A guide rail is a component in machines and systems that is used to control and limit the movement of a moving part in a specific direction. Guide rails usually consist of a long, linear rail or rails that are mounted on a base or on the structure of the machine and a movable carriage that slides over the rail.
The guide rail and carriage are usually designed to allow very precise movement in a specific direction to ensure accurate positioning and repeatability. Guide rails can be made of different materials, including aluminum, steel or plastic, depending on the requirements of the application.
There are different types of guide rails designed for different applications, including linear guide rails, profile guides, ball screws and sliding guides. Linear guides can be used for the movement of machine tools and robots, for example, while sliding guides can be used in applications where precision is not as important, such as sliding doors or drawers.
Choosing the right guide rail depends on various factors, such as the required precision, the load, the speed, the size and the type of movement to be performed.