Classification of Machine Tool Guideways—Steel-Inlaid Guideways
Chinese Factories for the Manufacture of Metal Parts Samples

The most commonly used type of guideway on machine tools is the steel-inlaid guideway, which has a long history of use. Steel-inlaid guideways are fixed components of the guideway system and have a rectangular cross-section. They can be mounted horizontally on the machine tool bed or cast as a single piece with the bed; these are referred to as steel-inlaid or integral types, respectively. Steel-insert guideways are made of steel that has been hardened and ground. With a hardness of 60 Rockwell or higher, they are secured to the machine tool bed or the lapped mating surface of the column using screws or adhesive (epoxy resin) to ensure optimal flatness. This design is convenient and simple to maintain and replace, making it very popular among maintenance technicians.

