{"id":10445,"date":"2026-07-22T12:46:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T17:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/?p=10445"},"modified":"2026-07-23T11:59:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:59:20","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-faqs-of-linear-guides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-of-linear-guides\/","title":{"rendered":"Linear Guide FAQs: Ball Bearings, Tolerances, Grease, Lifespan, &#038; More (Updated 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n\n<!-- SEO \/ AIO Meta -->\n<title>Linear Guide FAQs: Ball Bearings, Tolerances, Grease, Lifespan &amp; More | MISUMI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Answers to the most common linear guide questions: retained ball bearings, block and rail tolerances, seal materials, grease specs, mounting orientations, interchangeable blocks, rail cutting, and lifespan calculation.\">\n<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"linear guide FAQ, linear guide tolerances, linear guide grease, interchangeable linear guides, THK linear guide, linear guide lifespan, rail cutting service, linear guide mounting, MISUMI linear guides, ball bearing retention\">\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-of-linear-guides\/\">\n\n<!-- Open Graph -->\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\">\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Linear Guide FAQs: Ball Bearings, Tolerances, Grease, Lifespan &amp; More | MISUMI\">\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Answers to the most common linear guide questions: retained ball bearings, tolerances, grease specs, mounting orientation, interchangeable blocks, rail cutting, and lifespan calculation.\">\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-of-linear-guides\/\">\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MISUMI Mech Lab Blog\">\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-06-22\">\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-22\">\n<meta property=\"article:section\" content=\"Mechanical Design\">\n<meta property=\"article:tag\" content=\"linear guides, linear rails, THK, FAQ, rail cutting, interchangeable blocks\">\n\n<!-- Twitter Card -->\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\">\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Linear Guide FAQs: Ball Bearings, Tolerances, Grease, Lifespan &amp; More | MISUMI\">\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Answers to the most common linear guide questions: retained ball bearings, tolerances, grease specs, mounting orientations, interchangeable blocks, rail cutting, and lifespan calculation.\">\n\n<!-- Structured Data: FAQ schema for AIO\/featured snippets -->\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"name\": \"Linear Guide FAQs\",\n  \"description\": \"Frequently asked questions about MISUMI, THK, Bosch Rexroth, IKO, and Thomson linear guides.\",\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-of-linear-guides\/\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Are the ball bearings in linear guide blocks retained?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, all ball bearings are retained on MISUMI linear guides. For THK linear guides, part numbers starting with SHS, SSR, SRS, and SHW series have retained ball bearings.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the seal material of MISUMI miniature linear guides?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"MISUMI miniature linear guides use Nitrile Rubber (NBR) seals.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the W1 tolerance for MISUMI linear guides?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The W1 dimension tolerance for MISUMI linear guides is \u00b10.005 mm.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the width tolerances for MISUMI linear guide blocks and rails?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Block width (W) tolerance is \u00b10.05 mm. Rail width tolerance is tighter at \u00b10.005 mm.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I add or replace blocks on my linear guide?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Blocks can be added or replaced only on Interchangeable Linear Guides, which are sold both as sets and as separate rails and blocks. All other linear guide types are sold as matched sets only\u2014precision is guaranteed for the original purchased set only.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can the shipping clips on linear rails be used as block stoppers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No. The clips attached to rails during shipping are intended only to prevent blocks from sliding off in transit and storage. They are not rated or designed as stoppers. For actual stoppers, MISUMI offers stopper bolts, stopper plates, and linear stoppers.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can linear guides be mounted on a wall or ceiling?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. MISUMI, THK, Bosch Rexroth, Thomson, and most other ball-line linear guides carry the same dynamic load rating in any mounting orientation. Always verify load moment limits when mounting vertically or inverted.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What brands of linear guides does MISUMI carry?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"MISUMI carries its own MISUMI brand plus THK, Bosch Rexroth, IKO, and Thomson linear guides in a wide range of sizes.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What grease is used in MISUMI and THK linear guides?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"MISUMI miniature-type guides use Multemp Grease PS2 (KYODO YUSHI). Medium and heavy-load types use Shell Alvania Grease No. 2. For THK guides: SRS (size 5\u201315) and SHW (size 12\u201317) use AFF grease; SHS, SSR, HSR, SR (size 15\u201365), SHW (size 21\u201350), HRW (size 17\u201350), and SRS (size 20\u201325) use AFB-LF grease.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How do I calculate the lifespan of a linear guide?