Dovetail Rails
These are linear rails with simple surface bearings that rely on lubrication and a low coefficient of friction. The dovetail-shaped protrusion that fits into an identical negative geometry gives them their name.
Boxway Rails
Boxway rails, like dovetail rails, are simple surface bearings. However, instead of a dovetail-shaped protrusion, these feature a square gib with T-shaped flanges at the top.
Sleeve Bearing Slides
This type uses cylindrical surfaces instead of a matching tongue and groove shape. Bushings and journals are the terms for these types of surfaces. The bushing is a hollow cylinder built into the carriage, whereas the journal is a lengthy shaft that serves as the base's guide rail.
Linear Ball Bushings
This type is analogous to sleeve bearing slides; however it employs ball bearings instead of simple bushings. Recirculating ball bearings are included within the bushings. The recirculation might be tangential or radial in nature. The return path of the balls in tangential recirculation is oriented from the side or tangent to the shaft. This allows for a more compact design. The return path in radial recirculation, on the other hand, is perpendicular to the axis. This enables for the installation of more weight-bearing rows, resulting in higher load capabilities.
Linear Ball Rails
One of the most prevalent kinds of rolling element slides is this one. Linear ball rails are comparable to linear ball bushings, however they use a runner block instead of bushings. A return path for recirculation can also be built inside the runner block.
Crossed Roller Rails
This kind uses rollers that are aligned at 45° and 135° relative to the horizontal, as the name implies. The rollers can be arranged in a single row with 90° alternating orientations, or in many rows, each row perpendicular to the others.
Ball Screw Rail
This unique linear slide incorporates both ball bearings and power screws. The Acme profile of a common power screw drive engages the nut built into the carriage through sliding contact.