This section provides an overview for linear slides as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 35 linear slide manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear slide companies as of November, 2024: 1.Compact Automation Products, 2.SMS Linear, 3.PM.
Table of Contents
A linear slide is a mechanical component designed to guide smooth, high-precision linear motion, akin to a smoothly operating drawer. It enables the moving part to glide back and forth with high accuracy, facilitating repetitive movements.
Linear slides vary in size, rigidity, and material, and can be selected from a range of options provided by different manufacturers to suit specific applications and functional requirements. They are increasingly vital in automated manufacturing plants, semiconductor production, and inspection equipment.
Linear slides are predominantly used in factory automation, semiconductor manufacturing, and inspection equipment where precision and repetitive linear motion are essential. They are also found in medical equipment, machine tools, and construction projects.
Various types of linear slides are available, including standard types for precise movement, corrosion-resistant models, high-rigidity types, and those designed for easy installation. Selection depends on the specific application and operating environment.
A linear slide typically comprises a table (outer frame), a bed (similar to a drawer), and several balls for smooth movement. The outer frame and bed are arranged in a U-shaped assembly, with grooves allowing the balls to roll. The bed moves back and forth within the outer frame, and the balls facilitate this motion by rolling in the grooves.
For stable and smooth operation, many linear slides incorporate retainers to maintain equal spacing between the balls, preventing contact and ensuring smooth movement. Some models also include a feature to prevent retainer shifting, further enhancing stability.
While installation methods vary among manufacturers, all strive to simplify the process. However, it is crucial to follow each manufacturer's guidelines for installation and use to ensure stable and precise movement.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Helix Linear Technologies, headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, and founded in 1969, is a manufacturer specializing in screws and linear motion products. The company engineers precision linear motion and power transmission systems, specializing in lead screws and linear actuators. Whether the application requires an off-the-shelf linear motion component or a customized solution tailored to specific needs, the company offers complete engineering, design, analysis, and manufacturing capabilities. Over time, the company has expanded its product lines to include a diverse range of over 10,000 configurable products, including ball screw assemblies, acme screw assemblies, and more.
Fabco-Air, Inc., established in 1958, is a manufacturer of pneumatic systems situated in 49th Ave., Gainesville, FL. The company catalog has force and rotary actuators, linear slides, valves, grippers, and accessories like seal kits, pivot mounts, LED-lit magnetic piston sensors, vacuum generators, and mounting nuts made of stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and bronze. It serves the packaging, medical, semiconductor, warehouse, and printing industries as an ISO 9001 registered company and a member of FestoGroup.
New Way, established in 1994, and based in Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of bearings and mounted components. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of bearings, airbrushes, air spindles, air bars, mounted components, gauges, regulators, and filters. The products are used in many industries which are automotive, additive, meteorological sensors, and medical implants. ‘The company also provides products with the latest advanced technologies which include frictionless motion with porous media air design basics.
Tolomatic was founded in the 1950s and operates out of Hamel, Minnesota. Tolomatic Is a manufacturer of automation components for industries such as aerospace, agriculture, automotive construction, life sciences, semiconductor, and utilities. Tolomatic has three main product lines which are electric linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, and power transmissions. Electric linear actuators include rodless electro-mechanical actuators, electric rod actuators, as well as custom & modified products. Pneumatic linear actuators include rodless pneumatic actuators, rod-style pneumatic linear thrusters, and custom & modified products. Power transmission includes roller screws, industrial caliper brakes, industrial gearboxes, and industrial cone clutches.
Physik Instrumente aka PI, founded 50 years ago, is a private company that creates and produces automation systems, including hexapods, air bearings, and piezo drives that are used in life-sciences, photonics, and aerospace industries and research institutes. Their products are manufactured in North America, Europe, and Asia. Physik Instrumente is ITAR registered. The company's head office is located in Auburn, America. And its manufacturing and other facilities are located in New England.
Mädler North America was founded in 2020 as the US-based subsidiary of Mädler which was founded in Berlin, Germany in 1882. Mädler specializes in manufacturing precision-made machine parts. Product lines include linear guides, bearings, bushes, bevel gears, worm wheels, castors and wheel systems, couplings, fastening elements, clutches, gear boxes, idlers, linear bearings, locking assemblies, machine mounts, elements for pneumatic machines various joints, rubber padding and dampers, splined shafts and hubs, sprockets, timing belts, spindles, adhesives, sealants, and other assorted accessories.
