[beeman_mccheyne]

I would like to build a gantry mechanisim that uses a rail/slide to anchor the machine on the axis. I do not want to use rollers/wheels and was wondering if there is a common type of system in the CNC world that uses such a thing. I was thinking of a metal plate sliding on a plastic "bushing" somehow forked to keep it in position (needs to go 40ft) and if there is such a thing out there as common place, where would I search for the parts to build what I need?

Cheers,

Frazer

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Frazer, I think you will have to give us a better description of what it is you want to accomplish.

Dick Z

[beeman_mccheyne]

Thanks Richard,

I have a machine (head) that needs to move back and forth on some sort of rail system. I found something that might work (3D ProductPage Rail Assembly-Inch&isCate=false) with a slotted pillow block bushing sliding along on the rail.

I was just wondering what cnc machines normally use (ones without rollers) to slide on.

Cheers,

Frazer

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

The better built machines use linear ball or roller bearings housed in blocks. These roll on linear ways. "Google" THK linear ways for an example.

Dick Z

[beeman_mccheyne]

Thanks Richard,

I fear that for my application, the rollers will get contaminated with debris and render them less useful. I will pursue the thompson liner track with FluoroNyliner Bushing Bearings, as my machine travel times/distance will be much less than that of a cnc machine (for track wear issues).

Thanks for the info,

Cheers,

Frazer