Linear guides - round guides for industry and mechanical engineering

What are linear guides and what is their function?

Linear guides are machine elements that allow components to move along a defined straight axis. Their primary function is to provide a stable travel path, appropriate guidance and repeatable positioning of moving machine parts.
In industrial systems, they are used where we want to convert rotary or other drive motion into precise linear movement or to ensure controlled movement of components.
It is important to distinguish between the drive element, which creates movement, and the guide, which determines its direction and takes on the appropriate mechanical loads.
Round linear guides have a cylindrical shape and generally work in combination with linear ball bearings, sliding bushings or other compatible guide elements.
Such a system allows moving carriages, platforms, working heads, feeding mechanisms and other components along a certain axis.
At M&M Intercom we have a wide range of round linear guides of various designs, which are used in mechanical engineering, automation, assembly systems and other industrial applications.

Main properties of round linear guides

Round linear guides are designed to provide precise movement and adequate support for mechanical components.
Their properties depend mainly on the material, diameter, surface treatment, tolerance and method of installation.
Among the more important features are:

• cylindrical shape of the guide surface,
• possibility of precise and repeatable linear movement,
• different diameters for different mechanical loads,
• availability of hardened steel versions,
• precision manufacturing with certain dimensional tolerances,
• possibility of combining with linear ball bearings and bushings,
• choice between solid and hollow guides,
• versions from more corrosion-resistant materials,
• various lengths and material compositions,
• use in automation and industrial equipment,
• possibility of choosing special surface treatments,
• suitability for various linear guide systems.

When choosing, it is important to keep in mind that the guide must be coordinated with the bearing load capacity, the length of the stroke, the method of support and the required accuracy.
A properly selected combination of guide and linear bearing helps to reduce unwanted offsets and ensures predictable movement of the machine system.

Types of linear guides in the M&M Intercom offer

Our range includes various versions of round linear guides, which differ in material, construction and intended use.
Among the most important groups are standard steel guides, hollow guides, stainless steel guides and special aluminium versions with a ceramic coating.

Standard round linear guides type W

W-type linear guides are an important part of our round guide range.
We offer versions made of Cf53 steel or material marked 1.1213, made in various diameters and lengths.
This material is used in the production of guide shafts, where appropriate mechanical properties and the quality of the guide surface are important.
Our range includes, among others, W guides with diameters of 5, 6, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32, 40 and 60 mm and other dimensions.
Many versions have a declared h6 tolerance, which allows the selection of a suitable pair with linear bearings and bushings.
Steel linear guides are suitable for many industrial applications where stable and precisely controlled movement is required.
When choosing, we must also take into account the way the guide is supported, as bending may occur with longer spans and greater loads.

Hollow linear guides type WH

Hollow linear guides represent a special design version of round guides, in which the guide shaft has an internal opening.
At M&M Intercom, we offer WH type guides, among other things, made of material C60 or 1.0601.
The offer includes, for example, versions with diameters of 16 and 50 mm.
The main design advantage of hollow guides is the possibility of weight reduction compared to a solid shaft of the same outer diameter.
Such a design can be interesting in applications where we want to reduce the weight of the structure or adjust the mechanical properties of the guide.
However, a hollow guide does not have the same bending stiffness as a solid guide of the same outer diameter and material.
Therefore, when choosing, we must check the inner diameter, wall thickness, span between supports and expected loads.

Stainless steel linear guides for more demanding environments

Stainless steel linear guides are intended for applications where corrosion resistance or the use of special stainless steels is important.
In our range, we have versions made of materials X46Cr13 and X90CrMoV18.
These materials differ in chemical composition, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Stainless linear guides are mainly used in applications where conventional carbon steels are not an optimal choice due to moisture or other environmental influences.
It is important to emphasize that the term stainless steel does not mean complete resistance to all corrosive media. Actual suitability depends on steel type, surface treatment and working environment.

WRA linear guides made of material X90CrMoV18

WRA linear guides are available in our range from the material X90CrMoV18 with the designation 1.4112.
It is a martensitic stainless steel that is useful in the manufacture of components where a combination of appropriate mechanical properties and a certain corrosion resistance is required.
We offer, for example, WRA guides with diameters of 25, 30 and 40 mm and a length of 6000 mm.
Such guides can be used in linear systems where the material requirements are different from standard steel guides.
When choosing, it is necessary to check the conditions of use, loads and compatibility with the selected linear bearings.

