Round or Square?
Since the introduction of the square, or profile rail, linear guide in the 1970s, the design engineer has been faced with the pivotal question: round or square?
While square rails initially cost many times more than round technology due to the extensive grinding requirements
inherent in the design, new manufacturing techniques and economies of scale have allowed square rails to compete
effectively in a broader application space. Once subjugated to the realm of machine tools, profile rails can now be
found in many of the same applications that were once only supported by round rail. However, ball bushing guides
remain popular due to some intrinsically unique and often advantageous characteristics that lend themselves to specific applications.
In order to apply the correct type of linear guide in a particular application, the design engineer must consider the advantages and capabilities of each. The cost of selecting the wrong technology can result in a lot of additional design complexity, poor function and cost in the overall assembly.
Let Thomson help you choose the right rail type and carriage. Contact us.
