Machine Slides
Machine slides, or machine tool slides, are motorized linear slides that can be single, double or multi-axis with shafts or tables which push, pull or position all types of automated machinery. Offering precision vertical and horizontal linear movement, machine slides allow an extensive range of movement and are designed to have close tracking tolerances and high rigidity, a density of structure that enables them to handle massive loads. Machine slides are ideal for heavy load applications in the manufacturing industry, including CNC machining equipment, automated assembly machinery, machine tooling and metal cutting.
Machine slides consist of a stationary linear base and a moving carriage, also known as a saddle, which is moved by a drive mechanism such as a rack and pinion drive, ball screw or cylinder. Machine slides offer dovetail or hardened ways, which are used in heavy industrial production, fitted together with an adjustable gib, a piece of metal that keeps the moving parts of a machine in place. The gib ensures precise movement by making up for any "play" or irregular movements that may develop throughout an application. Machine slides are most commonly made from cast iron but can be made from stainless steel as well as aluminum, although aluminum is not recommended for precision positioning or heavy load applications because aluminum is a softer metal and erodes more quickly.
Some of the standard types of machine slides include dovetail slides, hardened way slides, linear guide slides, and more. Dovetail machine slides are used when occasional movement is needed in positioning applications as well as manual or powered movements. Hardened way machine slides, in comparison, are used in production for high-usage and heavy loads and can last for years with little required maintenance. Overall, machine slides hold the highest load capacities for their size and have the lowest amount of friction.