What are linear guide blocks?

Linear guide blocks, also referred to as guide carriages, are specialised components that together with a railing form the linear slide, which provides unidirectional motion. These types of blocks feature rolling elements with an outer sleeve, facilitating a smooth linear motion with low friction. 

Linear guide blocks are particularly designed for applications that demand high precision and involve high-speed and high-temperature changes.

Types of linear guide blocks

Linear guide blocks are commonly available in two major types, each having a distinct type of motion along the linear rail. These are:

Sliding-contact linear motion guide blocks

These types of linear guide blocks use the oldest types of motion, i.e. sliding contact. The design of sliding-contact linear guide blocks is simple and cost-effective.

Rolling-element linear motion guide blocks

These types of linear guide blocks are the modern alternatives, which use ball bearings or rollers to facilitate smoother motion. The rolling-element linear guide blocks are extensively used in modern motion-control applications. 

Benefits of linear guide blocks

Linear guide blocks offer a bunch of unique benefits, for which they are used widely in a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, vehicle manufacturing, robotics, machine tool, packaging, CNC and 3D printing, processing, welding and cutting, and so on. The chief benefits are:

• Linear guide blocks are cost-effective, easy to install and require minimum maintenance.
• They are available in a variety of carriage lengths and widths, allowing diverse configurations that can suit different applications.
• These types of blocks are resistant to corrosion. 
• They are made from durable and anti-rust materials like stainless steel and aluminium.
• Linear guide blocks create minimum noise.
• They are self-lubricating, enabling them to operate longer.