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Dovetail Slides
A dovetail slide, or dovetail way slide, is the simplest type of linear slide. Dovetail slides provide linear motion and positioning along a single-axis and are driven by a number of different devices such as ball screws, belts and cables, which are powered by functional motors such as stepper motors, linear motors and handwheels. Dovetail slides are direct contact systems, making them fitting for heavy load applications including CNC machines, shuttle devices, special machines and work holding devices. Mainly used in the manufacturing and laboratory science industries, dovetail slides are not ideal for high-precision applications.
Dovetail slides are typically constructed from cast iron, but can also be constructed from hard-coat aluminum, delrin or stainless steel. Like all bearings, dovetail slides are comprised of a stationary linear base and a moving carriage. Dovetail carriages have a v-shaped, or dovetail-shaped protruding channel which locks into the linear base's correspondingly shaped groove. Once the dovetail carriage is fitted into its base's channel, the carriage is locked into the channel's linear axis and allows free linear movement. When a platform is attached to the carriage of a dovetail slide, a dovetail table is created, offering extended load carrying capabilities.
Since dovetail slides have such a large surface contact area, a greater force is required to move the saddle than other linear slides, which results in slower acceleration rates. In addition, dovetail slides have difficulties with striction and high-friction but are advantageous when it comes to load capacity, affordability and durability. Capable of long travel, dovetail slides are more resistant to shock than other bearings, and they are mostly immune to chemical, dust and dirt contamination. Dovetail slides can be motorized, mechanical or electromechanical.
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