Guidance
Machine Tool. Criteria of choices

The quality of a machine tool, and in particular its precision, depends to a large extent on the quality of its guidance system. It must be precise and rigid to minimize distortion. Guide movement must be frictionless. Good wear resistance also promises a robust and stable machine tool over time.

In the remainder of this article, the four most common guidance systems will be described: friction, rolling element, hydrostatic and aerostatic guidance.