584,861 active members*
4,717 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    61

    Aluminum supported linear rails

    I found a never completed gantry router a few days ago and I noticed something odd, the linear rails are made of aluminum with steel inserts.

    Attachment 218378

    Has anyone used these before or have any data on them?

    How does the testiness compare to similarly sized all steel rails?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    231
    I used them in an industrial installation one time. They were used between 16-24 hours per day in a 3 shift operation. Travel speed was about 600 IPM. They lasted about 4 years and then the machine was removed. They are still in excellent shape. Had several bearings fail but not issue with the rails.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    61
    How rigid are they compared to full steel ones?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    380
    I have them on the X axis of my DIY router. Seem to work as good as the all steel at a lower cost. My router design has the gantry sitting on the rails, not hanging from them.

    John

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    3920
    I've seen similar designs on injection mold machine extractors. They hold up well in that application and that is a device with extreme rapids, rapids that frankly most CNC machining centers never see. I don't see a problem in a router though obviously I've haven't actually seen such a machine. Rigidity would be a function of how well the rollers are supported and preloaded. It is certainly worth an experiment if you already have the parts.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    231
    Quote Originally Posted by snowluck View Post
    How rigid are they compared to full steel ones?

    I cannot say. I have used both in industrial apps and they seemed to perform as well as any other high quality rail.

Similar Threads

  1. Where to post linear supported rails to sell.( question for ger21)
    By dinkyguitar in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 11-16-2012, 06:19 AM
  2. Glacern linear bearings/supported rails???
    By MasterMaker in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-02-2010, 10:03 PM
  3. Glacern Supported Linear Rails & Bearings
    By Glacern in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-12-2010, 07:35 PM
  4. Intermittently Supported Linear Ball Bushing Rails
    By Chuck_M in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-13-2009, 05:57 AM
  5. 16mm vs. 20mm supported linear rails...
    By WilliamD in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 12-20-2008, 12:37 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •