Linear Rail Carriage (Slider/Block) – Component Specifications

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Carriage (Slider/Block)

Definition

The carriage, also known as a slider or block, is the moving element of a linear rail system. It houses ball bearings or rollers that travel within the rail's raceways, enabling smooth, precise linear motion with minimal friction and wear. The carriage typically includes mounting holes or surfaces for attaching loads, tools, or other equipment. In industrial machinery, carriages are used in applications requiring accurate positioning, such as CNC machines, automated assembly lines, and measurement equipment. The carriage's performance is characterized by parameters such as rail width (15–65 mm), carriage height (24–90 mm), and carriage length (50–200 mm), which affect the mounting envelope and load capacity. Dynamic load ratings (5–120 kN) and static load ratings (10–250 kN) are specified according to ISO 14728-1 and ISO 14728-2, respectively, and determine service life and maximum load without permanent deformation. Accuracy grades (C1–C5) per ISO 10242 indicate precision levels, with C1 being the highest. Preload classes (Z0–Z3) adjust rigidity and play, with Z0 representing no preload and Z3 high preload. Maximum speed (3–10 m/s) and acceleration (50–150 m/s²) are limited by lubrication and seal design. Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C, outside which lubrication may be affected. Materials on file include carbon steel and stainless steel, with bearing steel GCr15 (per GB/T 18254) commonly used for rails and carriages. Weight varies from 0.5 to 15 kg depending on size and configuration. These values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the manufacturer for the specific model and application.

Working Principle

The carriage operates by containing recirculating ball bearings or rollers. As the carriage moves along the rail, these elements roll within precision-machined raceways, reducing sliding friction to rolling friction. This allows for high precision, high speed, and high load capacity with minimal resistance and wear. The recirculation mechanism ensures continuous rolling contact, distributing load evenly and enabling smooth motion even under varying loads. Proper lubrication and sealing are essential to maintain performance and prevent contamination. The choice of preload affects rigidity and backlash, influencing the system's dynamic behavior.

Common Materials

Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rail Width	15–65 mm	Matches rail profile size
Carriage Height	24–90 mm	Affects mounting envelope
Carriage Length	50–200 mm	Longer carriages carry higher loads
Dynamic Load Rating	5–120 kN	Determines service lifeISO 14728-1
Static Load Rating	10–250 kN	Maximum load without permanent deformationISO 14728-2
Accuracy Grade	C1–C5	C1 highest precision, C5 standardISO 10242
Max Speed	3–10 m/s	Limited by lubrication and seal
Max Acceleration	50–150 m/s²	Higher acceleration requires preload
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Outside range may affect lubrication
Preload Class	Z0–Z3	Z0 no preload, Z3 high preload
Material	GCr15	Bearing steel for rails and carriagesGB/T 18254
Weight	0.5–15 kg	Depends on size and configuration

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Carriage Body
The main structural housing that contains the bearing elements and provides mounting interfaces.

Material: Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel
Ball Bearings / Rollers Part
Recirculating elements that provide the rolling contact between the carriage and the rail, enabling smooth motion.

Material: Chrome Steel or Ceramic
End Seals / Wipers Part
Protect the internal bearing elements from dust, chips, and other contaminants.

Material: Synthetic Rubber or Polyurethane
Lubrication Fitting Part
A port for applying grease or oil to lubricate the internal bearing elements.

Material: Steel or Brass
Ball Recirculation Mechanism
The return channel that loops the balls back to the load zone so travel never runs out.

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

pressure:	Max 50 MPa static load capacity, dynamic loads dependent on speed and acceleration
other spec:	Max velocity: 5 m/s, acceleration: 50 m/s², life expectancy: 10,000 km travel distance under rated load
temperature:	-40°C to +120°C (standard), up to +200°C with special seals/lubrication

Media Compatibility

✓ Clean room environments ✓ Machine tool applications ✓ Packaging machinery

Unsuitable: High particulate contamination environments without protective seals

Sizing Data Required

Load capacity (static/dynamic)
Required travel speed and acceleration
Mounting configuration and space constraints

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Wear and scoring

Cause: Insufficient lubrication leading to metal-to-metal contact, contamination ingress (dust, debris), or misalignment causing uneven load distribution

Corrosion and pitting

Cause: Exposure to moisture, corrosive chemicals, or improper material selection for the operating environment, leading to surface degradation and reduced structural integrity

Maintenance Indicators

Audible grinding or squeaking noises during operation
Visible scoring marks, discoloration, or excessive play/wobble in the carriage movement

Engineering Tips

Implement a strict lubrication schedule with appropriate grease/oil compatible with operating conditions and contaminants
Install protective seals or wipers to prevent contamination ingress and ensure proper alignment during installation to avoid uneven wear

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards

ISO 286-2:2010 (Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - ISO code system for tolerances on linear sizes) ANSI/ASME B4.1-1967 (R2009) (Preferred Limits and Fits for Cylindrical Parts)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Bore diameter tolerance: +/-0.01mm (H7/g6 fit)
Flatness tolerance: 0.05mm per 100mm length

Quality Inspection

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) dimensional verification
Surface roughness measurement (Ra ≤ 0.8μm)

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

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Inspection readiness

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Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Carriage (Slider/Block)

Manufacturer profiles associated with Carriage (Slider/Block).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dynamic and static load ratings?

Dynamic load rating (per ISO 14728-1) indicates the load that provides a rated service life under repeated motion. Static load rating (per ISO 14728-2) is the maximum load without permanent deformation. Both are reference values; confirm for your application.

How do accuracy grades affect carriage selection?

Accuracy grades (C1–C5) per ISO 10242 define the precision of the carriage's movement. C1 is the highest precision, while C5 is standard. Choose based on the required positioning accuracy of your machinery.

What is the role of preload in a carriage?

Preload (classes Z0–Z3) adjusts the internal clearance between rolling elements and raceways. Higher preload increases rigidity and reduces play but may increase friction and wear. Select based on load and stiffness requirements.

Can the carriage operate in high-temperature environments?

The operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C. Outside this range, lubrication may degrade, affecting performance. For extreme temperatures, consult the manufacturer for suitable lubricants and seals.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Linear Rail

View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems

Downstream Applications

Specialized Tooling

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 12 October 2026

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