Thomson Linear Motion Optmized
Profile Rail Bearings & Guides - Design Overview
Design and Theory
Square rail linear guides have been in use for decades. Square rail linear guides were initially designed for the machine tool industry, replacing integrated carriages and ways. Because of their streamlined (low profile) stature, they are often chosen when aesthetics are important.
KEY ADVANTAGE: High positioning accuracy — they hold from 0.0002 to 0.001 in. over 10 ft.
Typical profile rail components
Profile rail or square rail consists of a carriage
with rolling elements and end cap return system. The carriage is
sometimes referred to as the outer race and the rail the inner race.
Typical profile rail components
Profile rail or square rail consists of a carriage
with rolling elements and end cap return system. The carriage is
sometimes referred to as the outer race and the rail the inner race.
Video on Round vs. Square Rail
The video above compares differences between using a square, or profile, rail and a round rail guide.
