CNC machine slides facilitate accurate tool and workpiece positioning and movement, making them necessary for CNC machine operation. It’s important to select durable, high-quality slides that meet your application requirements to ensure a lasting return on your investment. The right CNC machine slides enable efficient, high-precision machining, allowing operators to meet customer specifications and deadlines, reduce reworks, and ultimately save your business time and money.
Three common types of CNC machine slides include dovetail, linear bearing, and hardened way.
Dovetail slides are one of the most cost-effective slide solutions. They feature a dovetail-shaped cross-section to prevent lateral movement and provide stability. With strong construction and a range of load-bearing capabilities, they’re great for machine applications.
Dovetail slides have a moving component called the saddle, which slides along the dovetail-shaped, fixed base. It smoothly moves in a straight line with high stiffness and capability.
Linear dovetail slides are typically made from cast iron or hardened steel. These durable, wear-resistant materials ensure the slide can withstand heavy use. The unique dovetail shape means there’s a large contact area between the stationary and moving parts, improving even load distribution and reducing misalignment risks.
However, the full-contact design means dovetail slides are more likely to see sliding friction than other slides. Lubrication is essential for minimizing dovetail slide friction.
With their durability and rigidity, dovetail slides are common in industrial and heavy-load applications. Dovetail slide applications include:
Choose dovetail slides for heavy-duty machining operations and applications where maintaining stability under heavy loads is critical. The dovetail slide is a reliable workhorse with deflection resistance and high load capacities. However, a poorly fitted slide will compromise CNC machining results, so it’s essential to ensure an accurate installation.
Linear bearing slides, also sometimes referred to as linear rails, are another popular CNC machine slide. These slides deliver low-friction linear motion in a compact package. Bearing slides use ball or roller bearings inside a carriage, which rolls along a rail with the load on top. The rollers easily slide along the rail, giving operators precise control over position and movement.
Industrial linear slides are made from durable materials like aluminum or steel. They might also be composite or plastic, which do not need lubrication like metal models. Linear slide materials are chosen for their strength and reliability in industrial applications. Many models enclose the bearings in the carriage to protect them from dust and dirt. Rails for these slides are mounted parallel to each other to ensure stable, repeatable movement.
Linear bearings can handle high loads and maintain accuracy over longer distances. Rolling bearings, like ball bearings, are excellent friction-reducers as long as they’re replaced on schedule. Bearing slides’ low-friction properties are especially helpful in high-speed movement applications.
Your application will determine the best choice between ball or linear bearings for your slide. Each has its advantages as noted below:
Choose linear bearings for applications that require smooth motion, high precision, and minimal friction. CNC machines use linear bearing slides for tasks that need consistent movement and accurate positioning, like milling, cutting, and drilling. They’re also common in automation and robotics systems, medical equipment, and material handling. With low maintenance needs, precise control, and a high load capacity, linear bearings are an excellent choice for CNC machining.
Hardened way slides are high-durability CNC machine slides. They are designed to resist wear, handle heavy loads, reduce friction, and deliver stable linear motion under substantial loads. Setco’s hardened way slides offer superior durability, longevity, and accuracy for your machine tools.
Hardened way slides, or hardened box way slides, get their name from their materials, chosen specifically for their high hardness qualities. A heat treatment process creates this hardness, ensuring hardened way slides can resist wear while minimizing abrasion. Hardened way slides are also built with industrial wear resistance in mind. Pair lubrication with the high-hardness material, and operations can enjoy an extremely wear-resistant product. With minimal wear and tear, the slide will retain its durability for a long time.
Additionally, hardened way slides are finished to ensure smoothness, reducing friction and allowing for accurate positioning. With a load-bearing design, businesses can trust hardened way slides to handle substantial forces without deforming. Investing in hardened way slides is an investment in durability and reliability.
Operations focusing on heavy-duty, high-production applications are the best candidates for hardened way slides. Their durability and precision make them ideal for:
Choose from a range of saddle lengths and accessories to ensure the hardened way slide is the right fit for the job. Additionally, hardened way slides are excellent choices for applications that need long periods of uninterrupted work. They require minimal maintenance and easily resist wear. These features make hardened way slides a cost-effective choice for manufacturers looking to maximize production and minimize downtime.
Discover exceptional performance and reliability when you get precision linear slides from Setco. As a global leader in high-quality slides, Setco offers solutions that prioritize dependability, precision, and durability, helping our customers gain a competitive advantage. Whether you need manual or motorized slides for low- or high-speed applications, Setco can help. Partnering with Setco means you receive personalized attention and customized solutions tailored to your needs. Our engineering team can develop custom components that meet your exact specifications.
Our range of slides includes dovetail slides, hardened way slides, and linear bearing slides. Setco combines elite product knowledge, decades of experience, and the latest technology to produce industry-leading performance with our precision linear slides. In addition to high-quality products, we offer comprehensive support from facilities across the globe. Setco ensures your business has access to the support it needs.
Connect with Setco’s team today to learn how our machine slides can enhance a facility’s precision manufacturing capabilities. Get additional product information or discuss specifications with our expert team!