Linear Guide/Rail

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Linear Guide/Rail

Definition

A linear guide or rail is a critical component within drive motor and actuator systems that enables precise, controlled linear movement of machine elements. It consists of a hardened steel rail and a carriage with recirculating ball bearings, allowing for high accuracy, rigidity, and load capacity in automation, CNC machinery, and industrial equipment. The rail is typically fixed to the machine base, while the carriage attaches to the moving part. As the carriage travels, the balls or rollers recirculate through precision-ground raceways, distributing load and minimizing friction. This design ensures smooth, repeatable motion with minimal wear, even under heavy loads or high speeds. Linear guides are available in various sizes and accuracy grades to suit different applications, from compact precision instruments to large-scale manufacturing systems. They are commonly used in linear actuators, pick-and-place machines, packaging equipment, and machine tool axes. Selection involves specifying rail width, length, load capacity, accuracy grade, preload, and environmental factors such as temperature and lubrication. Proper installation, alignment, and maintenance are essential to achieve optimal performance and longevity. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement.

Working Principle

The linear guide operates by using recirculating ball bearings or rollers that move along a precision-ground rail. The carriage attaches to the moving component, while the rail is fixed to the machine structure. As the carriage moves along the rail, the balls or rollers circulate through raceways, minimizing friction and providing smooth, accurate linear motion with high repeatability. The recirculation path allows continuous motion without the need for external return mechanisms. The contact angle and preload are designed to handle radial, upward, and lateral loads, ensuring rigidity and stability. Lubrication is essential to reduce wear and heat generation, and the guide's performance depends on proper lubrication and contamination control.

Common Materials

Hardened steel, Stainless steel, Aluminum alloy

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rail Width	15–65 mm	Standard series sizes
Rail Length	100–4000 mm	Custom lengths available
Dynamic Load Capacity	5–120 kN	Per blockISO 14728-1
Static Load Capacity	10–250 kN	Per blockISO 14728-1
Accuracy Grade	C1–C5	C1 highest precisionISO 14728-2
Running Parallelism	0.003–0.023 mm	Per 1000 mm lengthISO 14728-2
Preload	0.02–0.13 C	C: clearance, P0–P3
Maximum Speed	60–300 m/min	Depends on lubrication
Operating Temperature	-20–80 °C	Continuous operation
Lubrication	Grease or oil	Factory pre-lubricated
Mounting Hole Pitch	60–120 mm	Standard hole spacing
Rail Height	15–45 mm	Overall height

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 that provides the precision ground surface for linear motion

Material: Hardened steel
Carriage/Slider
Moving component that attaches to the machine element and contains the bearing system

Material: Hardened steel
Recirculating ball bearings Part
Rolling elements that circulate through raceways to minimize friction

Material: Chrome steel
End seals Part
Protect the bearing system from contamination and retain lubrication

Material: Synthetic rubber

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

speed:	Up to 5 m/s with proper lubrication, acceleration up to 50 m/s²
pressure:	Not applicable (mechanical component, not fluid pressure)
temperature:	-20°C to +80°C (standard), up to +150°C with special seals/lubrication
load capacity:	Dynamic load rating: 5-50 kN typical, static load rating: 10-100 kN typical

Media Compatibility

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

Unsuitable: High particulate/dust 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, debris, metal particles) leading to abrasive wear, inadequate lubrication, or misalignment causing uneven load distribution

Corrosion and pitting

Cause: Exposure to moisture, corrosive chemicals, or improper cleaning agents, combined with inadequate protective coatings or seals

Maintenance Indicators

Audible grinding, scraping, or clicking noises during movement
Visible metal shavings or discoloration around the rail, or noticeable vibration/stickiness in motion

Engineering Tips

Implement strict contamination control: use proper wipers, seals, and covers; maintain clean environment; and follow scheduled lubrication with manufacturer-recommended grease
Ensure precise alignment during installation and regular checks using laser alignment tools, and verify proper preload settings to prevent 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 10791-1:2015 (Test conditions for machining centres) ANSI/B11.19-2019 (Performance criteria for safeguarding) DIN 645-1:2002 (Linear motion rolling bearings)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Straightness: ≤0.02mm/1000mm
Parallelism between rails: ≤0.03mm

Quality Inspection

Dimensional accuracy verification using 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/Rail

12 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.

Zhejiang Pengyin Technology Development Co., LTD.

Haiyan, Zhejiang (per official site; manufacturing address to be verified), CN

The PEGH25/PEGW25 page offers rails and recirculating ball carriages for guiding actuators and machine tool axes; PYG on the same domain publishes R&D, production and a contact address in Zhejiang, China. Only this manufacturer was reviewed; accuracy, preload, interchangeable type and sub-model load ratings follow the formal documentation, and guide components are not a complete drive unit.