What is a linear rail?

If you manufacture, pack and distribute things, if you need to move things through your manufacturing process with great precision and as little friction as possible the very best way to do that is using Linear Rails. Linear Rail are devices used widely used across the full range of industrial sectors.

A Linear Rail System is designed to support the movement and load of a piece of equipment in a linear way, either vertically or horizontally. A relatively simple piece of mechanical equipment designed to do a very simple job well, it lets you move things smoothly and safely through the manufacturing or packaging process.

The only real complexity lies in the different names used for Linear Rails: linear guide rails, linear guides, linear guideways, linear slides, and linear guidance systems. Whatever you prefer to call it, a Linear Rail efficiently moves loads along a determined horizontal or vertical path with a minimum of friction or resistance.

Linear guide rails are usually made from high-strength, hardened and galvanised Steel so they resist corrosion. Manufactured using a cold drawing process, the metal is shaped and profiled before adding a roller runner. As a rule profiled rail guides are the most suitable for high loads, also being designed to deliver a very precise linear motion. Rail guides come in every size from miniature Linear Rails designed for moving tiny components in limited spaces right up to mammoth examples for moving components that could weigh more than a tonne.

What are the common applications for a linear rail?

Because there’s such a wide variety of sizes, accuracy classes, and preloads available, Linear Rails are suitable in virtually any circumstance.

Linear rails tend to perform better than other guide devices thanks to their load capacity, displacement accuracy, and rigidity. For this reason Linear Rails form the basis of many varied industrial applications. Whenever you need a low-friction guide system with high rigidity for loads weighing anything from a few grams to a few tons, there will be a linear rail suitable for your unique performance requirements.

Their load capacity, travel accuracy, and rigidity are all better than other solutions. Whereas a round shaft guide only withstands downward or lift-off loads, for example, Liear Rail guides can withstand downward loads, lift-off loads and moment loads. Unlike crossed roller guides, which only travel a limited distance, they can deliver impressively long travel increased stiffness, rigidity, and long life also contribute to their popularity.

If you need a system that’s suited for applications that require high precision, high rigidity, and long life, a Linear Rail is the perfect solution.