From data center racks to intricate medical devices to automation and manufacturing, whatever your line of business or specific requirements, when smooth movement across the horizontal plane is required, a custom telescopic ball bearing slide system is often the most effective solution.
The Mechanics of the Telescopic Bearing Slide
An assembly comprising multiple nesting metal rails sliding over ball bearings. With relatively minimal applied force, the nesting segment, or segments, are extended or retracted along a fixed range of motion carrying their load to any point along a linear path. The assembly is equipped with stops at the fully extended and retracted positions, and other features may be incorporated for added safety or enhanced functionality, as suits the application.
The Manufacturing of Ball Bearing Slides
- Material Selection:
Slides are generally made with high-strength materials such as cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, or aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance. - Precision Forming:
The rail sections are created using processes such as roll forming or extrusion. Close tolerances are essential for achieving the precise geometries necessary for smooth sliding motion. - Heat Treatment:
Depending on the intended application, rails may undergo heat treatment to enhance hardness and wear resistance. - Bearing Integration:
Ball bearings or roller bearings are inserted into raceways to facilitate low-friction movement of the rail segments. - Surface Treatment:
Coatings including zinc plating, hexavalent yellow, black oxide, or anodization may be applied for enhanced corrosion resistance, vibration damping, and longevity. - Assembly & Quality Assurance:
Multiple sections are assembled with bearing retention mechanisms to ensure seamless movement and load-bearing capacity. Quality checks, including cycle testing and load testing, are performed to confirm performance standards.
Applications of Telescopic Bearing Slides
This type of slide is used in a variety of applications where smooth, controlled linear motion is required. Some common examples include:
- Industrial Machinery
Used in CNC machines, automation systems, and material handling equipment. - Aerospace & Defense
Found in aircraft storage compartments, weapon mounts, and maintenance equipment. - Medical Equipment
Applied in MRI machines, CT scanners, and hospital beds for precise movement. - Automotive & Transportation
Used in vehicle seating adjustments, tool storage compartments, and specialty vehicle drawers.
Options and Formats
Telescoping rails can be side- or bottom-mounted. They may incorporate special features such as quick chassis (inner rail) disconnect or locking features like the General Devices patented Green Button™ lock-out technology.
Slides can be designed for virtually any size load, but conventional product lines range from light-duty household applications to heavy-duty industrial slides that can accommodate loads of 1,000 pounds or more.
Even the most robust slide systems can be operated with surprisingly little force equal to 10-15% of load. The smoothness of the mechanism contributes to longevity by minimizing wear caused by vibration.
Call on General Devices
General Devices is a worldwide provider of high-quality, highly customizable telescoping slides. Contact us to find out how we can help you.