What are the differences between linear guides and crossed roller guides?

What are the differences between linear guides and crossed roller guides?

Firstly, linear guides are designed for reciprocating linear motion in a given direction. They are used in applications that require precise control of the worktable's parallel movement and can handle higher loads than linear bearings, allowing for high-precision linear motion even under heavy loads.

Crossed roller guides consist of two rails with V-shaped raceways, cages, and rolling elements. The rolling elements are arranged in an alternating pattern and move reciprocally on the precision-ground V-shaped raceway surfaces. Crossed roller guides can bear loads in all directions and achieve high-precision, smooth linear motion.

In terms of accuracy, the reciprocating linear motion precision of crossed roller guides is much higher than that of linear guides in limited travel ranges. However, the effective travel of crossed roller guides is limited compared to linear guides, which can be extended as needed.

Crossed roller guides combine a cage that holds precision rollers arranged orthogonally with V-groove rolling surfaces on specialized rails. By assembling two rows of rails in parallel, they can support loads perpendicular to the axis in all directions. Additionally, they can be easily preloaded to achieve a gap-free, high-rigidity, and responsive sliding mechanism.

In crossed roller guides, the rolling elements are separated by a cage, and the roller pockets provide good lubrication retention due to the face contact between the rollers, resulting in low wear and friction, which facilitates smooth rolling motion.

Crossed roller guides have a lower installation height because two sets of rails are installed in parallel as a single unit. This gives crossed roller guides better overall stability and a higher overturning moment compared to linear guides, leading to greater operational stability.