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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    56

    15MM vs. 20MM RAILS

    Hi all, I am building a new cnc router with a table cutting size of 42" x 30".
    I am planning on using 80/20 extrusion, and I am going to use some linear rails, either Hiwin or THK. Do any of you see a performance difference between 15mm rails and 20mm rails? just for clarification, the rail widths are 15mm and 20mm, the heights are the same on both at 15mm.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    51
    What kind of rail? this is more important than size.
    Four point HSR can hold load in all direction, SR not.
    A bigger rail can hold higher load, wider rail can hold higher load in some direction, check manufacturer specs they are quite detailled about this.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    15362
    woodworker2

    For long rails you want them at least 20mm/25mm wide, as the 15mm are harder to get straight in long lengths,unless you have a machined surface with a shoulder to put them on

    Mounting on extrusion does not give the 15mm rail much support,3.5mm each side of the slot is not enough
    Mactec54

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    56
    Thank you, I have looked at Hiwin and THK, and I can't give you the model numbers, but I did make sure that in the descriptions, that they could be mounted in a vertical application.

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