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Lifespan is calculated using operating conditions\u2014primarily load and travel speed\u2014with a standard L10 life formula. MISUMI provides a full walkthrough in the Calculation of Life Span of Linear Systems section of our Technical Data catalog.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I get linear guide rails cut to a custom length?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. MISUMI's rail-cutting service cuts THK and Bosch Rexroth rails in 1 mm increments with a 2-day lead time. MISUMI brand linear guides are also configurable in 1 mm increments at time of order.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<!-- Article structured data -->\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Article\",\n  \"headline\": \"Linear Guide FAQs: Ball Bearings, Tolerances, Grease, Lifespan & More\",\n  \"description\": \"Answers to the most common linear guide questions engineers ask about MISUMI, THK, Bosch Rexroth, IKO, and Thomson linear guides.\",  },\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-of-linear-guides\/\"\n  }\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<style>\n  *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Header \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .byline {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 10px;\n    font-size: 13px;\n    color: #666;\n    margin-bottom: 2rem;\n  }\n  .byline-dot { color: #ccc; 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}\n\n  .faq-a p { margin-bottom: 0.75rem; }\n  .faq-a p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  .faq-a ul {\n    padding-left: 1.2rem;\n    margin: 0.5rem 0;\n  }\n  .faq-a li { margin-bottom: 0.35rem; }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Callout boxes \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .callout {\n    background: #fffce6;\n    border: 1px solid #ffe566;\n    border-left: 4px solid #FFD700;\n    border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;\n    padding: 1rem 1.25rem;\n    font-size: 14px;\n    color: #3a3000;\n    margin: 1rem 0;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n  }\n  .callout strong { color: #7a6000; }\n\n  .callout-note {\n    background: #f0f5ff;\n    border-color: #b8cff5;\n    border-left-color: #1a56a0;\n    color: #1a2c4a;\n  }\n  .callout-note strong { color: #1a56a0; }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Grease table section \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .grease-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n    gap: 1rem;\n    margin: 1rem 0;\n    font-size: 14px;\n  }\n  @media (max-width: 540px) { .grease-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; 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}\n  .cta-btn-outline {\n    background: transparent;\n    color: #1a56a0;\n    border: 1px solid #1a56a0;\n  }\n  .cta-btn-outline:hover { background: #f0f5ff; }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Brand chips \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .brand-chips {\n    display: flex;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n    gap: 8px;\n    margin: 0.75rem 0;\n  }\n  .brand-chip {\n    font-size: 13px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    background: #f0f5ff;\n    color: #1a56a0;\n    border: 1px solid #b8cff5;\n    border-radius: 4px;\n    padding: 4px 12px;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n  }\n  .brand-chip:hover { background: #dbe8fc; }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Section headings \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  h2.section-head {\n    font-size: 0.75rem;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    letter-spacing: 0.1em;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: #aaa;\n    margin: 3rem 0 1.5rem;\n  }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Footer \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .post-footer {\n    margin-top: 4rem;\n    padding-top: 2rem;\n    border-top: 2px solid #1a1a18;\n  }\n  .post-footer-title {\n    font-size: 12px;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    letter-spacing: 0.08em;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: #888;\n    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\n  }\n  .post-footer-note {\n    font-size: 14px;\n    color: #555;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n  }\n  .tag-list {\n    display: flex;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n    gap: 6px;\n    margin-top: 1rem;\n  }\n  .tag {\n    font-size: 12px;\n    background: #f2f0eb;\n    color: #555;\n    padding: 3px 10px;\n    border-radius: 100px;\n    border: 1px solid #e0dcd4;\n  }\n\n  a { color: #1a56a0; }\n  a:hover { color: #0e3870; }\n  code {\n    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;\n    font-size: 0.88em;\n    background: #f5f3ef;\n    padding: 1px 4px;\n    border-radius: 3px;\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n<p class=\"intro\">\n  Linear guides are a critical component in medical devices, automotive assembly, warehouse automation, semiconductor equipment, and hundreds of other applications. Below are the questions our engineering team fields most often\u2014updated with current product data, spec tables, and relevant MISUMI product pages.\n<\/p>\n\n<nav class=\"toc\" aria-label=\"Table of contents\">\n  <div class=\"toc-title\">Jump to a question<\/div>\n  <ol>\n    <li><a href=\"#ball-bearings\">Are ball bearings retained?<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#seal-material\">Seal material (miniature guides)<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#w1-tolerance\">W1 tolerance<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#width-tolerance\">Block and rail width tolerances<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#blocks\">Can blocks be added or swapped?<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#shipping-clips\">Do shipping clips work as stoppers?