How are linear guides generally selected?

1- Determine rail width

Rail width refers to the width of the slide rail. Rail width is one of the key factors determining its load size. Some brands can only produce up to 45 specifications, while some small manufacturers may only produce up to 30. There are also futures products such as 85 and 120, but most manufacturers do not produce them.

2- Determine the track length

This length is the total length of the track, not the stroke. Full length=effective stroke+slider spacing (2 or more sliders)+slider length × The number of sliders+the safety stroke at both ends. If protective covers are added, the compression length of the protective covers at both ends needs to be added. It should be noted that it is important to inquire in advance about the maximum length of the entire guide rail of this specification for the brand. If it exceeds this length, it is necessary to connect and use it. Most manufacturers have a maximum length of 4000 (usually 1000 for micro rails) and some have a maximum length of 3000, depending on the manufacturer's processing equipment. It is best to provide interface drawings when docking is required and the user wants to process installation holes on the machine in advance. Another point to pay special attention to is that the spacing between the installation holes on the guide rail is fixed. Users should pay attention to the position when determining the rail length, such as a 15 rail with a length of 600. If the supplier is not informed of the required end size, the general delivery status is 10 installation holes. The distance from the two ends of the guide rail to the center of the nearest installation hole is 30 or 30, but it may also be other sizes. There are slight differences in the shipping regulations for end sizes among different brands, with most assuming that the two ends are equal. Another point is that the length error of the guide rail is generally ± 1-2mm for brands below 2000, and ± 2-3mm for brands between 2000 and 4000. If the user requires more accuracy, it is best to indicate the error value or provide drawings in the order contract. In this case, the supplier may charge additional processing fees.

3- Determine the type and quantity of sliders

The commonly used sliders are two types: flange type and square type. The former is slightly lower in height but wider in width, and the installation hole runs through the threaded hole. The latter is slightly higher and narrower, and the installation hole is a threaded blind hole. Both types are divided into short, standard, and extended types (some brands also refer to them as medium load, heavy load, and overweight load). The main difference is that the length of the slider body (metal part) is different, and the spacing between installation holes may also be different. Most short type sliders only have 2 installation holes. The number of sliders should be determined by the user through calculation, and only one recommendation is recommended here: from being able to carry and from being able to install. The type and quantity of sliders and the width of the slide rails constitute the three elements of load size.