42 Linear Rail Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for linear rails as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 42 linear rail manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear rail companies as of November, 2024: 1.Technico, Inc., 2.KB-3D, 3.ISEL USA.
Table of Contents
What Is Linear Rail?
A Linear Rail, also called a Linear Guide, is one of the indispensable machine parts in the drive unit of industrial machines.
A typical example is a type in which operating points called carriages with built-in bearing balls or rollers are arranged to allow smooth operation in the direction of the rail. Various types of installation techniques are available and can be seen on doors, guides, and pedestals of various machines.
Uses for Linear Rail
Linear Rails are one of the components of a machine that is used where linear motion is performed frequently.
In addition to machine tools, linear rails can also be found in a variety of other fields, such as robots, aircraft, rolling stock, construction equipment, medical equipment, and automobiles. Linear Rails can be used and arranged in parallel to achieve accurate and stable linear motion.
Principle of Linear Rail
The operational principle involves the carriage moving within the rail, unlike the extension of a desk drawer slide rail, for example.
The length of the rail determines the operating range. The carriage incorporates bearing balls or rollers to minimize the contact points, resulting in smooth operation and reduced deterioration of the machine's service life due to wear and tear.
To handle heavy loads, rollers are often used instead of carriage-based types. Rollers can be recirculating or non-recirculating. In the non-recirculating design, the distance is limited by the length of the bearings. In addition, the load applied by the machine to the Linear Rail is closely related to the life of the equipment, so its specifications and environment must be carefully considered.
Linear Rail materials are generally V-shaped steel rails or aluminum rails, and there are many types depending on the application. Each company offers a variety of linear rails and linear guides, but in order to provide products that are highly durable and maintenance-free as required by the market, they are devising mechanisms and competing with technology.
List of 42 Linear Rail Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- United States of America
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Technico, Inc.
Linear Motion Guides
Manufacturer Overview
Technico, Inc was founded in 1986 and is based in Warren, Ohio, is a manufacturer of motion control products required for industrial automation applications. The company provides linear guide systems, GL series linear actuators, KR series linear motion actuators, and caged ball LM guides that have applications in machine tools, metalworking, automotive assembly, and, transfer equipment industries as well as in steel mill equipment, packaging, and light & lamp plants. They also offer inventory, shipping, receiving, assembly, and, machining services for glass, robotics, tire & rubber, medical, and, injection molding sectors.
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AMETEK Programmable Power
Linear Rail Systems
Manufacturer Overview
AMETEK Programmable Power, located in San Diego, California, is a manufacturer of precision power solutions founded in 1982. The company offers precision power supplies, electronic loads, power subsystems, compliance test solutions, and precision modular instrumentation for applications requiring precise power control, testing, and electronic signal monitoring. These products are used in various industries such as research and development, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and automotive. The company holds and maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification, adhering to industry standards for its quality management system.
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Hiwin Corporation
Linear Guideways
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Rockford Ball Screw Co.
Linear guide rails
Manufacturer Overview
Rockford Ball Screw, a company founded in 1973, based in Rockford, Illinois, is a manufacturer and supplier of ball screws. The company offers flagship products which include ball screws and guide rail products with various configurations and custom specifications. The products are desigend with the latest advanced technology in ball-screw and linear guide rail technology. These products are used in multiple commercial and industrial machinery applications. The company also offers services and repairs with unique linear motion techniques.
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Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Manufacturer Overview
PBC Linear was established in 1983 in Rockford, IL as a manufacturer and supplier of a large array of inventive products and services related to linear motion technologies The portfolio of the company includes linear bearings and rails, patented linear guide systems, linear actuator technology, and also SIMOR) extrusion process. Their Applied Cobotics brand has introduced the Cobot Feeder which offers customers a collaborative automation tool for light’s-out manufacturing. They are continuing to provide expanding markets with effective products and services.
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Anaheim Automation, Inc.
LINER GUIDES
Manufacturer Overview
Anaheim Automation is a manufacturer of motion control and automation products based in California since 1966. Their product list includes Stepper Motors and its Drivers, Controllers, Linear Actuators, and gearmotors that have applications in position control. There are also Brushless DC products, Servo motors, and systems, Integrated Circuits, AC Motors, and more that are necessary for equipment upgrades, process control, XY, and rotary tables, pump flow control, and material handling for industries that involve medical diagnostics, food, cosmetics, labeling, and robotics.