WRB linear guides made of material X46Cr13

WRB linear guides represent an additional group of stainless steel round guides.
They are made of material X46Cr13 or 1.4034, which belongs to martensitic stainless steels.
Our range includes 6 and 12 mm diameter versions with a declared h6 tolerance.
Such guides are suitable for certain industrial applications where a round stainless steel guide shaft is needed.
For proper use, in addition to diameter and length, we must also consider environmental influences, mechanical loads and the required resistance to corrosion.

Aluminium linear guides with ceramic coating

In addition to steel guides, we also offer special aluminium linear guide shafts with a ceramic coating.
These include CCM versions manufactured by PBC.
The offer includes, for example, the CCM 16 guide with a length of 192 mm, which has a hard anodized surface and a ceramic coating.
The aluminium base enables a lower mass compared to steel components of the same design, and the surface treatment affects the properties of the contact surface.
Such versions are particularly relevant to special machine designs that require a different material system.
When choosing, we must check compatibility with linear bushings, permitted contact loads and other information from the manufacturer.
Since the mechanical properties of aluminium and steel guides are different, they should not be considered as directly interchangeable without technical verification.

Hardened linear guides and the importance of surface hardness

Many linear motion applications use guides with a hardened or specially treated surface.
Surface hardness is especially important for guides that work in combination with linear ball bearings, as there are contact loads between the rolling elements and the guide surface.
Appropriate surface treatment can improve resistance to wear and contact fatigue.
For standard round guides made of Cf53 steel, it is important to check the declared hardening depth, surface hardness and other technical data of the specific product.
Mere information about the basic material is not enough for selection. Finishing, surface quality and expected loads are also important.
With the appropriate selection, we can contribute to a longer life of the linear system and reduce the risk of premature wear of guides and bearings.

What does h6 tolerance mean for linear guides?

Dimensional tolerance is one of the key specifications when selecting precision linear guides.
Many round guides in our range have a marked h6 tolerance.
The designation h6 refers to the tolerance zone of the shaft outside diameter under the ISO system of dimensional tolerances.
For tolerance position h, the upper shaft deviation is zero; the lower deviation is determined by the nominal diameter and tolerance grade IT6.
Such a tolerance enables controlled dimensional matching of the guide with properly selected bearings and bushings.
Radial clearance, linear bearing construction, temperature effects and the required precision of movement must also be taken into account when planning.
It is important to distinguish diameter tolerance from geometrical characteristics such as straightness, roundness and surface quality. The h6 designation alone does not define all these parameters.

Diameters of linear guides and their influence on load capacity

The diameter of a linear guide is one of the most important design data, as it affects the stiffness of the guide, its weight and suitability for certain loads.
At M&M Intercom, we offer round guides in a wide range of diameters, from smaller versions for compact mechanisms to larger guides for more complex constructions.
The range includes, among others, diameters:

• 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm,
• 8, 10, 12 and 16 mm,
• 20, 24, 25 and 30 mm,
• 32, 35 and 40 mm,
• 50, 55 and 60 mm,
• 90, 100 and 120 mm.

The availability of individual diameters depends on the type of material and the design of the guide.
With the same material and comparable construction, a solid guide shaft with a larger diameter generally has greater bending stiffness.
However, a larger diameter does not automatically mean the best choice, as it also affects the weight, dimensions of the linear bearings and construction costs.
When dimensioning, we must therefore consider the entire system.

Lengths of linear guides and the importance of proper support

Linear guides are available in different lengths, which allows for use with short movements and longer linear axes.
Our offer includes a number of standard steel versions with a length of 6000 mm, but shorter guides and various other dimensions are also available.
When choosing the length, we must take into account the actual path of movement, the length of the linear bearing, the position of the supports and the required safety clearances.
Particular attention is required for longer shafts supported only at their ends.
With such a construction, bending may occur under the influence of load, which affects the accuracy of movement and the load on the bearings.
For more demanding applications, therefore, the correct selection of supporting elements is also important.

Linear guides and linear ball bearings

For the efficient operation of round linear guides, we need suitable guide elements.
Among the frequently used solutions are linear ball bearings or ball bushings, which enable movement along a cylindrical guide shaft.
Rolling elements in the bearing reduce friction compared to certain sliding systems and enable repeatable linear motion.
When choosing a suitable linear bearing, we must consider:

• nominal diameter of the guide,
• guide shaft tolerance,
• bearing load capacity,
• radial clearance,
• speed of linear motion,
• lubrication method,
• temperature and working environment.

