Mechanical Engineering

Possible dimensions

Overview of dimensions and materials

The following overview shows the available product types, materials and typical dimensional ranges. Detailed information about our manufacturing capabilities, feasible dimensions, tolerances and customized designs can be found on our precision manufacturing page.

Go to precision manufacturing →

Product type	Pillars	Bushes	Cages	Rolling elements	Accessories
Material	1.3505 / 1.7131 / 1.4112, Alternatives by agreement	1.3505 / 1.4112, Alternatives by agreement	Aluminium / brass / POM / PEEK / stainless steel	1.3505 / 1.4125, Ceramic by agreement	By agreement
Dimensions	Guide diameters 3–150 mm, lengths up to 1000 mm (applies to pillars, bushes and cages)			ø1–ø6 mm 3x4 / 4x4 / 6x8 mm
Other				Balls / Agathon roller / profiled roller	Seals, assembly and fastening materials

EU DIN:

Description:

1.3505 (100Cr6)

Bearing steel

1.7131 (16MnCr5)

Case-hardening steel / tool steel

3.1645 (AlCuMgPb)

Aluminium

2.0401 (CuZn39Pb3)

Brass

1.4112 (X90CrMoV18)

Stainless martensitic steel (bushes, pillars)

1.4125 (X105CrMo17)

Stainless martensitic steel (balls)

1.4307 (X2CrNi18-9)

Austenitic stainless steel (cages)

Alternative materials are available; the most common ones are listed here.

Technical documentation

Documents & downloads

From the initial idea to the finished design: Our documents provide detailed information about our pillar guide technology and customization options.

Main catalogue

Download selected chapters directly

Two chapters of our main catalogue are available separately for mechanical engineering: Chapter 2 „Guide and centering elements – Fundamentals“ and Chapter 6 „Guide elements – customized“. The complete main catalogue can be found in the general download area.

Download Chapter 2 ↓ Download Chapter 6 ↓

Brochure

Consolidated expertise for your application

The mechanical engineering brochure provides a concise overview of how our solutions support you in mechanical engineering.

Download brochure ↓

Customization

Hybrid cages for individual requirements

Hybrid cages enable the targeted combination of different materials and properties within a customized cage design. Find out more about the possibilities offered by this individual solution.

Download PDF ↓

Could not find what you are looking for?

In our FAQ section you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If your question remains unanswered, you can contact us directly. Our team will be happy to help you find the right solution.

TECHNOLOGIE

Entdecken Sie die Vorteile der Säulenführungstechnologie

Unsere Säulenführungstechnologie ist dann zur Stelle, wenn klassische Führungstechnolgien, wie Linearführungen, Kugellager, Gleitlager, Rollenlager, usw. an ihre Grenzen stossen. Wir eröffnen Lösungsräume: Hohe Steifigkeit und Tragfähigkeit, Präzision im μm Bereich, kompakte reduzierte Bauweise.

Kompakt

Unsere Systeme haben einen geringen Platzbedarf

Präzise

Wiederholgenauigkeit im Sub-μm-Bereich

Individualisierbar

Individuell anpassbar auf Ihre Anforderungen

S.I.C.E

Einfachheit gewinnt

Hohe Systemkomplexität wird oft zum Schwachpunkt. Im High-End-Maschinenbau zählen einfache, robuste Lösungen: weniger Bauteile, weniger Schnittstellen, höhere Zuverlässigkeit.

Einfachheit ist konstruktive Stärke.

AUSWAHL

Die richtige Technologie macht den Unterschied

Jede Führungstechnologie hat ihre Berechtigung. Entscheidend ist die passende Auswahl für Ihre Anwendung: Steifigkeit, Einbausituation und Laufverhalten müssen ganzheitlich abgestimmt werden.

Höhere Performance, längere Lebensdauer, bessere Wirtschaftlichkeit.

INNOVATION

Lösungen, wenn andere an Grenzen stossen

Wenn klassische Systeme an ihre Grenzen kommen, eröffnet Agathon neue Lösungsräume mit Säulenführungstechnologie: hohe Steifigkeit und Tragfähigkeit, Präzision im μm-Bereich, kompakte, reduzierte Bauweise.

Einfachere Systeme. Höhere Leistung.

Additional technical information on column guidance technology

In the catalog, you’ll find additional technical information on column guides as well as our standard product line. We’d be happy to advise you personally on any specific questions regarding your application.

Chapter 2 for …
Chapter 6 for …
Mechanical Engineering Brochure

Download the catalog – Mechanical Engineering Downloads

Customization Options for Our Column Guide Technology

Product Type	Pillars	Sockets	Cages	Rolling elements	Accessories
Materials	1.3505 / 1.4112, alternatives available upon request	1.3505 / 1.4112, alternatives upon request	Aluminum / Brass, POM / PEEK, Stainless Steel	1.3505 / 1.4125, Ceramic upon request
Dimensions / Additional Information	See Contract Manufacturing …			Ball, Agathon roller, profile roller · Hybrid cages	Seals, mounting hardware, retaining rings

Our Services

Comprehensive Concepts
Designs
Design
Calculations
Plug-and-Play Solutions, including Cleaning, Lubrication, and Assembly
Protocols
Packaging
Assembly
Training
Combined experience across more than 50 industries