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Modern Linear, Inc.
DOUBLE TRACK LINEAR GUIDE RAIL
Company Overview
Modern Linear, Inc., founded in 2004 with headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer, distributor, and supplier of linear motion products. The company's products include guide roller components, bushings, linear bearings, linear tracks, and linear motion controls. Modern Linear's products are used across numerous industries, including the medical, electronic, packaging, construction, and commercial markets. Examples include material handling equipment in factories and warehouses. The company also offers custom coatings, machining, lubricants, custom designs, and custom production.
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Quality Bearings & Components - QBC
Standard Metric Linear Guide Rail
Distributor Overview
Quality Bearings & Components (QBC) has been a distributor of bearings and related motion control components since 1950. The company is under the Designatronics division, headquartered in New York, USA. The company supplies various bearings, such as ball, roller, thrust, and spherical plain bearings. These components are critical in reducing friction and facilitating smooth motion in machinery and equipment. The company also has other motion components, including bushings, rod ends and linkages, linear motion products, pillow blocks and flanges, and shafting. The company serves a broad customer across various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and industrial machinery.
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Automation4less
Linear Rail
Distributor Overview
Automation4less, founded in 1998 and located in Salisbury, North Carolina, is a supplier of basic electrical, pneumatic, and automation components. The company’s range of products includes Linear Bearings, Stack Lights, Signal Lights, Linear Motion Guides, and Fuse Holders. These products find use in industrial automation and machinery applications. The company’s electrical, pneumatic, and automation components are used for precise linear motion, visual status communication, motion guidance, and electrical safety in industrial processes.
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Phidgets, Inc
Linear Rail
Manufacturer Overview
Phidgets, Inc, established in 2002 and based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a manufacturer and supplier of products for USB sensing and control. The company's product range includes controllers, sensors, mechanical devices, Spatial Phidget, and 4A Stepper Phidget. These products assist in tasks ranging from educational programming and robotics to monitoring company machinery and aiding in research experiments. They serve industries such as education, hobbies, business automation, and research. The company also offers an API, online documentation, hands-on guides, and customer support.
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Accuride
LINEAR RAIL AND TRACK SYSTEMS
Manufacturer Overview
Accuride is a manufacturer of movement solutions, established in 1958 in Burbank, California. They specialize in designing and producing telescopic and linear motion slides for various industries such as transport, retail, automotive, and cash handling. Their product range includes light, medium, and heavy-duty slides with load ratings up to 100 kg. The company's drawer slides are made with materials like stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring reliability and durability. They offer a wide range of features, including easy-close, self-close, lock-in, lock-out, and more, catering to diverse applications in industries like medical, automotive, engineering, and more.
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Wonststore.com.
Linear Guide
Manufacturer Overview
Wonststore.com. was founded in 2014 and is based in Sterling, Virginia is a manufacturer of linear motion bearings & guides for industries working on the general use of linear motion. The company provides ball linear guides, roller linear guides, linear bushings & super linear bushings, and, cross roller bearings, as well as linear actuators, smart actuators, isolation tables, and, shafts for machinery manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, construction, and, material handling sectors. They also offer mini linear guides for a compact environment of linear motion, and roller linear guides for ultra-high load, high rigidity, and high precision applications.
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NIPPON BEARING CO., LTD.
Linear Guides
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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isel Germany GmbH
Linear guides
Manufacturer Overview
Isel Germany AG, established in 1972 and headquartered in Hesse, Germany, is a manufacturer that specializes in the development and production of CNC machines and linear technology with modular systems. The company offers a wide range of products, including CNC machines, CNC routers, aluminium profiles, and linear guides. It also provides components from mechanics, electronics, and software. It offers a compact water jet-cutting machine with minimal dust or smoke generation and no toxicity. The company has achieved DIN ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system. It serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, precision, and more.
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CHAMBRELAN INC
Sliding rails
Manufacturer Overview
CHAMBRELAN Inc., established in 1956 and headquartered in Le Havre, France, is a manufacturer specializing in industrial telescopic ball bearing slides and linear guide rails. The company's product catalog includes a diverse range of offerings, such as drawer slides, linear bearing guides, hanging rails, drawer guides, bottom-mount drawer slides, and more. The company caters to an array of sectors, including the aerospace industry, vehicle fitting, handling production machinery, rail transport, medical sector, and others.
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THK U.K.
Linear
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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NSK Ltd.
