Linear Rail/Guide

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Linear rail/guide

Definition

A linear rail or guide is a critical component within the X-Axis Rails & Drive system of industrial machinery. It serves as the fixed track upon which a carriage or slide block moves, ensuring precise, rigid, and repeatable linear motion. It directly supports and guides the moving parts of the machine axis, bearing loads and maintaining alignment under operational forces. The rail provides a hardened, precision-ground running surface. A carriage or block, containing recirculating ball bearings or rollers, moves along this surface. The rolling elements circulate within the carriage, minimizing friction and allowing for smooth, high-speed, and high-precision linear travel. The system constrains motion to a single linear degree of freedom. This component is typically manufactured from high-carbon chromium bearing steel (e.g., GCr15/SUJ2) or stainless steel, offering hardness and wear resistance. Key parameters include rail width (15–65 mm), rail length (100–4000 mm), dynamic load rating (5–120 kN per ISO 14728-1), static load rating (10–250 kN per ISO 14728-1), accuracy grade (C1–C5 per ISO 14728-2), running parallelism (0.003–0.020 mm per ISO 14728-2), maximum speed (60–300 m/min), operating temperature (-40–85 °C), vibration amplitude (0.5–2.0 g per ISO 10816), lubrication type (grease or oil), seal protection class (IP54–IP65 per IEC 60529), rail material (GCr15–G20CrMo per GB/T 18254), and weight per meter (2.5–15 kg/m). These values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the manufacturer for the specific model and application. The linear rail is selected based on load, speed, precision, and environmental conditions. Proper installation, alignment, lubrication, and sealing are essential for performance and longevity. Regular inspection for wear, noise, or increased friction can indicate maintenance needs. Failure modes include brinelling, spalling, or loss of preload, which may require replacement. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The rail provides a hardened, precision-ground running surface. A carriage or block, containing recirculating ball bearings or rollers, moves along this surface. The rolling elements circulate within the carriage, minimizing friction and allowing for smooth, high-speed, and high-precision linear travel. The system constrains motion to a single linear degree of freedom.

Common Materials

High-carbon chromium bearing steel (e.g., GCr15/SUJ2), Stainless steel

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rail Width	15–65 mm	Determines load capacity and stiffness.
Rail Length	100–4000 mm	Custom lengths available; longer rails require more supports.
Dynamic Load Rating	5–120 kN	Higher values allow higher speeds and longer life.ISO 14728-1
Static Load Rating	10–250 kN	Maximum load without permanent deformation.ISO 14728-1
Accuracy Grade	C1–C5	C1 highest precision; C5 for general applications.ISO 14728-2
Running Parallelism	0.003–0.020 mm	Tighter tolerance for high-precision positioning.ISO 14728-2
Maximum Speed	60–300 m/min	Limited by lubrication and seal design.
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Outside range, lubricant and seals degrade.
Vibration Amplitude	0.5–2.0 g	Higher vibration reduces service life.ISO 10816
Lubrication Type	Grease–Oil	Grease for low maintenance; oil for high speed.
Rail Material	GCr15–G20CrMo	Alloy steel for hardness and wear resistance.GB/T 18254
Weight per Meter	2.5–15 kg/m	Affects system inertia and mounting requirements.

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
The fixed, precision-ground track that provides the running surface and mounting base.

Material: High-carbon chromium bearing steel
Carriage / Slide Block
The moving unit that travels along the rail. It houses the rolling elements and provides mounting points for the machine tool or load.

Material: High-carbon chromium bearing steel
Ball Bearings / Rollers Part
Recirculating rolling elements (balls or cylindrical rollers) that minimize friction between the carriage and the rail.

Material: High-carbon chromium bearing steel
End Seal / Wiper Part
Seals attached to the ends of the carriage to prevent contamination (dust, chips) from entering and retain lubrication.

Material: Synthetic rubber or polyurethane
Lubrication Fitting Part
A port (e.g., grease nipple) for introducing lubricant into the carriage's ball/roller circulation paths.

Material: Steel

Applied To / Applications

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

X-Axis Rails & Drive

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Linear rail/guide

Manufacturer profiles associated with Linear rail/guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical load capacity of a linear rail?

The dynamic load rating ranges from 5 to 120 kN, and the static load rating from 10 to 250 kN, per ISO 14728-1. These are reference values; the actual capacity depends on the specific model and application. Always verify with the manufacturer.

How do I select the accuracy grade for a linear rail?

Accuracy grades range from C1 (highest precision) to C5 (general applications), per ISO 14728-2. The choice depends on the required positioning accuracy and running parallelism. For high-precision positioning, tighter tolerances (e.g., C1) are recommended. Confirm the grade with the supplier.

What maintenance is required for a linear rail?

Regular lubrication is essential, using grease for low maintenance or oil for high-speed applications. Check seals for damage and ensure the operating temperature stays within -40 to 85 °C. Monitor for increased friction, noise, or vibration, which may indicate wear or contamination.

What environmental conditions can a linear rail withstand?

The seal protection class ranges from IP54 to IP65 per IEC 60529, suitable for dusty or wet environments. The operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C. For harsh conditions, higher IP ratings are recommended. Always verify the specific model's ratings with the manufacturer.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	N/A (load capacity instead): Static load 5-50 kN, dynamic load 2-25 kN depending on size
other spec:	Speed: up to 5 m/s, acceleration: up to 50 m/s², repeatability: ±0.01-0.05 mm
temperature:	-20°C to +80°C (standard), up to +150°C with special seals/lubrication

Product Specifications

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