At M&M Intercom, in addition to round guides, our range also includes linear ball bearings, bushings, housings and supports for round guides.
A suitable combination of components is important for the stability and reliable operation of the entire linear system.

Supports for round linear guides

In the construction of a linear system, the method of fixing and supporting the guides also plays an important role.
Supports for linear guides ensure the correct position of the guide shaft according to the construction of the machine.
For shorter movements and lower loads, we can use certain designs of guides with support at the ends.
In the case of longer movements and greater loads, we must specifically check the bending and the need for additional support.
The correct mutual alignment of the guides is also important, especially in systems with two parallel guide shafts.
Improper installation can cause increased friction, additional bearing loads and uneven movement.
Therefore, when choosing supports, it makes sense to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and the design requirements of the system.

Linear guides for CNC machines

Linear guides for CNC machines are important in systems where precise and repeatable movement of machine components is needed.
They can be used to guide certain movable assemblies, adjustment mechanisms, feeding devices and other structural elements.
When choosing a guide for a CNC application, we must take into account rigidity, precision, speed of movement, vibrations and expected cutting or processing forces.
Round guides suit many mechanisms with low to moderate demands. For applications with high moment loads and stiffness requirements, profiled rail guides are also often considered.
The choice between round and rail guides must therefore be based on design requirements, not only on dimensions or price.

Linear guides for industrial automation

In automated production, precise and repeatable movement is important to ensure stable processes.
Linear guides are used in many automated devices, where moving elements must follow a planned path.
Use cases include:

• automated assembly systems,
• feeding mechanisms,
• packing machines,
• positioning devices,
• transport and handling systems,
• measuring equipment,
• industrial workstations,
• special machine constructions.

For such applications, in addition to the mechanical load capacity, we must also take into account the required accuracy, frequency of movement and expected lifetime.
The proper selection of linear bearings, supports and other related components is important.

Linear guides in mechanical engineering and production systems

Linear technology is an important part of modern mechanical engineering.
Round guides are used in various constructions where we need directed movement of machine parts.
They are suitable for guided movements, adjustment mechanisms, industrial devices and many special applications.
When planning a linear system, we take into account that the operation is not only affected by the guide, but also by the entire structure.
The stiffness of the supporting structure, the position of the load, the distance between the supports and the mutual alignment of the components are important.
By choosing the right guide, we can reduce unwanted movements and ensure more stable operation of the system.

Round or rail linear guides - what's the difference?

When choosing elements for linear movement, we often decide between round and profile rail guides.
Round linear guides use cylindrical guide shafts along which corresponding linear bearings or bushings move.
They provide a practical solution for many designs requiring a simply constructed guidance system.
Rail linear guides have a different construction, as they use a profiled rail and corresponding carriages.
Such systems are often suitable for applications where high rigidity and support for higher moment loads are needed.
However, the choice between the two systems depends not only on the type of guide, but also on the loads, accuracy, speed, space limitations and the mounting method.
At M&M Intercom, we offer various solutions in the field of linear technology, so we can help you choose according to the requirements of the individual application.

Linear guide materials and their impact on use

The material of the linear guide significantly affects its mechanical properties, resistance to wear and suitability for different working environments.
Our range includes the following material versions:

Material	Code	Characteristic use
Cf53	1.1213	Standard steel round guides
C60	1.0601	Hollow guides and selected special designs
X46Cr13	1.4034	WRB type stainless steel guides
X90CrMoV18	1.4112	WRA type stainless steel guides
Aluminium with ceramic coating	CCM	Special lightweight guides with surface treatment

For many general industrial applications, standard Cf53 steel guides are suitable.
When greater corrosion resistance is important, we check the corresponding stainless steel versions.
For special design requirements, we can also use hollow guides or aluminium versions with a ceramic coating.
The final choice must be based on technical data, system construction and actual working conditions.

Lubrication and maintenance of linear guides

Proper maintenance has a significant impact on the service life of linear guides and associated bearings.
In systems with linear ball bearings, adequate lubrication is often required, which reduces friction and wear of the contact surfaces.
The type of lubricant, quantity and maintenance intervals are determined according to the manufacturer's recommendations and conditions of use.
Cleanliness of the guide surface, protection against particles and prevention of impurities entering the bearing elements are also important.
When operating in a dusty or otherwise demanding environment, we must check the possibility of additional protection and suitable seals.
We also pay special attention to possible corrosion and mechanical damage to the guide surface.
Timely maintenance helps prevent increased friction, uneven movement and premature wear.

