ (kN)
15 PGH15CA PBR15 11.4 25.3
20 PGH20CA PBR20 17.75 37.85
25 PGH25CA PBR25 26.5 59.2
30 PGH30CA PBR30 38.7 83.0

C = dynamic load (moving)  |  C₀ = static load (stationary / shock)

04
Selection Example — step by step

Application: 50 kg horizontal load, 2 rails, 2 blocks per rail, load centrally placed.

1

Convert to Newtons

50 kg × 9.8 = 490 N

2

Distribute load

490 N ÷ 4 blocks = 122.5 N = 0.12 kN per block

3

Check Size 15

C = 11.4 kN ÷ 0.12 = 93x safety factor

4

Choose block type

PGH15CA or PGW15CC — based on mounting

Size 15 confirmed suitable with 93x safety margin. At this load, the choice between PGH and PGW is purely about mounting design.
05
Mounting Essentials

Do

Best practices for installation

  • • Clean, flat, machined surface
  • • Tighten bolts evenly in sequence
  • • Mount reference rail first
  • • Check parallelism at both ends
  • • Lubricate before first run

Don't

Common mistakes to avoid

  • • Force, hammer, or bend the rail
  • • Mount on dirty / uneven surfaces
  • • Run without lubrication
  • • Remove block carelessly from rail
  • • Expose to chips, coolant, sparks
A poorly prepared surface is the #1 cause of guide problems. Always check with a straight edge before installation.
06
Lubrication & Rail Length

Lubrication Schedule

Grease lubrication is standard. As a baseline:

100 km
of travel
OR
3 months
whichever comes first

Shorten interval in dusty, high-speed, or high-duty environments.

Maximum Rail Length

Single piece: 4 metres. For longer travel, use a butt joint (jointed rail) arrangement.

Don't stop block at joint under load Check joint alignment periodically
07
Troubleshooting — quick reference
Guide running rough or heavy
Check: Parallelism → mounting surface → lubrication → contamination → bolt tightness
Unusual noise (clicking, grinding, squeaking)
Check: Lubrication → contamination inside block → ball or raceway damage
Rust on rail or block
Fix: Clean, relubricate, run through full stroke. Prevent: regular lubrication + moisture protection
Block feels loose on rail
Note: Some play under no load is normal for N precision. If play under load → contact PBH
Poor motion after new installation
Test: Remove from machine → clean → grease → test by hand. Smooth off machine = mounting issue
08
Why PBH Linear Guides
4-ROW

Even Load Design

Equal capacity in all 4 directions — radial, reverse, lateral.

GCr15

Chrome Steel

Case hardened HRC 58–62 for maximum wear resistance.

SELF-ALIGN

Error Compensation

Absorbs minor installation misalignment automatically.

COMPATIBLE

Hiwin Drop-In

PGH↔HGH, PGW↔HGW. Test on your existing rail.

Applications: Automation, Industrial robots, CNC, 3D printers, Packaging, Medical devices, Textile & Printing machinery
+91 99736 03355
ss@pbh.in
www.pbh.in
Precision Bearing House®