Slide Mounting: The Foundation for Performance and Service Life
Even small details can affect how well a slide functions. Precise mounting is therefore essential for optimum performance. Careful and accurate installation is key, as the slides form the basis for assembling an application, such as a drawer, successfully and efficiently. However, the installation method may vary depending on the material, the specific requirements and the application itself. A number of factors therefore need to be considered, making slide installation a complex and varied process that requires a good understanding of the relevant principles.
From Screws to Bayonet Fittings
Broadly speaking, slides can be installed either by screwing them into place or by using a tool-free fastening method. Screwed installations require the appropriate tools, while tool-free installation can be carried out using clips, hooks or bayonet fittings.
The type of fastening used depends on the customer’s specific requirements. In wooden structures, slides are usually screwed into place, ensuring maximum stability and load capacity. On the other hand, in metal cabinets, the simple and quick bayonet fastening is most common, as it speeds up the installation process, particularly in high-volume production.
However, as customer solutions are developed on a case-by-case basis, the most suitable fastening method may vary depending on the application and its specific requirements. Customisation is therefore often an important part of the process.
It is also important to remember that every fixing point plays a role in the overall performance of the slide. If, for example, the slide is secured only at the ends, there is a greater risk of movement in the centre. This compromises the stability of the application and significantly reduces both the service life and load capacity of the slide.
A Comparison of Vertical and Horizontal Mounting
As well as the type of fixing, the mounting position also affects the performance of a slide. Vertical mounting (also known as side mounting) is the most common method, although horizontal mounting (also called flat mounting) is also possible. Whilst side mounting is usually suitable, there are several factors to bear in mind.
Side Mounting: Little Room for Error
Although side mounting is generally straightforward, the slides still need to be positioned with care and precision.
Ideally, the slide should be mounted slightly below the centre line. However, the installation width, also known as the lateral clearance, is even more important. This is the distance between the mounting surfaces, for example, between a drawer and the side panel of a cabinet, and it must match the specified width of the slide.
The required clearance varies depending on the type of slide, but the principle remains the same: the correct spacing must be maintained so that the slide members are neither compressed nor pulled apart. This is particularly important for ball-bearing slides, as the ball bearings need to remain correctly centred and roll smoothly within the tracks. If the clearance is too small, the slide can be compressed; if it is too large, the members can be pulled apart. In both cases, the bearings may no longer run correctly, resulting in increased friction, poor sliding performance and a reduced service life.
Flat Mounting Put to the Test
Many years of experience have shown which slides are suitable for flat mounting and which are better suited to side mounting.
Telescopic slides are generally designed and rated primarily for side mounting. Flat mounting is possible with certain models, but only where this mounting orientation is specifically approved. Linear guides, on the other hand, are generally better suited to different mounting orientations, as the carriage remains supported by the rail throughout its travel and the bearing system is designed to accommodate loads accordingly.
Determining whether a slide is suitable for flat mounting is not always straightforward. The mounting orientation should therefore be checked against the relevant product specifications and guidance.
Even when a slide is approved for flat mounting, certain limitations must be taken into account. In this orientation, the slide members are more susceptible to deflection and the load is applied differently to the slide and its bearing system. As a result, the permissible load capacity can be significantly lower than when the same slide is side
-mounted. For some slide types, the flat-mounted load capacity may be reduced to around 25% of the side-mounted rating, although the actual reduction depends on the design and should always be confirmed for the specific slide.
The same principle applies to heavy-duty drawer slides: a high load rating when side-mounted does not necessarily mean that the slide will provide the same performance when mounted flat.
Proper Mounting Starts at Selection
Correct mounting alone is not sufficient if the chosen slide does not meet the requirements of the application.
In addition to the type of mounting, the length of the slide also influences its potential load-bearing capacity. Due to the resulting lever effects, the load capacity does not increase indefinitely with the length of the slide. The load curve shows that the maximum load rating peaks for slides with a length of 500 to 600 mm and tapers off for shorter and longer slide lengths.
The environment must also be suitable for the slide. For example, high temperatures can damage plastic components, and moisture can lead to corrosion if the wrong slide material is used.
Precision that Pays Off
With so many options for slide mounting, it is important to keep track of things. Reliability, load capacity and service life are directly influenced by the mounting of the slides. If a slide is not fitted correctly, this can lead to grinding, jamming or even complete failure. A properly mounted slide should move smoothly and effortlessly, laying a successful foundation for your projects.