How to choose suitable linear guides?

When choosing linear guides, we first determine the technical requirements of the application.
The length of movement, mechanical loads, required accuracy, speed of movement and working environment are particularly important.
Then we select the appropriate diameter and material of the guide and check its compatibility with linear bearings and supports.
For longer shafts, calculate the expected deflection and check the suitability of the mounting arrangement.
It is also important whether we need a standard steel, stainless, hollow or special surface treated guide.
When choosing, we focus on the following criteria:

• required length and diameter,
• type of material,
• dimensional tolerance,
• mechanical and moment loads,
• support mode,
• compatibility with bearings,
• working speed and frequency of movement,
• corrosion resistance,
• lubrication and maintenance conditions,
• system life expectancy.

With a correctly dimensioned system, we can ensure more stable operation and reduce the risk of premature wear of components.

Wide range of linear guides at M&M Intercom

At M&M Intercom we offer linear guides for various industrial applications, mechanical engineering and automated production systems.
Standard steel round guides, stainless steel versions, hollow guides and special aluminium versions with ceramic coating are available.
Our range includes products from manufacturers such as Cromsteel, FLI, INA, NB and PBC.
We offer different diameters, lengths, material compositions and structural designs, which enables adaptation to individual technical requirements.
In addition to guides, we also have available linear technology elements, including linear ball bearings, bushings, housings and supports.
With expert advice, we help you choose the right round linear guides and other components for precise, stable and reliable linear motion.

 

