Guide Rail Systems

High-precision effect for optimal machining results

The steel bearing plates of the guide rails are manufactured with such precision that they are subjected to increasing load as the curvature becomes more convex.

This design allows rollers and balls of the runner block to transition smoothly on a tangential, ideally angled deflection curve into the load-bearing zone. This enhances the motion of the guide rails system and produces better machining results and surface quality.

Interchangeability: flexible planning and exceptional compatibility

Bosch Rexroth offers unmatched flexibility and efficiency in linear motion systems through its unique design focus on interchangeability.

The rolling element sets and the raceways in the runner blocks and guide rails can easily be replaced by another, regardless of the format, without any problems and above and beyond the accuracy class. This means that each component can be ordered and stocked separately in any accuracy class and format. The advantage to customers? Reduced time and money in terms of logistics, assembly and service.

Simple mounting using the cover strip

The cover strip is made of rustproof spring steel, and provides an ideal, smooth surface for linear guide systems. It reduces the chances of the seals wearing out, providing optimum protection against the ingress of chips and fine dust into the runner block when it passes over the bore holes.

The cover strip also simplifies installation, with just a single work step required to cover all bore holes. This eliminates the effort otherwise involved in inserting the conventional plastic caps. With a rail length of 2 m, you can save up to 30 percent of the mounting time.

Cover strips can be delivered either alongside the guide rails or as a separate part for retrofitting, stock-keeping and replacements

Materials for different environmental conditions

With a broad range of materials and design styles, Bosch Rexroth ensures solutions to match the requirements of any linear application.

The following materials are available for runner blocks and guide rails:

• Steel
• Aluminium
• Resist NR
• Resist NR II
• Resist CR
• Resists CR II
• NRFG

Single rail applications

Single rail applications are space-efficient and useful in minimising the possibility of other components in the system becoming misaligned. Some single rail applications include:

Linear actuators: Actuators driven by belts, screws or pneumatic cylinders commonly use linear rails because of their excellent ability to withstand moment loads and relatively quick travel speeds.

Overhead transport systems: Linear rails are an excellent choice in guiding loads centred below the rail and bearing block.

Gantry robots: Individual axes on gantry robots typically incorporate a single rail driven by a screw or belt and pulley system.

Dual rail applications

Higher load requirements often use linear rails in pairs. With the drive mechanism mounted between the dual rails, these systems are compact and sturdy.

Linear stages: Linear rails are the ideal solution in stage systems requiring precise travel accuracy and minimal deflection.

Machine tools: With machine tools, high accuracy and stiffness are critical in facilitating quality workmanship.

Cartesian robots: Cartesian robots need to support and withstand high moment loads, and parallel linear rails are used in guiding most Cartesian robots.

Robot transport units: Dual linear rail systems can be used to provide additional mobility to six-axis robots, guiding them to new locations within a factory or assembly plant.