Learn more about contract manufacturing as precision manufacturing and a complementary service for our customers

A Cross-Section of Our Customers' Needs

Precision & Process Reliability

Positioning and repeatability accuracy, and stable processes
Cleanroom compatibility, validatable processes, and low-vibration motion

Modularity & Scalability

Modular expandability through defined interfaces
Scalable solutions from prototype to series production
Application-specific customization with maximum standardization

Integration & Efficiency

Plug-and-Play
Seamless integration into existing systems, backward compatibility
Optimization of cycle times and maintenance

Quality & Traceability

Protocols as agreed
Traceability & custom labeling, including for OEMs

Hygiene & Lifecycle

Easy-to-clean design
Spare Parts and Lifecycle Concepts for Long-Term Operational Reliability
Forecasting, delivery concepts

We’re happy to tackle the new challenges that are standard in your industry—put us to the test!

From the Basic Concept to the Specific Application

From the initial consultation to the final system configuration.

A holistic approach to solutions.

When it comes to the development and manufacture of sophisticated custom guide systems, we see ourselves as a reliable partner on equal footing. We support you in the development of new and the optimization of existing guide concepts—whether as an extension of your production line or as a premium manufacturer of high-performance, durable solutions.

Our goal is to work with you to implement the technically and economically optimal solution. In doing so, we consistently follow the S.I.C.E. (Simple Is Complicated Enough) principle and take a holistic view of TCO (Total Costof Ownership).

Benefit from our experience, methodological expertise, and the dedication of our experts—for solutions that create sustainable added value.

Anforderungen verstehen

In einem gemeinsamen Gespräch hören wir zu und verstehen Ihre Aufgabenstellung, Ziele und Rahmenbedingungen.

System analysieren

Wir analysieren Ihr System und identifizieren relevante Einflüsse und Wechselwirkungen.

Komponenten auslegen

Wir legen das optimale Führungssystem aus – abgestimmt auf Ihre Anforderungen.

Lösung validieren

Wir validieren die Lösung in Tests und begleiten die Umsetzung bis zur Serienreife.

Continuously supporting you during the next system innovation cycles

Certifications (ISO)

ISO DIN 9001
ISO DIN 14001
ISO DIN 45001

Download our certificates here .

3D Measuring Machines

Zeiss “PRISMO Navigator S-ACC”

Measuring range: X = 900 mm, Y = 1200 mm, Z = 650 mm
Measurement accuracy: 0.9 µm + L/350
Maximum workpiece weight: 2,000 kg
Ideal room temperature: 19–21 °C
Annual calibration (by OEM)

Taylor Hobson “Talyrond 385”

Measuring range: Ø = 260 mm / Maximum height = 500 mm
Measurement accuracy: ± 0.01 µm (roundness) / 0.5 µm (contour)
Maximum workpiece weight: 50 kg
Ideal room temperature: 19–21 °C
Annual calibration (by OEM)

1. What are the traditional guide and bearing systems used in mechanical engineering?

Common guide systems and bearing solutions include:

Linear guides with guide rails and carriages (for linear motion)
Ball and roller bearings (for purely rotational motion)
Slide guides such as slide bushings and slide plates

Modern, integrated guidance systems combine multiple functions and reduce the number of interfaces and components—for greater efficiency and reliability.

2. What is the difference between ball screws and guide systems?

A ball screw converts rotational motion into linear motion and is therefore classified as a drive element.

A guide system, on the other hand, stabilizes and guides movements with precision. It absorbs forces without actively converting them.

👉 The difference:

Screw = Generates motion
Guide system = precisely guides and stabilizes motion

3. How does the guide system affect the precision and service life of my machine?

Choosing the right guidance system is crucial for:

Precision in the micrometer range
Stability and vibration behavior
Service life and maintenance requirements

An optimally designed system reduces wear, improves process stability, and enhances the machine’s overall performance.

4. What factors are crucial when designing a management system?

The optimal design depends on the application. Important factors include:

Stiffness and load
Installation space and interfaces
Operating characteristics and accuracy
Process conditions

👉 The right solution is determined through structured analysis and engineering expertise.

5. How can changeover times and process stability be improved?

A well-thought-out management concept reduces complexity and increases stability. Key levers include:

Reducing interfaces
Integration of functions (e.g., sealing, fastening)
Appropriate guide or centering concept

👉 Result: shorter changeover times and more stable processes.

6. How do I find the right solution for my application?

The right solution is created by combining:

Requirements analysis (precision, load, installation space)
Experience from real-world applications
System-level engineering

👉 The goal is a control system that functions within the overall system—not just as a single component.

7. How exactly does Agathon analyze my application?

Agathon follows a structured engineering approach:

Analysis of system requirements (precision, loads, installation space)
Evaluation of suitable guide concepts
Iterative optimization in collaboration with the customer (e.g., in CAD)

👉 Result: a field-proven, reliable system solution with high performance.

8. What alternative management systems are there?

In addition to traditional solutions, there are other technologies:

Ball bushings
Ball screws
Magnetic bearings
Hydrodynamic bearing systems

👉 The choice depends heavily on the application and requirements.

We support systems that must operate reliably