NSK Linear Guides™
Manufacturer Overview
NSK Ltd., based in Japan, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and motion control solutions which started its journey in 1916. The company has established itself as a major supplier for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses ball bearings, roller bearings, and linear motion components. Their Motion & Control products and technologies support the motion that brings comfort and convenience in cars, planes, wind turbines, satellites, and almost anything with moving parts.
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Schaeffler Group USA
Linear ball bearing and guideway assemblies
Manufacturer Overview
Schaeffler, established in 1946, is headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA, and is a manufacturer and supplier of precision components and systems for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of bearings, linear guidance systems, engine components, and precision machinery. These components are crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation in various machinery and equipment. Schaeffler's products find applications in diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. the company aims to provide advanced solutions that enhance performance and efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
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Bosch Rexroth
Ball Rail Systems
Manufacturer Overview
Bosch Rexroth’s origins date back to 1795 and is now based in Lohr am Main, Germany. Bosh Rexroth is a manufacturer of industrial and mobile equipment control and motion products and systems. Bosch Rexroth’s products are divided into 10 technology segments. First is assembly technology which includes modular components. Next are electronic drives and controls which include CNC and motion control. Industrial hydraulics and linear motion technology follow. Mobile hydraulics, electronics, and IoT include solutions for mobile machines. Gear technology includes planetary gearboxes. The final four segments are molding and casting technology, tightening technology, resistance welding, and mobile robotics.
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Adafruit
Linear Bearing Supported Slide Rail
Manufacturer Overview
Adafruit Industries, established in 2005, is an American manufacturer based in New York, specializing in electronics and do-it-yourself (DIY) electronics kits. The company offers a diverse array of products, including breakout and development boards, circuit playgrounds, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), robotics, computer numerical control (CNC) components, and various electronics project accessories. Adafruit also supports open-source hardware and software, hosting all of its code and hardware on GitHub, a website service for managing code and files. Adafruit also provides a range of tutorials, guides, and project ideas aimed at inspiring and educating electronics enthusiasts, makers, and hobbyists in creating interactive electronic projects.
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Rollon Corp.
Linear Rails
Manufacturer Overview
Rollon Corp, established in 1979 in New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer of linear guide systems, actuators, and telescopic rails. The company operates in the USA, Italy, Germany, France, UK, China, and India, offering efficient linear guides, drives, and systems for various applications. The products include Compact Rails, Prismatic Rails, Telerace, Robot Transfer Units, and Clean Room Actuator Systems, to name a few. They have applications in automation, aerospace, transportation, and medical systems owing to their precision in movement, easy handling of components, and accurate positioning in aggressive work environment such as extreme heat.
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Ewellix
Linear guides
Manufacturer Overview
Ewellix is based in Göteborg, Sweden, and is a manufacturer of linear motion and actuation solutions originally founded in 1968 as SKF Motion Technologies before being acquired by Triton Partners in 2018. The company’s products include ball and roller screws, lifting columns, and linear guides. These are mainly used by clients in the medical device production, automated assembly design, and mobile machinery markets. The company also offers training events, tool guides, and machine performance optimization software.
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Thomson
Linear guide rails
Manufacturer Overview
Thomson Industries, headquartered in the United States, is a global manufacturer of motion control solutions since 1936. They have been one of the forerunners in the motion technology industry with products supplying optimized motion solutions to a broad range of industries and application areas including factory automation, medical, aerospace and defense, and more. The company merged with Regal Rexnord in 2023 as a key business in the automation and specialty platform. As part of Regal Rexnord, they are even more equipped to provide complete system solutions through their control, drive, power transmission and precision linear motion technologies.
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SBC Linear Co., Ltd
LINEAR RAIL SYSTEM
Company Overview
SBC Linear, established in 1982 in South Korea, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision linear motion systems and components. The company’s product range includes linear guides, ball screws, linear tables, and linear motors, catering to industries such as automation, robotics, semiconductor, and medical equipment. SBC Linear's passion for quality and creativity is demonstrated through its advanced solutions that enable precise and smooth linear motion in various applications. With decades of experience and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, SBC Linear continues to provide cutting-edge solutions for the evolving needs of industries worldwide.
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NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.
Linear Motion Rolling Guides
Company Overview
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.
