Miniature Linear Guideways from Automotion
Miniature linear guides, like conventional linear guides, are a system which helps with the movement and supporting of a given load in a linear fashion, either vertically or horizontally. Our miniature linear rails are capable of handling heavy loads within a very small footprint - perfect in applications where space is at a premium. A very precise, rigid system with low friction, manufactured in hardened stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance and wear properties.
As specialists in linear motion systems, we offer you a choice of materials and sizes. So whether you need lightweight aluminium rails for use in aviation applications or stainless steel components for when exposure to water or corrosive chemicals is a factor, our knowledgable technical engineers are always on hand to provide assistance.
Make sure you download a free Linear Motion Handbook here and utilise our free CAD to help you save time planning your projects.
Miniature linear carriages. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body, with hardened stainless steel ball bearings. See L1010.CL for the corresponding rail clamp.
3mm standard width miniature linear rails. Corrosion resistant hardened stainless steel. Supplied with special low profile hex screws.
5mm standard width miniature linear rails. Corrosion resistant hardened stainless steel. Supplied with special low profile screws.
7mm standard width miniature linear rails. Corrosion resistant hardened stainless steel. Other lengths on request.
9mm standard width miniature linear rails. Corrosion resistant hardened stainless steel.
15mm standard width miniature linear rails. Corrosion resistant hardened stainless steel.
Miniature linear carriages, wide version. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body, with hardened stainless steel ball bearings.
10mm miniature linear rails, wide version. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body. Other rail sizes available on request.
14mm miniature linear rails, wide version. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body. Other rail sizes available on request.
18mm miniature linear rails, wide version. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body. Other rail sizes available on request.
24mm miniature linear rails, wide version. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body. Other rail sizes available on request.
42mm miniature linear rails, wide version. Corrosion resistant stainless steel body. Other rail sizes available on request
Associated Products
Manually-tightened clamp for miniature guide rails. Made from corrosion resistant hardened stainless steel (similar to AISI 440C).
General Guidance
Load capacities - explained
- A number of load figures are stated for load capacity:
Dynamic loads – this is the main figure considered for miniature linear guideways. It is the moving load that the system can bear. It takes account of the total moving load as well as considerations such as impact, vibration and fatigue.
Static loads – this is a load that is constant for an extended time (i.e. the dead load the system can bear before any movement). It can be in tension or compression.
For these miniature linear guideways the radial and axial load capacities are the same.
Moment loads are twisting loads generated by off set loads in either X, Y or Z planes. Moment loads can be reduced by adding further carriages or rails to reduce any twisting of the carriage due to the load off set.
Why is there a standard width and a wide version rail?
- The wider version system is generally used as a single rail system as it can accept higher loads and moment loads, whilst maintaining a very low height.
- The standard width rail can be used either as stand-alone rails or are more frequently used as a pair of rails in parallel.
Straightness of rails
- The measurements of the straightness of the system are taken from the running accuracy of the sliders over the length of the rails (given in microns) – see accuracy and preload page. For standard accuracy this equates to around 15μ for a 300mm length, increasing to 25μ for a 1 metre length.
What lengths can be provided?
- We have standard rail lengths. These are based on the hole pitch of the rails and end machining to provide an equidistant length to the fi rst and last hole centre.
- However we can cut the rail (from stock) to any length required – we just need to know the distance required for the first hole.
- In general our cutting procedures allow for a ±2mm accuracy on the overall rail length. If greater accuracy than this is required then we have to machine the end accurately (rather than cut it) and this involves extra time and cost.
- Standard maximum length for each rail size is around 1 metre. Rails can be joined together but the preparation needs to be made in our workshop. The rails will be marked clearly with the ends to be placed adjacent to each other.
Installation
- The miniature linear guideways are very accurate and as a result need to be installed on accurately prepared surfaces - please see installation instructions. If two rails are installed in parallel, they need to be precisely aligned - see assembly precision page.
Mounting the carriages to the rails
- In general the carriages will be supplied separately to the rails. The carriages are supplied mounted on plastic “dummy” blocks. To install the carriage onto the rails, offer the carriage (still on its dummy block) up to the rails and slide off the dummy block and onto the rail itself.
Do not simply remove the carriage from the dummy block, as some of the bearings might become displaced, rendering the carriage unusable.
The wide version is available in 7 different profile sizes, from 4mm to 42mm wide. The size 42 has dual fixing holes for a more secure installation.
The wide version is often used in single rail applications due to its increase load capacities, unlike the standard width, which is predominately used in pairs.
