Linear guides based on sliding contact — namely boxway and dovetail slides — are often the bearings of choice for applications that call for high load capacity, extreme stiffness, and excellent vibration damping characteristics. Boxway guideways are robust linear motion systems used in heavy-duty machine tools, characterized by their enclosed box-like structure that provides exceptional rigidity and vibration damping.
On the other hand, recirculating linear guides (ball/roller) use precision bearing elements that circulate through the carriage, offering near-frictionless motion with high accuracy and speed capabilities.
| Feature | Boxway | Linear Roller Guide | Linear Ball Guide | Dovetail Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friction Type | Sliding contact | Rolling (line contact) | Rolling (point contact) | Sliding contact |
| Rigidity | Excellent ★★★★★ | Very Good ★★★★☆ | Good ★★★☆☆ | Good ★★★☆☆ |
| Precision | 0.01-0.02mm | 0.003-0.005mm | 0.005-0.01mm | 0.01-0.02mm |
| Speed Capacity | Low (≤1 m/s) | High (3-5 m/s) | Very High (5-8 m/s) | Very Low (≤0.5 m/s) |
| Maintenance | High (frequent lubrication) | Medium (sealed units) | Low (self-lubricating) | High (manual adjustment) |
| Vibration Damping | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Cost | Medium | High | Medium-High | Low |
| Typical Applications | Heavy milling, planers, (VMC)3AX, (HMC) 4AX | CNC machining centers, (VMC)3AX, (HMC) 4AX | 3D printers, robotics, (VMC)3AX | Manual mills, lathes |
While many modern machines use linear roller guides for speed, boxways remain preferred for:
| Year | Unique Visitors | Page Views |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 59 | 61 |