A linear guide, also known as a linear guide system or linear guide unit, is a mechanical component used in various applications to enable and guide linear movement along a specific axis. It is often used in machines and systems where precise and low-friction linear motion is required.
A linear guideway usually consists of three main components:
1. guide rail: the guide rail is a straight bar or profiled rail that is fitted along the desired direction of movement. It has a precisely ground or rolled surface on which the moving element of the guide is supported.
2. carriage: The carriage is the moving element of the linear guideway. It is equipped with bearings that slide on the guide rail. The carriage can have a plain bearing or a roller bearing to ensure low-friction movement.
3. drive system: The drive system is responsible for moving the carriage along the guide rail. It can take various forms, such as an electric motor with toothed belt or ball screw drive, a pneumatic or hydraulic device or even manual operation.
The linear guide enables precise and low-friction linear movement along the axis of the guide rail. It offers high rigidity, good repeat accuracy and load capacity, while at the same time enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Linear guideways are used in a wide range of industries and applications, including machine tools, robotics, automation systems, measurement and testing technology, packaging machines, medical devices and many other areas where precise linear motion is required.
There are various types of linear guidance systems, including profiled rail guides, recirculating ball guides, recirculating roller guides, air bearing guides and many more. The selection of the appropriate linear guidance system depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as load, speed, precision and environmental conditions.