Linear Guides

Easy installation. Maximum precision.

With us, you can choose between roller guides, ball guides, and sliding guides.

Quick Summary

  • Linear guides are mechanical systems that enable precise linear motion while guiding loads with minimal friction.
  • They typically consist of a guide rail and a moving carriage, which glides smoothly using ball bearings, roller bearings, or sliding elements.
  • Linear guides are widely used in industrial applications such as CNC machines, automation systems, and conveyor systems, where high precision and durability are required.
  • Technische Antriebselemente offers a wide range of ball guides, roller guides, and sliding guides to meet the specific demands of your application.

Linear Guides

Part of the portfolio of Technische Antriebselemente are linear guides in various versions. Rollers guided along a rail offer a high degree of flexibility with a high power transmission. Furthermore, we offer ball bearing guides and precision shafts, which ensure high accuracy, as well as high-performance sliding guides, which, thanks to their outstanding technological properties, require no lubricants at all.

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Personalized Consultation

Our experts will assist you in choosing the right product for your applications.

Tailor-Made Solution Offer

We create a customized offer tailored to your specific needs.

Decision Guide for Roller Guides, Ball Guides, and Sliding Guides

Linear guides are essential components for precise and low-friction movement in industrial applications. There are three main types: roller guides, ball guides, and sliding guides, each offering specific advantages. The right choice depends on factors such as load capacity, precision, and environmental conditions

Differences Between Roller Guides, Ball Guides, and Sliding Guides:

  • Roller Guides: These guides use roller bearings to move heavy loads with minimal resistance. They offer the highest load capacity and rigidity, making them ideal for high-load applications and fast movements.
  • Ball Guides: Equipped with ball bearings, these guides provide excellent smoothness and high precision. They are particularly suitable for applications requiring low friction and consistent movement, such as automation technology or CNC machines.

  • Sliding Guides: These operate without rolling elements and instead use friction-optimized sliding materials. They are especially beneficial in environments with strong vibrations or contamination, as they do not contain sensitive ball or roller bearings.

Which Linear Guide Is Right for You?

  • High Load Capacity & Stability: → Roller guides are ideal for heavy-duty applications.

  • Maximum Precision & Low Friction: → Ball guides are perfect for highly accurate machinery.

  • Durable & Maintenance-Free: → Sliding guides are best for harsh environments and shock-loaded applications.

The choice between these linear guides depends on your application’s specific needs. Roller guides offer maximum load capacity and rigidity but are more complex in design. Ball guides provide precision and smooth operation but are more sensitive to contamination. Sliding guides are particularly durable and resistant but have higher friction than ball or roller guides.

Our technical experts at Technische Antriebselemente can help you select the optimal linear guide for your needs. Contact us today!

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We Develop Special Solutions for the Realization of your Projects

No application is like the other. Together with you, we develop solutions for the optimal realization of your technical challenge. No matter whether a specific drive solution, machined linear guides or spindles, or custom-made gear systems. We support the development from the idea to the implementation with our competence and broad knowledge in the field of linear systems and drive conception.

Cross-industry Linear System Expertise

We are present wherever technology counts. Our linear guides provide the basis for precise linear movements in a wide range of industries. With our broad industry knowledge, we ensure that every guide meets the highest performance standards and is tailored to individual requirements.

  • Mechanical and plant engineering
  • Machine tools
  • Medical technology
  • Intralogistics
  • Electrical industry
  • Automation industry
  • Food industry
  • Packaging machines

What Our Customers Say

“The ball guides have taken our machine precision to the next level. Their low-friction movement ensures exceptionally smooth operation, significantly improving our manufacturing quality. A truly worthwhile investment!”
“Our systems run more reliably and with less maintenance thanks to the sliding guides. Even in dusty environments, they operate smoothly without requiring lubrication. A durable and robust solution for demanding conditions!”

60 Years of Experience

4.000 Products

10.000 Satisfied Customers

Suitable for This

Optimize your drive systems with products that are ideally suited to our linear guides. From powerful servomotors and precise stepper motors to the specialized open screw actuators MHG100 and HG200K – each of these components can maximize the functionality and efficiency of your linear guides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linear Guides

There are three main types: ball guides, roller guides, and sliding guides. Ball guides offer minimal friction and high precision, making them ideal for CNC machines and automation. Roller guides are more robust and can handle higher loads, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. Sliding guides are highly resistant to dirt and vibrations, making them perfect for harsh industrial environments.
Ball guides use ball bearings for smooth, precise movement but are more sensitive to contamination. Roller guides use rollers or cylindrical bearings, providing higher load capacity and rigidity, though with slightly more friction. Ball guides are best for high-precision applications, while roller guides excel in high-load and high-stress environments.
Proper lubrication is crucial for maintaining performance and extending the lifespan of linear guides. Ball and roller guides require regular lubrication with grease or oil to minimize friction and prevent wear. Sliding guides are often low-maintenance and can operate without lubrication. Many modern systems include automatic lubrication features to reduce maintenance and ensure consistent performance.
The lifespan of a linear guide depends on factors such as load, speed, and lubrication. With proper maintenance, ball and roller guides can last for millions of cycles. Sliding guides tend to be more durable in demanding environments, as they don’t rely on rolling elements. Signs that a linear guide needs replacement include increased play, unusual noises, or uneven movement.