Why Use Linear Guideways?
Friday, May 14, 2021 3:17:22 PM America/New_York
Industrial applications typically move something from point A to point B. Accuracy and efficiency are extremely important. Linear rails are assemblies that have twin parallel tracks containing load-supporting balls or rollers. These rail systems provide low-friction guidance (the coefficient of friction on a linear guideway is only 1/50 compared to a traditional slide) and high stiffness for loads that can range from just a few grams to thousands of kilograms. Their variety of sizes, accuracy classes, preloads make linear rails suitable for virtually any performance requirement.
The reasons for using linear rails are numerous, but their most obvious benefits over other types of guides are load capacity, travel accuracy, and rigidity. For example, round shaft guides can withstand only downward/liftoff loads and movement loads. And unlike crossed roller guides, for which travel is often limited to 1 meter or less, linear rails can provide very long travel lengths. When compared to plain bearing guides, linear rails have higher stiffness and rigidity, and often have better load/life characteristics.
Linear rails have load-supporting balls (or rollers) on each side of the rail. Because of this, they can withstand overhung loads, even when just a single rail is used (round shaft linear guides must be used in pairs when overhung loads are present). This capability allows many applications to us a single linear rail to save space or prevent issues with misalignment among other components in the system.
How do they work?
There are two parts to the linear guide system: The linear block and the linear rail. The linear block moves along the linear rail along the plane the rail is position for. The block moves forward and backward along the straight linear rail. The components requiring motion are mounted to the block and the motion is created along the rail through recirculating ball bearings within the block that contact the rail.
Advantages and Features of Linear Guideways
- High positional accuracy
- Long life with high motion accuracy
- High speed motion is possible with a low driving force
- Equal loading capacity in all directions
- Easy installation
- Easy lubrication
- Interchangeability
Scott Equipment Company
Scott Equipment Company stocks HIWIN HG and EG linear guideway in multiple sizes. We have multiple sizes of the HG and EG linear rail ready for custom cutting and delivery. This means Scott Equipment Company can quickly cut the guideway to any lengths our customers need and get it delivered quickly to your facility.
HIWIN HG Rail
HG series linear guideways are designed with load capacity and rigidity higher than other similar products with circular-arc groove and structure optimization. It features equal load ratings in the radial, reverse radial and lateral directions, and self-aligning to absorb installation-error. Thus, HIWIN HG series linear guideways can achieve a long life with high speed, high accuracy and smooth linear motion.
Suitable for grinding, milling, lathes, and drilling machines.
HIWIN EG Rail
The design of the EG series offers a low profile, high load capacity, and high rigidity. It also features an equal load rating in all four directions and self-aligning capability to absorb installation-error, allowing for higher accuracies. Additionally, the lower assembly height and the shorter length make the EG series more suitable for high-speed, automation machines and applications where space is limited. The retainer is designed to hold the balls in the block even when it is removed from the rail.
Suitable for automatic equipment, high speed transfer devices, semiconductor equipment, wood cutting machines and precision measure equipment.
Watch our Automation Simplified Video on HIWIN Linear Guideways
Contact Us
Reach out to you local Scott Equipment Company Account Manager or email sales@scotteq.com with any HIWIN Linear Guideway questions or fill out the form below.