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Tuli d.o.o., Ljubljana
Linear guide rails
Company Overview
Tuli d.o.o., based in Ljubljana has been a supplier of mechanical components since its establishment in 1991. The company specializes in supplying products from categories including bearings, linear technology, aluminum profiles, and power transmission technology. The platform has a selection of over 50,000 different types of bearings sourced from more than 30 manufacturers including Nippon Bearing, HepcoMotion, Alwayse, TBI Motion, and Rexroth. The online store is accessible 2/7 having served over 10,000 customers from 72 countries in the past 30 years.
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Motion Industries, Inc.
LINEAR MOTION
Company Overview
MiMotion was founded in 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama and today operates under Genuine Parts Company. The company operates as a distributor and supplier of custom parts for both maintenance repair and operating replacement part market and the OEM market. The company’s product line includes many types of products including abrasives, chemicals & lubricants, hand & power tools, hose & fittings, and process pumps & equipment. The company also provides maintenance repair and operating replacement parts as well as OEM parts ensuring compatibility with existing customer operations.
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Birail Motors
Linear Rails and Linear Rods
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OEM Automatic
LINEAR RAIL AND GUIDES
Distributor Overview
OEM Automatic is located in Whetstone, Leicester, and is a British industrial automation components distributor that was established as a subsidiary of Sweden’s OEM International in 1987. The company’s product lineup includes control panel components such as terminals and switches, position control solutions such as RFID and photoelectric sensors, and AC as well as DC motors for motion control processes. It also offers flow and pressure components including valves, pumps, and regulators. Aside from its products, the company provides custom manufacturing, kitting, pre-assembly, and technical support services to its clients.
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Nadella Inc
LINEAR GUIDES
Distributor Overview
Nadella Inc. established in 1930 and based in Milano, Italy, is a supplier of linear guide components and anti-friction bearings. The company also procures and distributes various products, such as telescopic rails, rod ends, spherical plain bearings, ball joints, and precision ball screws. These components are used in agricultural technology, automotive industry, construction machines, and special-purpose packaging machines. It has 8 production facilities and operates in 14 different locations. The company holds ISO 9001-2000 and ISO 14001-2005 and was acquired by ICG in 2018.
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AutomationDirect Inc.
Linear Bearings and Rails
Distributor Overview
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
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Linear Rail Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technico, Inc. |
17.6%
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| 2 | KB-3D |
5.3%
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| 3 | ISEL USA |
5.3%
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| 4 | Modern Linear, Inc. |
4.8%
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| 5 | Anaheim Automation, Inc. |
4.8%
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| 6 | PBC Linear |
4.8%
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| 7 | Hiwin Corporation |
4.3%
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| 8 | Rockford Ball Screw Co. |
4.3%
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| 9 | ZYLTECH ENGINEERING, LLC |
3.2%
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| 10 | Automation4less |
3.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear rail 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
- NSK Ltd.: 30,577
- THK U.K.: 13,502
- NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.: 2,673
Newly Established Company
- 3D Distributed: 2016 (8 years ago)
- ZYLTECH ENGINEERING, LLC: 2015 (9 years ago)
- 3DPrintronics: 2013 (11 years ago)
Company with a History
- NSK Ltd.: 1916 (108 years ago)
- Quality Bearings & Components - QBC: 1950 (74 years ago)
- CHAMBRELAN INC: 1956 (68 years ago)
Linear Rail Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Technico, Inc.
- ISEL USA
- AMETEK Programmable Power
- Hiwin Corporation
- Rockford Ball Screw Co.
- LinTech
- PBC Linear
- Anaheim Automation, Inc.
- Modern Linear, Inc.
- ZYLTECH ENGINEERING, LLC
- 3D Distributed
- KB-3D
- Peak Robotics
- Dobot.us
- Quality Bearings & Components - QBC
- Automation4less
Global Distribution of Linear Rail Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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16 | 51.6% |
Japan
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5 | 16.1% |
Germany
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2 | 6.5% |
Canada
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1 | 3.2% |
Republic of Korea
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1 | 3.2% |
France
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1 | 3.2% |
| Korea | 1 | 3.2% |
Slovenia
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1 | 3.2% |
United Kingdom
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1 | 3.2% |
India
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1 | 3.2% |
China
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1 | 3.2% |
List of Linear Rail Products
3 products are listed.
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
Realize smooth operation Roller Guide LS Liner Roller Slider LSAP (Standard type) series
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
A new guide with an aluminum profile integrated structure that can be used directly as pillars and beams. Recommended for installing multiple carri...
