[infamous_panda]

Are linear rails and carriage blocks an interchangeable industry standard? Meaning if I purchase a cheap carriage of the same size to add on to CNCRP's rails would there be potential compatibility issues? Could I buy a third party rail to extend a machine?

[BeanAnimal]

They are not standard, though some brands may be compatible. You would have to check manufacturers specs. Profiles and mounting holes will differ between brands. Automation Overstock produces rails and blocks that work with an older Hiwin profile, but I don’t know of other examples of cross compatibility.

[ger21]

Automation Overstock produces rails and blocks that work with an older Hiwin profile

Actually, they are interchangeable with current Hiwin HG series.

I think mounting hole locations are somewhat standard, but nothing else usually is.

[BeanAnimal]

Ahh I did not realize the HG series was still current!

[nlancaster]

I took a chance and order the BLH chinese rail from automationoverstock.com. I will deffinitely be posting on how it works out.

[peteeng]

Hi Infamous - Its usual not to mix cars and rails from different makers. They are made to an industry std but the std is for overall dimensions and hole spacing and such. So for instance if you use a hiwin 20mm combo you can replace it with a PMI combo. But I've found the actual race height to be different and the shape of the area around the race to be different so WON car seals won't go on HIwin rails or others. so expect some differences. Peter

[peteeng]

Hi Infamous - Its usual not to mix cars and rails from different makers. They are made to an industry std but the std is for overall dimensions and hole spacing and such. So for instance if you use a hiwin 20mm combo you can replace it with a PMI combo. But I've found the actual race height to be different and the shape of the area around the race to be different so WON car seals won't go on HIwin rails or others. so expect some differences unless the company such as AO state they are compatible with another manufactures design. Peter

[nlancaster]

So my converted machine with BLH Linear rails is up and running.

I must say the rails do seem to deliver on quality for the price, I don't have any good pictures because my phone really can't take macro shots. But I am getting perfectly smooth edge finish in acrylic that I have never got before on the CNCRouterParts standard carriages.

Totally happy with the BLH rail so far.