A linear guideway is a system which helps with the movement and supporting of the load of a piece of equipment in a linear fashion, either vertically or horizontally. We have a high load, high precision, gothic arc profile linear guide system to DIN 645 interchangeable with other major competitors systems. Miniature versions of this system are also stocked in hardened stainless steel.
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 request a free Linear Motion Handbook here and utilise our free CAD to help you save time planning your projects.
Our most popular linear guideway systems with either flanged or un-flanged carriages (L1016.F or L1016.U). Width sizes 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 and 55mm. Lengths up to 4 metres and rear-fixing rails also stocked (L1016.RF). Ultra-low profile carriages also available (L1016.UL).
We also stock a wide range of hardened stainless steel linear guideways for applications in which space may be at a premium. Available in width sizes 5, 7, 9, 12, 15mm. Carriages (L1010.C) and clamps (L1010.CL) are also in stock.
Our anodised aluminium linear guideways offer a 60% weight reduction over standard steel or stainless steel. They contain hardened stainless steel raceways for added durability. 15, 20 and 25mm versions available. Compatible with standard carriages (e.g. L1016.F) or special aluminium carriages L1018.F and L1018.U.
Needle roller guideway systems are made from hardened and ground steel. They are suitable for heavy duty needle roller carriages L1017.U (unflanged) and L1017.F (flanged).
Blackened front fixing linear guideway, comes in 15mm, 20mm & 25mm lengths. Rear-fixing versions (L1016.BR) and matching blackened carriages (L1016.F-BC and L1016.U-BC) also available.
X-rails are highly cost-effective systems for linear motion. Shown here in zinc-plated steel (L1970) but also available in stainless steel (L1971) for added corrosion resistance. For more information, see our X-rail technical page or our catalogue. Excellent for applications such as drawers, protective screens, battery casings etc.
Manufactured from hardened ground carbon steel on anodised aluminium support rails. Stainless steel (AISI 440C) rail on request. For carriages, see L1755 (flanged) or L1752 (unflanged) - stainless steel carriages also available, see L1756 (flanged) or L1753 (unflanged).
Carriages for linear guideway shafts with supports. Available in many configurations.
Hardened steel linear shafts with h6 standard tolerance. Special tolerances by request. 5 - 60mm diameter.
Linear ball bushings for use with linear shafts. Open, closed or adjustable versions in stock. Superball variation with higher load rating and longer service life also available.
Stainless steel shafts for linear motion. Hardened, corrosion resistant stainless steel (440C).
Stainless steel body and balls (AISI 440C) with either a resin (POM) or stainless steel (AISI 316) retainer. Supplied with nitrile rubber end seals. Flanged and long versions available.
Curvilinear motion can be achieved with our curved guideways and carriers. Dimensions arranged by request. Can be produced in zinc-plated steel or stainless steel. Constant radius curved rails also available (L1978.CR).
Easy slide high-load guideways come in sizes 28, 35, 43 or 63. They are made from zinc-plated steel with induction-hardened steel raceways.
When used with the corresponding V rail, and rollers, these roller rails can provide linear motion and support heavy duty loads.
Linear tables (in steel or lightweight aluminium) provide linear motion for light/medium loads. Heavy-duty versions also available.
The following drawings illustrate some assembly examples for rail/carriage combinations corresponding to the structure of various machine frames.
The given radii and shoulder heights in the table must be observed when assembling rails and carriages on the stop edges to ensure perfect seating of carriages or guideways.
Size | SM | HR | HC | L1 |
15 | 0,6 | 3,1 | 5 | M4 x 16 |
20 | 0,9 | 4,3 | 6 | M5 x 20 |
25 | 1,1 | 5,6 | 7 | M6 x 25 |
30 | 1,4 | 6,8 | 8 | M8 x 30 |
35 | 1,4 | 7,3 | 9 | M8 x 30 |
45 | 1,6 | 8,7 | 11 | M12 x 40 |
55 | 1,6 | 11,8 | 12 | M14 x 45 |
Values in mm. HR* is the maximum height when using side seal on carriage.
The maximum permissible deviations of the rail surfaces for assembly are given in the following drawing and the table below.
Size | Permissible tolerance for parallelism P1 μ K1 K0 | P2 = L1 x (calculation factor)Calculator factor (x) P2 μ K1 K0 |
15 | 18 25 | 0,17 0,26 |
20 | 20 25 | 0,17 0,26 |
25 | 22 30 | 0,17 0,26 |
30 | 30 40 | 0,22 0,34 |
35 | 35 50 | 0,30 0,42 |
45 | 40 60 | 0,34 0,50 |
55 | 50 70 | 0,42 0,60 |
The bolt sizes to be used and optimum tightening torques for rail assembly are listed in the table below.
Bolt | Tightening torque Mt Nm Steel 10,9 | Tightening torque Mt Nm Steel 12,9 |
M4 | 4,4 | 5,1 |
M5 | 8,7 | 10 |
M6 | 15 | 18 |
M8 | 36 | 43 |
M12 | 125 | 145 |
M14 | 200 | 235 |
Fixing guide rails 1
Whet the assembly surface with a whetstone and also remove burrs, unevenness and dirt. Note: All linear guides are preserved with anti-corrosion oil at the factory. This protection must be removed before installation. In doing so, please ensure that the surfaces are coated with low-viscosity oil for the purpose of further protection against corrosion.
Fixing guide rails 2
Carefully lay the guide rail on the assembly surface and slightly tighten the fixing screws so that the guide rail lightly touches the assembly surface (align the guide rail along the shoulder edge of the assembly surface). Note: The fixing screws of the linear guide must be clean. Check if the fixing holes are located in the correct place when you insert the bolts. A forced tightening of a fixing screw in an off set hole can negatively aff ect accuracy.
Fixing guide rails 2 continued
Fixing guide rails 3
Tighten the thrust bolts on the guide rail until there is close contact on the side stop surface.
Fixing guide rails 4
Tighten the fixing screws with a torque wrench to the prescribed torque. Note: For a high degree of accuracy, the
fixing screws of the guide rail must be tightened in sequence outward from the centre.
Fixing guide rails 5
Assemble the other rails in the same manner to complete the installation of the guide rails.
Table assembly 1
Set the table carefully on the carriage and tighten the fixing screws only lightly.
Table assembly 2
Press the carriage on the main guide side with the thrust bolts against the shoulder edge of the table and position the table.
Table assembly 3
Tighten the fixing screws on the main side and the lateral side completely tight to finish the installation. Note: To attach the table uniformly, tighten the fixing screws diagonally (1, 2, 3, 4). This method saves time when straightening the guide rail and makes the manufacture of positioning pins unnecessary, which considerably reduces assembly time.
Guide rails longer than the one part maximum length are put together from two or more rails. When putting guide rails together, ensure the register marks are positioned correctly.
Manual rail clamps
Application
The manual rail clamps are used alongside the standard flanged or unflanged rail carriages. When selecting ensure:
a) the rail clamp suits the rail that you are using.
b) that the total assembly height of the rail clamp is the same as that of the rail carriage L1016.U or L1016.F.
Alexia House
Glenmore Business Park
Portfield Works
Chichester, PO19 7BJ (UK)
Telephone 0333 207 4498
or + 44 (0) 1483 266 774
Email sales@automotioncomponents.co.uk
Company registration no.2761902
Company VAT number GB 408154022
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