An introduction to linear rails

Linear rails are used to support loads during movement in a linear direction, either back and forth or up and down. When combined with linear guides, linear rails become part of a linear motion system used widely across industry in combination with an actuator to transport a load smoothly and safely around a plant. Linear rails contain a ball bearing circuit which runs along the grooves of the rail, creating a guidance system that can be used in applications such as pick and place, XYZ gantry configurations, runners for industrial doors and with machine tools. There are a wide range of linear guide rails available, and we take a look in this guide at some of those options. 

MSA Series: Heavy loads

Designed to work with heavy loads to provide high precision and high rigidity motion, the MSA series of linear guide rails has a train of ball bearings with a contact angle of 45 degrees, allowing it to bear an equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions – meaning that it can be used in any direction. The lubrication distribution combined with the well balanced pre load and self-aligning feature, means that this design of linear rail enables accurate, smooth, quiet movement with a long service life and reliable performance. A further advantage is that the dimensional tolerances and design makes this suitable for interchanging with other manufacturer’s products. 

• Smooth movement
• Low noise
• Equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions
• Self-aligning
• Interchangeable with other manufacturers’ products

MSB Series: Compact linear rails

A compact version of the MSA series, this product offers the same, high rigidity, smooth movement solution but in a more compact size to provide a space-saving solution.

• Space-saving
• Smooth movement
• Low noise
• Equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions
• Self-aligning
• Interchangeable with other manufacturers’ products

MSC/MSD Series: Miniature linear guide rails

Designed specifically as an ultra-space saving solution, this range of linear rails uses two trains of ball bearings but in a simplified configuration with a ball retainer, meaning that the rails are able to take an equal rated load in all 4 directions with a contact angle of 45 degrees. The lubrication distribution makes this solution low friction, creating a smooth, quiet movement. These rails are interchangeable with other manufacturers’ parts. The MSC range is a standard size, and the MSD is of a wide design. 

• Space-saving
• Smooth movement
• Low noise
• Equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions
• Interchangeable with other manufacturers’ products

MSG Series: Wide linear guide rails

The MSG series of linear guide rails has been designed for use as a single rail with a low profile and low centre of gravity, specifically for applications where space is limited but high moments are likely. This series has a train of ball bearings with a contact angle of 45 degrees, allowing it to bear an equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions – meaning that it can be used in any direction.

• Space saving with high moment capacity

• Smooth movement
• Low noise
• Equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions
• Self-aligning
• Interchangeable with other manufacturers’ products

SME Series: Ball chain linear guide rails

This series of linear rails has been developed for combining high speed and high accuracy with stability, and the ball chain design lowers the level of operating noise because the balls do not make direct contact with one another. 

• Smooth movement
• Ultra-low noise
• Equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions
• Self-aligning

SMR/MSR Series: Roller type linear rails for heavy loads

This series uses rollers rather than ball bearings, resulting in a lower level of elastic deformation under a load and therefore increasing the load that the linear guide rail is able to carry, whilst maintaining rigidity and the ability for four directional loads. 

• Heavy load capacity
• High rigidity
• Equal load in radial, reversed and lateral directions
• Smooth movement
• Low noise

Each of these linear guide rails are available from stock, and we can also produce bespoke linear rail solutions with each rail cut to length and pitch mounting holes created for installation and attachment of the load. For more information on our linear guide rails, get in touch with one of our experts on 01684 850 000 or email sales@matarauk.co.uk.