<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#mounting\">Wall and ceiling mounting<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#brands\">Other brands MISUMI carries<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#grease\">Standard grease specs<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#lifespan\">Calculating lifespan<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#cut-to-length\">Cut-to-length rail service<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n\n<h2 class=\"section-head\">Technical specifications<\/h2>\n\n<section class=\"faq-section\" aria-label=\"Technical FAQ\">\n\n  <!-- Q1 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"ball-bearings\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">Are the ball bearings in linear guide blocks retained?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>Yes\u2014all ball bearings on MISUMI brand linear guides are fully retained, meaning the balls stay in place when the block is removed from the rail. For THK linear guides, retained ball designs include part numbers starting with <strong>SHS, SSR, SRS,<\/strong> and <strong>SHW<\/strong> series.<\/p>\n      <p>Retained bearings simplify disassembly, reduce contamination risk, and are especially valuable during maintenance in tight spaces.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Q2 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"seal-material\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">What is the seal material of MISUMI miniature linear guides?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>MISUMI miniature linear guides use <strong>Nitrile Rubber (NBR)<\/strong> end seals. NBR offers good resistance to oils and greases, making it suitable for standard industrial environments. For applications requiring resistance to hydraulic fluids, extreme temperatures, or specific chemicals, contact MISUMI to discuss material options.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Q3 + Q4 combined into spec table -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"w1-tolerance\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">What are the dimensional tolerances for MISUMI linear guides?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>MISUMI publishes the following standard tolerances. Tighter precision grades are available on select series\u2014check the individual product spec sheet.<\/p>\n      <table class=\"spec-table\" aria-label=\"MISUMI linear guide tolerances\">\n        <thead>\n          <tr>\n            <th>Dimension<\/th>\n            <th>Tolerance<\/th>\n            <th>Notes<\/th>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/thead>\n        <tbody>\n          <tr>\n            <td><strong>W1<\/strong> (overall guide width)<\/td>\n            <td><code>\u00b10.005 mm<\/code><\/td>\n            <td>Applies to MISUMI standard series<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n            <td><strong>W<\/strong> (block width)<\/td>\n            <td><code>\u00b10.05 mm<\/code><\/td>\n            <td>\u2014<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n            <td><strong>Rail width<\/strong><\/td>\n            <td><code>\u00b10.005 mm<\/code><\/td>\n            <td>Tighter than block\u2014rail drives system straightness<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/tbody>\n      <\/table>\n      <p>The tighter rail tolerance relative to block width is intentional: rail straightness has a much greater impact on overall system accuracy than block width variation.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Q5 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"blocks\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">Can blocks be added to or swapped on an existing rail?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>Only on <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/misumi\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/\">Interchangeable Linear Guides<\/a>. Because these are manufactured to a common precision standard, blocks and rails from the same series are fully interchangeable\u2014you can buy additional blocks or replacement rails independently and maintain the original precision spec.<\/p>\n      <p>All other linear guide types (standard, high-precision, THK catalog guides, etc.) are sold as matched sets. Mixing blocks and rails across sets is not recommended and voids the precision guarantee.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"cta-strip\">\n        <a class=\"cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/misumi\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/\">Browse interchangeable linear guides<\/a>\n        <a class=\"cta-btn cta-btn-outline\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thk\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/?curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%2cseriesList.templateType%22%2c%22categoryCode%22%3a%22M0110050000%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22brandModeFlag%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a45%2c%2200000043254%22%3a%22b%22%2c%22unitType%22%3a%221%22%2c%22brandCode%22%3a%22THK1%22%7d&amp;resultTabs=&amp;listDisplay=mc-list\">Shop THK blocks separately<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thk\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/?curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%2cseriesList.templateType%22%2c%22categoryCode%22%3a%22M0110050000%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22brandModeFlag%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a45%2c%2200000043254%22%3a%22b%22%2c%22unitType%22%3a%221%22%2c%22brandCode%22%3a%22THK1%22%7d&amp;resultTabs=&amp;listDisplay=mc-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-Block-Only.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10447\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-Block-Only.