LinTech was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Monrovia, California. The company is a manufacturer that also designs and engineers positioning components and systems for use in a wide range of linear motion control applications for customers in aerospace, food processing, machine tool, semiconductor, and other markets. The company offers a range of products from linear ball bushings & shafts to ball screw assemblies, rotary stages, and more. The company offers extensive technical support and customer service including assistance with CAD files.
Hiwin Technologies Corp. was established in 1989 in Taichung, Taiwan, with subsidiaries across Asia, Europe, and the United States. The company is the first linear motion and motion control product manufacturer in the world to attain ISO-9001 and ISO-14001 certification and serves industries such as medical laboratories, packaging, metal fabrication, and general automation. The company uses CAD technology to design products such as linear guideways, ball screws & supports, torque motors, and industrial robotics machines.
Compact Automation Products LLC., founded in 1975, is an American manufacturer based in Westminster, South Carolina, specializing in compact linear actuator solutions. Compact offers a wide range of products that are designed to maximize performance while minimizing space requirements. Some of the company’s product offerings are standard and custom pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, along with related accessories. Their Turn-Act product line, which holds 12 granted patents, provides rotary actuators and multi-motion devices. These products find applications in various industries, including automation, robotics, conveyor systems, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage.
Bishop-Wisecarver was founded in 1950 and operates in Pittsburg, California as a family-run business. The company is an AS9100D and ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of motion control guides components and accessories. The company’s product lines are Actuated Linear Guide Systems, Rotary Guide Systems, Signature Motion Linear Actuators, and Manual Linear Guide Systems. Services such as product selection tools and custom solutions are also available. Custom solutions include extruded profile guides to facilitate guide design, as well as specialty bearings.
ASG is a division of Jergens, Inc., was founded in 1976, and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. ASG both manufactures and distributes solutions for assembly including precision torque and angle DC electric fastener systems. ASG is ISO 9001:2015 certified. ASG groups include ASG Express, ASG Precision Fastening, ASG Automation, and ASG Integrated Services. Together they specialize in electric and manual screwdrivers, production aides, tool accessories, air motors, pneumatic torque control tools, pulse tools, torque wrenches, current control tool systems, automation systems, auto feed systems, air grippers, torque arms, screwdrivers & nutrunners for automation, and peripheral automation equipment.
PHD Inc. was founded in 1957 and is a manufacturer of automation solutions based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. The company manufactures various automation system products such as tri-axis tooling, rotary actuators, linear slides, blow molding, and tie rod cylinders. The products have been applied in various industries such as material handling equipment, stretch blow molding, aluminum, glass, and medical. The company has obtained the certificate of ISO 9001:2015 and complied to REACH and RoHS standards.
Velmex, Inc. was founded in 1967 in Bloomfield, New York where it still operates today. The company is a designer and manufacturer of stock and custom linear and rotary motion control positioning equipment for scientific, research, machining, and industrial applications. The company produces 3 unique brands of manual and motor-driven assemblies in Unislide, BiSlide, and XSlide in multiple build-to-order configurations. The company also produces manual and motor-driven XY tables, rotary turntables, as well as VXM motor controls, and VRO encoder readouts.
TPA Motion was started in 2002 and based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. TPA Motion is now part of the Acuvi AB group of companies. Acuvi is a Swedish Technology company focusing on developing compact drive solutions for life science, medical, and industrial applications. TPA Motion is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer and distributor of motion and precision assemblies. TPA Motion has 2 main product segments, component products and engineered OEM solutions. Component products include rails, actuators, bearings, guides, and assemblies. Engineered OEM solutions include microplate robots, curved rail systems, special telescopic slides, and high temperature systems.
Established in 1999, Miniature Precision Components (MPC), as the name implies, is a precision mechanical component manufacturer based in Santa Clara. Since 1972, MPC has made and distributed US-made balls, needle and thrust bearings, shafting, couplings, dowel pins and precision shoulder screws to high-tech and industrial enterprises globally. They also offer custom components to meet client-specific manufacturing needs. MPC doubles as a WM Berg and PIC Design distributor and will interchange part numbers at competitive pricing.
Isotech was founded in 182 and is headquartered in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Isotech is a manufacturer’s representative and distributor of proprietary mechanical and electromechanical products to the industrial, medical, and military OEM and in-plant markets. Some of Isotech’s products include linear slide assemblies & rail sets, shock/vibration mounts & pads, linear bushings & shafting, telescoping lifting columns, positioning stages, air bearings, gas springs/air cylinders, motorized positioning tables, laser marking cutting systems, foamed aluminum/metal/composites, stamped metal, noise control products, and belt driven actuators.
