The Stepped Guide Sleeve is a high-precision mechanical component engineered for linear guidance, core alignment, and load distribution in molds, dies, and automated machinery. Featuring multi-diameter stepped outer profiles, it allows for secure shoulder positioning and seamless press-fit or slip-fit assembly. Built to withstand high repetitive friction and lateral loads, each sleeve is precision-machined, heat-treated, and ground to maintain strict concentricity across all functional steps.
Key Features
Multi-Step Concentricity: Machined in a single clamping setup where applicable to guarantee precise coaxial alignment between different outer diameter steps and the internal bore.
Shoulder Positioning: Integrated step shoulders prevent axial displacement under heavy working loads and continuous reciprocating motion.
Critical Machining Zones: Inner bores honed for low-friction linear sliding; outer diameters precision-ground for exact housing fits; transition fillets controlled to eliminate stress concentration.
Surface Hardening: Deep case-hardening or through-hardening options provide high surface wear resistance while retaining a tough, shock-absorbing core.
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
Specification Range |
|
Inner Diameter (ID) |
Ø 10 mm - Ø 120 mm (± 0.005 mm) |
|
Outer Diameter (OD) |
Ø 18 mm - Ø 160 mm (± 0.005 mm to ± 0.01 mm) |
|
Total Length |
Up to 300 mm |
|
Concentricity / Runout |
≤ 0.005 mm |
|
Surface Roughness |
Ra 0.2 μm - 0.8 μm |
|
Surface Hardness |
HRC 58 - 62 (after heat treatment) |
|
Thread / Oil Grooves |
Custom internal/external lubrication grooves, oil holes, or mounting threads per drawing |
Materials & Machining Processes
Material Selection
SUJ2 / GCr15: High-carbon chromium bearing steel; excellent wear resistance and high surface hardness after quenching.
40Cr / 42CrMo: Alloy structural steel; selected for components requiring high tensile strength and impact toughness.
1.2312 / P20+Ni: Pre-hardened mold steel; suitable for large plastic mold guide elements.
Bronze Alloys (CuSn12 / CuAl10Fe3): Used for non-lubricated or heavy-load sliding guides to prevent galling against steel shafts.
Machining Workflow
CNC Turning: Rough and semi-finish turning of bar stock or forgings on CNC lathes, leaving grinding allowance on critical diameters.
Heat Treatment: Controlled atmosphere vacuum quenching and tempering to achieve specified core and surface hardness depths.
CNC Cylindrical & Internal Grinding: High-precision grinding on OD steps and bores to attain tight ISO tolerance classes (e.g., m5, k6, H7).
Deburring & Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning to remove residual grinding slurry and metal particles.
Applications
Injection Molds
Core pin alignment, plate guiding, and mold base stability during high-pressure clamping.
Stamping Die Sets
Punch and die alignment pillars to prevent tool collision and edge chipping.
Automation Equipment
Linear guide bushings in high-speed pick-and-place mechanisms and pneumatic actuators.
Machine Tool Fixtures
Locating and guiding sleeves for specialized indexing and clamping jigs.
Customization & OEM Services
Build-to-Print: Production executed strictly according to customer-supplied STEP, IGES, or PDF technical drawings.
Dimensional Customization: Tailored step diameters, lengths, wall thicknesses, and custom oil groove layouts.
Material Certification: Material test reports (MTR) provided per EN 10204 3.1 upon request.
Prototype & Batch Production: Rapid prototyping available for validation testing; scalable capacity for medium-to-high volume production runs.
Quality Control & Inspection
Dimensional Verification: Measured using calibrated outside micrometers, bore gauges, and height masters.
Geometric Tolerance Inspection: Cylindrical runout, coaxiality, and perpendicularity verified via Mitutoyo Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and dial test indicators.
Hardness Testing: Rockwell hardness tests performed on every heat-treated lot.
Documentation: Inspection sheets and dimensional check-lists supplied with shipment batches.
Packaging & Shipping
Rust Prevention: Coated with anti-rust oil, wrapped in VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) paper, and sealed in individual polybags.
Impact Protection: Packed in partitioned corrugated cartons or custom dense foam trays to prevent edge chipping and surface scratching during transit.
Export Logistics: Shipped via air freight or sea freight in sturdy export-grade plywood crates with clear part labeling and barcode tracking.
FAQ
Q: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
A: No strict MOQ for standard configurations. For custom machined parts, MOQ starts at 5 pieces per item, negotiable for recurring blanket orders.
Q: What is the standard lead time?
A: Prototypes ship in 7 - 12 days. Production batches require 15 - 25 days depending on material availability and heat treatment schedules.
Q: What file formats are accepted for quotations?
A: STEP, IGES, DXF, DWG, and PDF blueprints containing tolerancing and surface finish callouts.
Q: Can you handle special surface coatings?
A: Yes. Treatments such as Black Oxide, Hard Chrome Plating, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, and Nitriding can be applied per specification.
Q: How do you ensure material traceability?
A: All raw materials are sourced from certified mills. Heat treatment furnace charts and material certificates are archived per production lot.
Q: What tolerance classes can you reliably achieve?
A: Outer and inner diameters can be held to ± 0.005 mm, with geometric runout controlled within 0.005 mm.
Request a Quote
To receive a prompt and accurate technical quotation, please provide the following details:
Technical Drawing: PDF or CAD file (STEP/IGES) showing all dimensions, tolerances, and surface roughness callouts.
Material Specification: Desired steel grade, alloy, or equivalent standard (e.g., SUJ2, 40Cr, 1.2312).
Heat Treatment Requirements: Target surface hardness (e.g., HRC 58-62) or case depth if applicable.
Quantity: Prototype quantity and estimated annual usage.
Surface Treatment: Any specific coatings, plating, or lubrication groove requirements.
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