White Paper: IVT vs Profile Rail

Historically, one of the more common linear guidance systems used has been bearing blocks containing re-circulating ball bearings running on profiled steel rails that are fastened to a structure. These types of systems, commonly called profile rail (PRT), were introduced decades ago and are common among suppliers in the market today. More recently, PBC Linear has introduced another type of linear guidance system called Integral-V™ Technology (IVT). In these systems, cam rollers with a v-profile run on steel raceways that are mechanically fixed into a structural aluminum component to form a unified rail component.

This white paper has two main goals. The first is to describe how precision of the two systems is achieved when they are manufactured and installed. This is demonstrated using grade accuracy, elastic deformation, and preload effects. The second is a cost comparison for a theoretical application. Cost factors include the design of the system, material costs, and labor costs during installation.

Both IVT and profile rail systems are precision products. While the potential accuracy of an IVT system is slightly less than a bearing block system, many applications can successfully use IVT systems at a fraction of the cost. Results: While the estimates were approximate, the bearing block and profile rail system were found to be 2.2 times higher in cost than an IVT system.

Read the entire White Paper: IVT vs Profile Rail