What Applications Do Linear Rail Solutions Suit?

What is a linear rail?

Simply put, linear rails are standard linear motion components that enable the smooth movement of loads along a single axis. Each linear rail is cut to a specified length and includes mounting holes at certain distances, known as the pitch, for easy installation. Furthermore, when combined with linear guides, which are made to fit a specific size linear rail, you create what is known as a linear rail system.

Linear guides incorporate a ball bearing circuit that runs along the grooves of the linear rail. This helps to lessen the friction between the guide and the rail, allowing for a more efficient and accurate solution. Additionally, linear rail has a great load-bearing capacity per size ratio when compared to other common linear motion solutions. For example, a single PMI linear rail 15mm carriage can take a static load of 18.9kN and a dynamic load of 11.8kN.

Additionally, linear guides also have mounting holes, allowing you to secure the load that the rail is transporting. Due to their friction-countering design, heavy load-bearing capacity, and ease of installation, these linear rail systems are used in a wide variety of industrial applications across multiple sectors. We will discuss these further along in this article.

As a further note, due to the common nature of this product, it is often referred to by various names across different industries. To help, here are a few of the most common terms: linear guideway, linear rail solutions, linear guide rails, linear rail slide, linear guidance systems.

Benefits of using PMI linear rail slide

• A PMI linear rail slide is considered by many to be the best type of linear rail. It has many benefits for your application, including:  
  • High positioning accuracy, high repeatability.
  • Low frictional resistance, meaning that a high level of precision can be maintained for a long period.
  • High rigidity for load-bearing in four directions.
  • Low friction allows for use in high-speed applications.

Applications that use a linear rail system

At Matara, we maintain a large stock of various-sized linear rails and carriages in the UK. With a large design and machining facility, we provide an unrivalled level of project support. With over 25 years of experience, we have provided linear rail system solutions for a wide range of applications across various industries. Some of the most common applications are as follows:

• Pick and place systems
• Support systems for actuators used in XYZ Gantry systems
• Runners for industrial doors
• Runners for train doors
• As a support guide for Rodless Cylinders
• Machine tools
• Cartesian robots

What is the best type of linear rail?

Several external factors must be considered when selecting the best type of linear rail for your application, including load, speed, repeatability, environmental conditions, and cycle times. To define what you require, the best place to start is by highlighting the most critical elements of your design that need to be met. If you require any help with finding the perfect linear rail for your application, then Matara’s team of design engineers are on hand to help you choose the correct linear rail system for your application.

Find linear rail solutions for your application from Matara

To find out what linear rail solutions are fit for your application, be sure to contact us, and a member of our team will be happy to help. Our technical experts will help answer any questions you may have. To learn more about our range of linear motion products, check out our technical articles and case studies.