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-Block-Only-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-Block-Only-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-Block-Only-55x55.jpg 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thk\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/?curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%2cseriesList.templateType%22%2c%22categoryCode%22%3a%22M0110050000%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22brandModeFlag%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a45%2c%2200000043254%22%3a%22b%22%2c%22unitType%22%3a%221%22%2c%22brandCode%22%3a%22THK1%22%7d&amp;resultTabs=&amp;listDisplay=mc-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">THK Block<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Q6 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"shipping-clips\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">Can the clips attached to the rail during shipping be used as block stoppers?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <div class=\"callout\">\n        <strong>No.<\/strong> Shipping clips are retention devices only\u2014they hold the block on the rail during transit and storage but are not rated for any operational load.\n      <\/div>\n      <p>Using shipping clips as operational stoppers can result in block ejection, equipment damage, and safety hazards. For proper end-of-travel control, MISUMI offers dedicated stopper accessories:<\/p>\n      <ul>\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/110300065470\/\">Stopper bolts<\/a><\/li>\n        <li>Stopper plates<\/li>\n        <li>Linear stoppers<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n      <div class=\"cta-strip\">\n        <a class=\"cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110040000\/\">View all linear guide stoppers and accessories<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/110300065470\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/MISUMI-LG-Stopper-Bolts.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/MISUMI-LG-Stopper-Bolts.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/MISUMI-LG-Stopper-Bolts-55x55.jpg 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/110300065470\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MISUMI Stopper Bolts for Linear Guides<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Q7 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"mounting\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">Can linear guides be used on a wall or ceiling?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>Yes. MISUMI, THK, Bosch Rexroth, Thomson and most other recirculating ball linear guides carry the same dynamic load rating regardless of mounting orientation. This is because the ball recirculation path distributes load symmetrically around the rail.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"callout callout-note\">\n        <strong>Engineering note:<\/strong> While the dynamic load rating is orientation-independent, <em>load moments<\/em> (pitching, yawing, rolling) change significantly when mounting vertically or inverted. Always verify that the calculated moment load stays within the block&#8217;s rated moment capacity for your specific orientation and offset load conditions.\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"section-head\">Products and sourcing<\/h2>\n\n<section class=\"faq-section\" aria-label=\"Product FAQ\">\n\n  <!-- Q8 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"brands\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">What other brands of linear guides does MISUMI carry?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>In addition to the MISUMI brand, we stock a full range of linear guides from the following manufacturers:<\/p>\n      <div class=\"brand-chips\">\n        <a class=\"brand-chip\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thk\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/\">THK<\/a>\n        <a class=\"brand-chip\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/rexroth\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/\">Bosch Rexroth<\/a>\n        <a class=\"brand-chip\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/iko\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/\">IKO<\/a>\n        <a class=\"brand-chip\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thomson\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/\">Thomson<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <p>Available in miniature through heavy-load sizes. Use the filters on each brand page to search by series, block type, accuracy class, and preload.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Q9 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"grease\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">What grease is used in MISUMI and THK linear guides as standard?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>Grease selection varies by guide size and type. Here are the standard fills:<\/p>\n\n      <p><strong>MISUMI brand guides<\/strong><\/p>\n      <div class=\"grease-grid\">\n        <div class=\"grease-card\">\n          <div class=\"grease-card-title\">Miniature type<\/div>\n          <div class=\"grease-card-name\">Multemp Grease PS2<\/div>\n          <div class=\"grease-card-mfr\">KYODO YUSHI CO., LTD.