Linear Guide Rails | Precision Component for Linear Motion

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Linear guide / Rails

Definition

A linear guide is a precision mechanical component that provides smooth, low-friction linear motion along a fixed path. It is a critical component within vertical actuators, guiding and supporting the moving platform or carriage along a precise vertical axis. This ensures accurate positioning, minimal deflection, and high load capacity during linear motion. The guide consists of a rail and a carriage (sliding block) with rolling elements such as balls or rollers that circulate between them, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This enables smooth, precise, and low-resistance movement along the rail's hardened raceway. Linear guides are available in various sizes and configurations to suit different application requirements. Standard rail widths range from 15 to 65 mm, with lengths from 100 to 4000 mm (custom lengths up to 6000 mm). Dynamic load ratings range from 4.2 to 280 kN, and static load ratings from 5.4 to 340 kN, per ISO 14728-1. Accuracy grades from C0 to C5 (per ISO 14728-2) define running parallelism tolerances of 0.003 to 0.023 mm per 1000 mm length. Preload classes from Z0 to Z3 allow adjustment of rigidity. Operating temperatures range from -40°C to 85°C, with maximum speeds of 120 to 300 m/min depending on lubrication and accuracy. Materials include carbon chromium bearing steel (e.g., SUJ2), stainless steel (e.g., SUS440C), and aluminum alloy. For procurement, verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The linear guide operates on the principle of recirculating rolling elements. Balls or rollers are housed in the carriage and circulate through a return channel, allowing them to roll between the rail and the carriage. This converts sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing resistance and wear. The rail has a hardened raceway that provides a precise and durable path. The carriage is designed to distribute load evenly across the rolling elements, enabling high load capacity and rigidity. Preload can be applied to eliminate clearance and increase stiffness. The rolling elements recirculate continuously, allowing unlimited travel along the rail. This design ensures smooth, precise, and low-friction linear motion, essential for applications requiring accurate positioning and high repeatability.

Common Materials

Carbon chromium bearing steel (e.g., SUJ2), Stainless steel (e.g., SUS440C), Aluminum alloy

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rail Width	15–65 mm	Standard sizes: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45, 55, 65
Rail Length	100–4000 mm	Custom lengths available up to 6000 mm
Dynamic Load Rating	4.2–280 kN	Varies with size and carriage typeISO 14728-1
Static Load Rating	5.4–340 kN	Varies with size and carriage typeISO 14728-1
Accuracy Grade	C0–C5	C0 highest precision, C5 standardISO 14728-2
Running Parallelism	0.003–0.023 mm	Per 1000 mm length, depends on accuracy gradeISO 14728-2
Preload Class	Z0–Z3	Z0 no preload, Z3 heavy preload
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Continuous operation; higher for short periods
Maximum Speed	120–300 m/min	Depends on lubrication and accuracy grade
Lubrication	Grease or oil	Grease standard; oil for high speed
Material	GCr15, 55CrMo	Bearing steel; stainless optionalGB/T 18254
Rail Weight	1.5–15.5 kg/m	Approximate, varies with size

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

Rail Part
Fixed track with precision-ground raceways that guide the rolling elements

Material: Hardened steel
Carriage (Slider Block)
Moving component that houses the rolling elements and attaches to the load

Material: Hardened steel with seals
Rolling Elements Part
Balls or rollers that circulate to enable smooth linear motion

Material: Chrome steel or ceramic
End Seals Part
Protect the internal raceways from contamination and retain lubrication

Material: Synthetic rubber or polyurethane
Lubrication Port Part
Fitting for applying grease or oil to the rolling elements

Material: Brass or steel
Ball Return Channel
Loops the rolling elements back to the load zone, which is what gives unlimited travel.

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

speed:	Up to 5 m/s with proper lubrication, 2 m/s typical continuous operation
accuracy:	±0.01 mm/m to ±0.001 mm/m depending on precision grade
pressure:	Not applicable (mechanical component, not fluid handling)
temperature:	-20°C to 80°C (standard), up to 150°C with special seals/lubricants
load capacity:	Dynamic load rating: 5-50 kN depending on size, Static load rating: 10-100 kN

Media Compatibility

✓ Clean industrial environments ✓ Machine tool applications ✓ Automated assembly systems

Unsuitable: High particulate contamination environments without protective covers

Sizing Data Required

Maximum load (static and dynamic)
Required travel length and accuracy
Mounting configuration and space constraints

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Wear and scoring

Cause: Contamination ingress (dust, chips, debris) leading to abrasive wear, inadequate lubrication, or misalignment causing uneven load distribution and metal-to-metal contact.

Corrosion and pitting

Cause: Exposure to corrosive environments (moisture, chemicals), use of incompatible lubricants, or lack of protective coatings leading to surface degradation and loss of precision.

Maintenance Indicators

Audible grinding, scraping, or squeaking noises during movement indicating contamination or lubrication failure.
Visible scoring marks, rust spots, or uneven wear patterns on the rail surfaces or guide blocks.

Engineering Tips

Implement regular cleaning and lubrication schedules using manufacturer-recommended greases or oils, and install protective covers or seals to prevent contamination ingress.
Ensure precise alignment during installation using laser alignment tools, and periodically check preload and mounting bolt torque to maintain even load distribution and prevent edge loading.

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 10285-1:2011 (Linear motion rolling bearings) ANSI B5.48-1977 (Linear Motion Rolling Bearings) DIN 645-1:2009 (Linear ball bearings and shaft assemblies)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Flatness: 0.01mm per 100mm
Parallelism: 0.02mm per 100mm

Quality Inspection

Dimensional Accuracy Verification (CMM)
Hardness Testing (Rockwell C Scale)

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

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Linear guide / Rails

5 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

LinRail

Qingdao, Shandong, CN

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