Frequently asked questions about linear guides

1. What are linear guides and how do they work?
Linear guides are machine elements designed to direct and guide movement along a straight axis. They are used in industrial devices, mechanical engineering, automated production systems and other applications where we need controlled, precise and repeatable movement of individual components.
For round linear guides, the movement usually takes place along a cylindrical guide shaft. A suitable linear ball bearing, sliding bush or other compatible guiding element moves along it. The guide determines the direction of movement, and the bearing enables relative movement between the guide and the moving component.
For proper operation, it is important that the guide diameter, tolerance, bearing type and support method are mutually coordinated. When choosing, we must also take into account the speed of movement, mechanical loads, the required accuracy and the working environment. At M&M Intercom, we offer a variety of round linear guides and associated components with which we can assemble a suitable guide system.
2. What is the difference between round and rail linear guides?
The main difference between round linear guides and profiled rail guides lies in the design of the guidance system and how mechanical loads are supported.
Round guides use cylindrical guide shafts along which linear bearings or bushings move. They are often used in simpler constructions, assembly devices, feeding mechanisms and various industrial applications.
Profiled rail guides use a profiled rail and a matching carriage. These systems are often designed for higher stiffness and effective support of loads in different directions, including moment loads.
The selection should take into account the length of the stroke, the required rigidity, loads, accuracy, the mounting method and the available space. Round guides are more suitable for certain applications, and rail guides for others. At M&M Intercom, we offer both types of linear guidance systems and help choose a solution based on technical requirements.
3. What does the h6 mark mean for linear guides?
The mark h6 indicates the dimensional tolerance of the outer diameter of the guide shaft. It is a tolerance zone according to the ISO system, which determines the permitted deviation of the actual diameter from the nominal size.
With the designation h, the upper shaft deviation is zero, while the lower deviation depends on the nominal diameter and tolerance grade IT6. This allows a controlled dimensional fit between the guide and suitable linear bearings and bushings.
Tolerance is important mainly because of radial clearance, quality of movement and correct operation of the bearing system. Too much deviation can affect clearance, friction or component life.
When selecting a guide, remember that h6 specifies the diameter tolerance, but does not automatically define shaft straightness, surface roughness or other geometrical characteristics. M&M Intercom offers many h6 linear guides in different diameters and lengths.
4. What diameter of linear guide to choose for a certain load?
The diameter of the linear guide is chosen according to the size of the load, the length of the unsupported span, the material, the method of attachment and the required precision of movement.
For the same material, a solid round shaft of larger diameter generally has significantly higher bending stiffness than a thinner shaft. This is particularly important in systems with shafts supported only at their ends.
In addition to the mass of the moving component, we must also take into account additional forces, dynamic loads, accelerations and possible moments acting on the guiding system.
Our offer includes guides of various diameters, from smaller designs with a diameter of a few millimetres to large industrial guides. The correct dimensions cannot be determined based on the weight of the load alone.
For more demanding applications, it is recommended to check the bending calculation, the load capacity of the associated linear bearings and the manufacturer's construction data.
5. What is the difference between steel and stainless steel linear guides?
Steel linear guides are often made from materials such as Cf53 and are used for many standard industrial applications. Their advantage is the possibility of producing precise and appropriately surface-treated guide shafts with good mechanical properties.
Stainless steel linear guides are manufactured from certain types of stainless steel, which enable greater resistance to corrosion in suitable environments.
At M&M Intercom, we have, among other things, stainless steel versions made of materials X46Cr13 and X90CrMoV18. These materials have different mechanical properties and different resistance to corrosion, so they are not directly interchangeable in all applications.
Stainless steel guides can be suitable for use in humid environments or where special material resistance is important. Nevertheless, in more demanding environments, the presence of chemicals, chlorides and other corrosive media must be checked.
6. When do we use hollow linear guides instead of solid ones?
Hollow linear guides have an internal opening, due to which their mass is less than that of a solid guide with the same outer diameter and made of the same material.
Such a construction can be interesting for special machine systems, where we want to reduce the mass of the guiding elements or use a different structural design.
In our range we have hollow guides of the WH type, among other things made of C60 material.
When choosing, we must take into account that a hollow shaft has different mechanical properties than a solid one. With the same outer diameter and material, its bending stiffness is lower.
So we need to check wall thickness, internal diameter, span length and loads. A hollow guide is the right choice when its mechanical properties ensure the required functionality of the entire system.
7. Are linear guides suitable for CNC machines and industrial automation?
Yes. Linear guides are used in various CNC devices, automated systems, feed mechanisms and industrial equipment where precise and repeatable movement is required.
Round linear guides are suitable for many constructions, especially in applications where the required rigidity, loads and precision correspond to the properties of such a system.
With CNC machines, we must additionally consider cutting forces, vibrations, dynamic loads and the required geometric accuracy. For more demanding constructions, profile rail guides may be more suitable.
In industrial automation, round guides are often used together with linear bearings, drive elements and appropriate supports.
At M&M Intercom, we offer various solutions of linear technology, with which we can adapt the system to the requirements of a specific device.
8. How do we properly maintain and lubricate linear guides?
Proper maintenance of linear guides is important for reducing wear, stable movement and extending the life of components.
Systems with linear ball bearings generally require adequate lubrication. Lubricant reduces friction between contact surfaces and helps limit wear.
The type of lubricant and maintenance intervals are determined according to the recommendations of the bearing manufacturer, speed of movement, loads, temperature and conditions of use.
Regular checking of the cleanliness of the guiding surface is also important. Dust, metal particles and other impurities can cause additional wear and affect the performance of the bearings.
In applications with greater exposure to impurities, it makes sense to check protective seals and other protective elements. Special self-lubricating or dry-running systems may have different maintenance requirements.
9. Can linear guides be used in humid and corrosive environments?
Yes, but these applications require an appropriate material grade.
Standard steel linear guides can be susceptible to corrosion if they are not properly protected or if they operate in an environment with a high presence of moisture.
For certain more demanding conditions, stainless steel linear guides are available, including versions made of materials X46Cr13 and X90CrMoV18.
When choosing, we must take into account the type of environment, the presence of water, chemicals, detergents and possible chlorides. Different types of stainless steel do not have the same resistance to all corrosive influences.
The resistance of the associated bearings, supports and fasteners must also be checked. The adequacy of the entire system depends on all the installed components, not only on the material of the guide shaft.
10. How to choose the right linear guides and corresponding linear bearings?
When choosing linear guides, the most important thing is to correctly determine the requirements of the entire system.
First, determine the stroke length, mass or load, required accuracy and travel speed. Then check the shaft support arrangement, available space and operating conditions.
Based on this data, we select the appropriate diameter, length, material and tolerance of the guide shaft.
It is also important to choose compatible linear ball bearings or sliding bushings that match the dimensions and surface properties of the guide.
In the case of longer guides, check the bending, and in the case of greater loads, the load capacity of the bearings and possible moment loads.
At M&M Intercom we offer a wide selection of round linear guides, supports, bearings and other elements of linear technology. With expert advice, we help you choose the right combination of components for the reliable and precise operation of your industrial system.