H2W Technologies, Inc. is based in Santa Clarita, California. H2W serves aerospace, amusement rides, medical, meteorology, photonics, and other industries as a distributor of motion control products. H2W has 3 product segments: linear motors, rotary motors, and linear stages. Linear motors includes voice coil actuators, brushless linear motors, brush linear motors, single axis linear stepper motors, dual axis linear stepper motors, linear induction motors, and polynoids. Rotary motors include rotary voice coil actuators, limited angle torque motors, and brushless rotary motors. Linear stages include voice coil stages, linear stepper stages, single rail stages, dual rail stages, crossed roller stages, air bearing stages, belt stages, and lead screw/ball screw stages.
Gilman Precision, a company founded in 1952, based in Grafton, Wisconsin, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of linear and rotary motion solutions. The company produces precision linear stages, also known as machine slides, and spindles for various industries and applications. The products are designed to provide smooth movement, accurate positioning, and long-lasting performance. It also offers reengineering, installation, servicing, and spare parts for hydraulic equipment. It is dependable by global OEMs, contractors, and equipment service providers for its quality, reliability, and innovation.
Nippon Bearing was established in 1939 and is headquartered in Ojiya-City, Niigata, Japan as a manufacturer of linear motion products. The company is known for producing linear bearings, and some of its other products include Linear and Slide Guides, Ball Splines, Cross Roller Guides, and Linear Bushings. These items have extensive use in industries that work with optical equipment and high-precision measurements as the products have motion accuracy as well as rigidity. The company also provides parts and tools for general machinery as well.
Morehorizon Machinery Co., Ltd., established in 2005 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is a manufacturer specializing in machinery and automation equipment design. The company provides machinery and automation equipment design, precision parts CNC processing, and sheet metal manufacturing. Its offerings include various types of CNC turning flexible couplings for motors, fiber laser power boxes with different power ratings (30W, 20W, and 100W), and desk-style marking cabinets designed for fiber laser systems. Its products cater to various industries, such as the automobile, motorcycle, electronic industry, and laser automation equipment, as well as automation equipment accessories.
SanGo Automation Limited, founded in 2010 with facilities and headquarters in China, is a manufacturer of linear and rotary transmission solutions for original equipment manufacturers requiring industrial automation and in the robot field. The company's products include ball screw linear modules, sync belt linear modules, linear Motors, cam indexing drives, and planetary gearboxes. SanGo Automation Limited also develops smart motorized grippers for industrial robots. The company's clients include Samsung, Huawei, Han's Laser, BYD, and Midea.
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
Ningbo Kete Transmission Technology Co. Ltd., established in 2020, and based in Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision machinery tools. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of linear shafts, linear motion slide units, ball screw brackets, couplings, linear guideways, needle rollers, and others. All the company products are ISO-certified with production automation equipment and OEM customized solutions. The products are used mainly in the machinery industry and other sectors associated with it.
PM B.V. is a leading manufacturer from Europe of high-precision linear guides, linear slides, customized positioning systems, and motion platforms. The company was established in 1966, and is based in Dedemsvaart, Netherlands. The company’s main activities involve the design of high-precision linear guideways, anti-cage creep linear guides, cross-roller slides, miniature linear slides, rotary table bearings, gonio slideways, and positioning systems. Its product line includes Linear, Rotary bearings, Motion Systems, and Large machining. The company offers customised solutions to the following product departments; linear guides, linear stages, rotary stages, and multi-axis motion systems PM B.V. offers services like technical support, design/engineering, and customized solutions. PM serves the high-precision industry like the semiconductor, medical en analytical industries.
Oriental Motor USA Corp., established in 1978 and based in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of motors and control systems and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. The company stocks over 50,000 products that it sells worldwide, including actuators, motors, and controller products used in several industries like the medical, semiconductor, and factory automation industries. In 1983, the company developed brushless DC fans, and it later developed watertight, dust-resistant motors in 1990. In 1991, it came up with motorized linear slides and motorized cylinders.
General Devices Co., Inc., established in Indianapolis, IN in 1953 is a manufacturer of telescoping slides, cabinets, accessories, and electronic packaging. Their product portfolio includes Ball Bearing Slides, Solid Bearing Slides, Bottom Mount Slides, Cabinet & Rackmount Accessories and racks. The company serves markets including industries such as electronics/computer, telecom/data communication, medical, aerospace, military, security, and transportation. The company's manufacturing plants include is 160,000 sq. ft. and includes an R&D center.
