What Is a Slide Shifter?
Slide shifters are sliding linear guides.
The linear guides are called different names by different manufacturers, but all have the same basic principle.
They are linear reciprocating guide units with excellent wear resistance, load resistance, and resistance to different physical properties. However, since the guides have no propulsive force, they are widely used in industrial equipment by combining them with other things.
Linear bushings are similar to linear guides, but the ball contacts the rail at a surface, whereas in linear bushings, the ball contacts the shaft at a point.
Uses of Slide Shifters
Slide shifters, as the name implies, are guides. They are combined with ball screws, motors, or cylinders. To provide thrust and positioning, slide shifters are used in many industrial applications, such as lathes, grinding machines, inspection machines, and feeders.
Various types are available, including guide rail types, guide shaft types, and unit types that integrate shift tables, guide shafts, and shaft holders. It is necessary to select the type that best suits the purpose of use.
Features of Slide Shifters
In linear guides, the ball makes contact with the rail on a surface.
Since the ball rolls in the groove and the contact area is large, the linear guide is small but can support a large load. They can also be moved while receiving a load.
About Features:
- Copper balls roll on a precisely machined surface and are circulated by a return cap.
- Side seals prevent foreign objects from entering the block from the outside.
- The compact type has a structure with two rows of balls that contact the raceway at four points.
- The medium and heavy load types have a structure with four rows of balls that make contact with the raceway at two points.
- The same load rating is applied to the block in all four directions (radial, reverse radial, and lateral).
Guide Rail:
- The rails can be connected, allowing a wide range of free design possibilities.
Sliding Linear Guides:
- A bearing material with excellent wear resistance and low friction supports the linear motion.
Guide Shaft Type:
- It can be used in any direction, including horizontal and vertical.
Unit Type:
- Guide shafts, shift tables, shaft holders, etc., are integrated into a single unit.