Linear Guide

A linear guide, or straight-line guide, is a mechanical guide element. The linear guide enables precise, linear (translatory) displacement of a movable carriage relative to a stationary component, e.g. the machine frame. A general distinction is made between sliding guides, cage guides with limited linear stroke or guides with rolling element recirculation for unlimited linear travel. Dovetail guides, for example, are counted among the sliding guides. Ball-bearing guides, profiled rail guides or track roller guides, on the other hand, are guides with rolling element recirculation.