IKO International was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Himeji, Japan. As a certified ISO 9001:2015, the company is a manufacturer of needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, and precision positioning tables. Its products are used in a wide variety of applications, including industrial machinery, robotics, and medical equipment. The company's product range includes needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, and precision positioning tables and are used in some of the world's advanced machines. IKO International has over 6,000 employees and operates in more than 50 countries.
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
Strybuc Industries was founded in 1982 and is a wholesale distributor of window and door replacement hardware.They are an American, family-run company with three main locations in Philadelphia, Miami, and Reno. Their product line includes sash locks, window repair parts, door rollers, handles, and other items that can be customized to meet the demands of the customer. Their inventory encompasses over 80,000 hardware parts, and they serve enterprises all around the world.
SMS Linear, a company founded in 2098, based in Springboro, Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of linear slide systems and components. The company offers various products such as guide wheels, guide wheel track, linear slide assemblies, linear motors, and collision detectors. Designed for precision and durability, the Linear Slide Systems produced by Superior Motion Systems Linear (SMS Linear), offer a dependable and affordable solution for all of its automation needs. It works closely with every client to ensure all of it linear components exceed standards, including Linear Stages, Guide Wheels, Collision Detectors, Linear Motors.
Yaskawa America Inc., started in 1967 and based in Waukegan, Illinois, is a manufacturer of machine controllers, industrial robots, and variable frequency drives and is part of Yaskawa Electric Corporation. Some of its products include industrial AC drives, machine controllers, and IEC programmable robots. The company incorporates the Kaizen method of continuous incremental improvements and Total Quality Management processes to prevent manufacturing defects, and its distributors must be certified and re-certified every two years. It is ISO 9001 certified and is the only industrial drives and motion control manufacturer to win the Deming Medal.
Sugatsune America, Inc. is an American AS9120B and ISO 9001 certified distributor of architectural and industrial hardware products that was established by the Japanese company Sugatsune in 1982. Headquartered in Carson, California, the company stocks various hardware products including locks, hinges, latches, and knobs. These are used by homeowners, commercial building contractors, and industrial manufacturing facilities, as well as by clients in the marine and offshore sectors. Sugatsune America also offers engineering, customization, and support services such as consultation, troubleshooting, and technical support.
bisco industries was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1973 and now is headquartered in Anaheim, California. bisco industries is a distributor of electronic components and fasteners used for production in aerospace, communication, computer, fabrication, industrial equipment, instrumentation, marine, and military industries. Some of bisco’s product offerings include fasteners such as nuts and washers, hardware such as casters and bearings, door and access hardware including handles and hinges, electronic connectors including circular connectors and terminal blocks, enclosures such as cabinets and rack components, and wires and cables including wire and cable management including sleeving and tubing.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Compact Automation Products |
4.9%
|
2 | NIPPON BEARING CO., LTD. |
4.9%
|
3 | SMS Linear |
3.7%
|
4 | PM |
3.7%
|
5 | Strybuc Industries |
3.7%
|
6 | bisco industries |
3.7%
|
7 | General Devices Co. |
3.7%
|
8 | H2W Technologies |
3.7%
|
9 | Maedler North America |
3.7%
|
10 | Tolomatic, Inc. |
3.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear slide page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 19 | 67.9% |
Japan | 4 | 14.3% |
China | 4 | 14.3% |
Netherlands | 1 | 3.6% |
48 products are listed.
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
Eliminate the impact sound and goro of the ball. But the quietest and smooth ■ Characteristics ・ Total length: Double type ・ Axial diameter: φ16...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
The rails and bearings are completely compatible, and the ball does not fall off even if they are removed. The bearing is shipped with a lithium so...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
The rails and bearings are completely compatible, and the ball does not fall off even if they are removed. The bearing is shipped with a lithium so...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
Eliminate the impact sound and goro of the ball. But the quietest and smooth ■ Characteristics ・ Total length: short type ・ Axial diameter: φ16 ...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
Ozac original product group ■ Characteristics ・ Our unique special parts. ・ There are rotating bearings with flange, low -priced products, compa...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
Eliminate the impact sound and goro of the ball. But the quietest and smooth ■ Characteristics ・ Total length: Standard type ・ Axial diameter: φ...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
The rails and bearings are completely compatible, and the ball does not fall off even if they are removed. The bearing is shipped with a lithium so...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
The rails and bearings are completely compatible, and the ball does not fall off even if they are removed. The bearing is shipped with a lithium so...