Linear Guides

Linear Guides, also known as Linear Rails, are a block and rail system that help aid the movement and support of a load or a piece of equipment in a linear fashion, either vertically or horizontally. A linear guide generally consists of a square section profile rail and a moving carriage. As the profile rail is square in section, both the ‘roll’ and ‘yaw’ of the payload is controlled.

In order to allow accurate and repeatable positioning of the payload, a linear guide uses recirculating ball bearings to support the carriage on the profile rail. This design also gives the advantages of very low friction and long bearing life. Linear guides can be used on their own or in pairs to support wider payloads. The payload is moved by a separate motor, often connected via a belt, leadscrew or ball screw.

Linear guides from Thomson Linear offer a complete assortment of rails and carriages that come in a broad range of styles, sizes and unique features, all produced to industry standard with dimensions for easy retrofitting into existing applications or designing into new applications.