Classification by Structure:
Single-axis guide (single-axis ball guide): Consists of one guide rail and one slider, with the balls cyclically rolling within the V-groove of the guide rail. It has a compact structure, is easy to install, and is suitable for light-load, low-speed linear motion applications, such as 3C equipment and automated assembly lines. The price is typically between 50-300 RMB/meter, depending on the material (e.g., aluminum alloy, stainless steel) and precision grade (standard, precision).
Dual-axis guide (dual-axis ball guide): Consists of two parallel guide rails and one slider. The slider's interior contacts both guide rails simultaneously via balls, forming a dual-point support structure. This design significantly improves load-bearing capacity and rigidity, making it suitable for medium-load, medium-speed applications, such as woodworking machinery and packaging equipment. Market prices vary widely, with standard models costing approximately 200-800 RMB/meter, while high-precision models can reach over 1000 RMB/meter.
Rectangular guide rails (square guide rails): The guide rail has a rectangular cross-section. The slider contacts the four sides of the guide rail through four sets of ball bearings, forming a four-way even load-bearing structure. It has extremely high rigidity and is suitable for heavy-duty, high-speed applications, such as CNC machine tools and machining centers. Prices vary considerably depending on specifications and precision, with standard models costing approximately 500-2000 RMB/meter, and high-precision models potentially exceeding 5000 RMB.
Dovetail guide rails: The guide rail has a dovetail-shaped cross-section. The slider contacts the groove surface through ball bearings or rollers, providing a self-locking function. It is commonly used in applications requiring manual adjustment or vertical installation, such as printing machinery and optical equipment. Prices vary depending on materials and manufacturing complexity, ranging from approximately 300-1500 RMB/meter.