<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"grease-card\">\n          <div class=\"grease-card-title\">Medium and heavy load type<\/div>\n          <div class=\"grease-card-name\">Shell Alvania Grease No. 2<\/div>\n          <div class=\"grease-card-mfr\">Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p><strong>THK linear guides<\/strong>\u2014grease varies by series and size:<\/p>\n      <table class=\"spec-table\" aria-label=\"THK linear guide grease specifications\">\n        <thead>\n          <tr>\n            <th>Grease type<\/th>\n            <th>Applicable series and sizes<\/th>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/thead>\n        <tbody>\n          <tr>\n            <td><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/221000092815\/?curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%22%2c%22seriesCode%22%3a%22221000092815%22%2c%22innerCode%22%3a%22%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22specSortFlag%22%3a0%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a%2260%22%2c%22typeCode%22%3a%22AFF%22%7d&amp;Tab=codeList\">AFF<\/a><\/td>\n            <td>SRS (size 5\u201315), SHW (size 12\u201317)<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n            <td><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/221000092815\/?curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%22%2c%22seriesCode%22%3a%22221000092815%22%2c%22innerCode%22%3a%22%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22specSortFlag%22%3a0%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a%2260%22%2c%22typeCode%22%3a%22AFB-LF%22%7d&amp;Tab=codeList\">AFB-LF<\/a><\/td>\n            <td>SHS, SSR, HSR, SR (size 15\u201365) \u00b7 SHW (size 21\u201350) \u00b7 HRW (size 17\u201350) \u00b7 SRS (size 20\u201325)<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/tbody>\n      <\/table>\n      <p>When regreasing, always use the same grease type originally specified, or confirm compatibility with the manufacturer. Mixing incompatible grease formulations can lead to accelerated wear.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Q10 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"lifespan\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">How do I calculate the lifespan of a linear guide?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>Linear guide lifespan is calculated using the standard <strong>L10 rated travel life<\/strong> formula, which accounts for the guide&#8217;s basic dynamic load rating (C), the actual applied load (P), and a load factor. The relationship follows:<\/p>\n      <p style=\"font-family: 'Courier New', monospace; background: #f5f3ef; padding: 0.75rem 1rem; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.75rem 0;\">\n        L = 50 \u00d7 (C \/ P)<sup>3<\/sup> &nbsp;[km of travel, for ball guides]\n      <\/p>\n      <p>The inputs you need: applied load per block, direction of load, travel speed, duty cycle, and the guide&#8217;s rated dynamic load capacity (found in the series datasheet).<\/p>\n      <p>For a full worked example, see <strong>&#8220;Calculation of Life Span of Linear Systems&#8221;<\/strong> in the MISUMI Technical Data catalog:<\/p>\n      <div class=\"cta-strip\">\n        <a class=\"cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/misumiusa.cld.bz\/mechanical-automation-components-part-2\/2057\/\">Open Technical Data catalog (page 2057)<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Q11 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-item\" id=\"cut-to-length\">\n    <p class=\"faq-q\">Can I get linear guide rails cut to a custom length?<\/p>\n    <div class=\"faq-a\">\n      <p>Yes\u2014in two ways depending on the brand:<\/p>\n      <ul>\n        <li><strong>MISUMI brand rails<\/strong>\u2014configurable at order time in <strong>1 mm increments<\/strong> directly from the product page.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>THK and Bosch Rexroth rails<\/strong>\u2014available through the <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/service\/promotion\/rail-cutting-service\/index.html\">MISUMI Rail Cutting Service<\/a> in 1 mm increments with a <strong>2-day lead time<\/strong>.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Other brands (IKO, Thomson)<\/strong>\u2014check the individual product page for available configurations and lead times.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n      <div class=\"cta-strip\">\n        <a class=\"cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/service\/promotion\/rail-cutting-service\/index.html\">Rail cutting service details<\/a>\n        <a class=\"cta-btn cta-btn-outline\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/misumi\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/\">Configure MISUMI rails<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thk\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"184\" height=\"125\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-LG-Rail-Cutting-185x125-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-LG-Rail-Cutting-185x125-1.jpg 184w, https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/THK-LG-Rail-Cutting-185x125-1-150x102.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 184px) 100vw, 184px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/thk\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">THK Linear Guide<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-footer\">\n  <p class=\"post-footer-title\">Have a question not answered here?<\/p>\n  <p class=\"post-footer-note\">Leave a comment below or contact the MISUMI engineering team directly. We also publish in-depth articles on <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/mech\/M0100000000\/M0110000000\/M0110050000\/\">linear guide selection<\/a>, preload classes, and accuracy grades on the Mech Lab blog.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Linear Guide FAQs: Ball Bearings, Tolerances, Grease, Lifespan &amp; More | MISUMI Linear guides are a critical component in medical devices, automotive assembly, warehouse automation, semiconductor equipment, and hundreds of other applications. Below are the questions our engineering team fields most often\u2014updated with current product data, spec tables, and relevant MISUMI product pages. Jump to a question Are ball bearings [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":10452,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[1136],"tags":[1059,1060,17,1063,15,1062],"aioseo_notices":[],"gutentor_comment":2,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10445"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/46"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10445"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17140,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10445\/revisions\/17140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}