Bellows way covers

Bellows way covers for linear slide

Product Definition and Uses
Linear guideway dust covers are mechanical protective components specifically designed for linear guideways. They primarily protect the linear guideway, slider, and related transmission mechanisms, effectively preventing dust, chips, oil mist, or liquids from entering during equipment operation. This ensures smooth movement, maintains positioning accuracy, and extends the lifespan of the linear guideway and the entire equipment.
These dust covers are widely used in CNC machine tools, PCB processing equipment, semiconductor equipment, and various automated machinery, and are particularly suitable for linear motion systems requiring high precision and stability.
When is it appropriate to use a linear guide dust cover?
In practical engineering applications, linear guide dust covers are particularly suitable for the following conditions:
• Equipment using linear guides (rails) as the main transmission structure
• High requirements for guide rail accuracy, smoothness, and service life
• Dust, cutting chips, or particulate contamination in the processing or operating environment
• PCB, semiconductor, or precision machining equipment where the risk of foreign matter ingress needs to be reduced
• Desire to improve protection without affecting motion accuracy. Compared to general dust protection methods, linear guide dust covers fit the linear guide structure better, effectively reducing the probability of contaminants directly contacting the slider and rolling elements.
Structural and Material Design Specifications
Linear guide dust covers can be fully customized according to the linear guide dimensions, stroke, and usage conditions. Common components include:
• Dust cover body: Soft rubber or coated fabric
• Front and rear mounting flanges: Metal sheet (steel or stainless steel)
• Internal support structure (optional):
o Rollers (reduces movement resistance and improves smoothness)
o Steel scissor clamps (supports medium to long strokes)
o Support plates or stroke limiting structures (maintain folding stability)
The actual materials and structural configuration will be evaluated based on the following conditions:
• General processing or dusty environments: Standard dustproof materials
• High oil mist or coolant environments: Oil-resistant and waterproof materials
• PCB or semiconductor equipment: Antistatic and low dust release materials
• Outdoor or high-light environments: UV-resistant and weather-resistant design
• High-temperature processes: Materials with corresponding temperature resistance ratings selected according to requirements
Main advantages of linear guide dust covers
• Material selection allows for dustproof, waterproof, oil-proof, and acid/alkali-resistant protection.
• Specific materials can be customized to provide antistatic, UV-resistant, high-temperature resistant, IP-rated, or cleanroom-grade (e.g., Class 1000) protection.
• The structural design conforms to the linear guide's motion, ensuring positioning accuracy and smoothness.
• Appropriate compression ratios and support structures can be designed based on the linear guide's travel and speed.
• Full customization is supported to meet the needs of different equipment sizes and lifespans.
Customized design and manufacturing capabilities
Linear guide dust covers can be fully customized to meet specific customer equipment requirements, including:
• Linear guide dimensions and installation method
• Compression length and maximum extension stroke
• Environmental conditions (dust, oil mist, temperature, static electricity)
• Expected service life and operating frequency
During the design phase, a comprehensive evaluation of the linear guide type, stroke length, movement speed, and characteristics of the contaminant source will be conducted to assist customers in selecting the most suitable materials and internal support configuration to ensure effective protection and long-term stability.
Application Scope
Linear guide dust covers are commonly used in:
• Traditional machine tools and various CNC machine tools
• PCB forming machines and PCB drilling machines
• Waterjet cutting machines
• Wood carving machines
• Semiconductor equipment and precision automation equipment
Through proper linear guide dust cover design, dust and particulate matter can be effectively prevented from entering the slide rail system, avoiding impact on equipment accuracy, operational stability, and overall service life.
FAQ | Common Issues with Linear Guide Bellows Covers
Q1: What is the difference between linear guide dust covers and regular dust covers?
A: Linear guide dust covers are specifically designed for linear guideways, conforming more closely to the guideway structure and providing effective protection without affecting motion accuracy. Compared to regular dust covers, linear guide dust covers prioritize the smoothness of slider movement and the maintenance of accuracy.
Q2: What equipment is suitable for linear guide dust covers?
A: Any equipment that uses linear guideways and requires precision, smoothness, and long service life is suitable for linear guide dust covers. Common equipment includes CNC machine tools, PCB processing equipment, semiconductor equipment, and automation equipment.
Q3: Do linear guide dust covers require an internal support structure?
A: Whether an internal support structure is needed depends primarily on the linear guideway travel length, movement speed, and dust cover width. For medium-to-long travel or high-speed equipment, it is generally recommended to use rollers or steel scissor clamps to ensure stable operation and extend lifespan.
Q4: How to choose the appropriate material for a linear guide dust cover? A: Material selection needs to be assessed based on the environmental conditions, including whether there is dust, oil mist, temperature limitations, or anti-static requirements. During the design phase, the equipment's travel distance, movement frequency, and expected lifespan are usually considered simultaneously.
Q5: What factors affect the lifespan of linear guide dust covers?
A: Lifespan is mainly affected by linear guide travel distance, movement speed, type of contaminant, material selection, and structural design. Proper material selection and support structure configuration can effectively extend the actual lifespan of the dust cover.


TOP