Linear slide or box slide?

The main working principle of this sled system, which is called hydrostatic friction or box sled, is that the recording and sled equipment work by providing superficial contact on each other. In this system, there is a gap of 5 microns (0.005mm) between the record and the slide, and there is oil like a film strip in this gap so that the movement can take place without any problems.

Box Cradle Advantages:

high rigidity
low vibration
Better shock damping
Strong and deep cuts
Compatibility with all kinds of materials

Box Cradle Disadvantages:

Slow idle feedrate
High production cost
low sensitivity
High maintenance cost
Excess oil consumption
When is the Box Cradle System Preferred?

Box slides are generally used in CNC Machines;

If the material to be processed is hard
If the workpiece to be clamped is heavy (Usually Machining Centers)
When percussive and impact workpieces need to be cut
If cutting is desired by high chip removal with deep depth of cuts
It should be preferred if regular maintenance and the costs to be incurred will not be ignored.
What is a Linear Guide System?

In this sled system, which is called a linear sled, the record and sled are replaced by a car and a sled. These two equipments move on each other by rolling the spacers we call marbles or bobbins. In this system, there is oil on the surface that the bobbin or marble touches. However, a small amount of lubrication is sufficient as there is rolling instead of rubbing surfaces in motion.

Marble Linear Motion System

Linear Guide System Advantages:
high speed movements
Much more precise measurement accuracy
Long life
Low production cost
Low maintenance and repair cost

Bobbin Linear Motion System

Linear Guide System Disadvantages;
Relatively lighter cutting operations
Higher probability of vibration
low sensitivity
Not suitable for processing all types of materials
Can be easily damaged in accidents

Additional Information: Disadvantages stated for Linear Guide systems. Their rollers are relatively less in Linear guideways than in Misket linear guides!..

When is a Linear Guide System Preferred?

Linear guide in CNC machines;

When speed matters in total machining time
If the tolerances on the parts to be machined are narrow (high precision)
When machining workpieces with relatively smoother form is desired
When there is no need to cut with a large depth of cut
If regular maintenance and costs will not be ignored
should be preferred.

Marble Linear Guide

Bobbin Linear Guide

Box Sled

Rigidity Ratio

50-70%

70-90%

one hundred%

Idle Movement Speed

one hundred%

one hundred%

(Max.) 30%

Movement Speed ​​While Cutting

100 m/min

100 m/min

20 m/min

Friction Rate

5-20%

10-30%

one hundred%

Considering the above-mentioned information, it is definitely not true to say that either Linear Motion Systems or Box Guide (Friction Guide) systems are completely superior to the other. The main thing here is to choose a movement system suitable for the work to be done.
– Manufacturers have gradually reduced the production of Box Guide systems due to the high production and maintenance & repair costs in CNC machine production, and prefer to use Linear Systems if it is not essential.