Design Considerations

Mounting

For optimal performance, mount slides only as indicated in the catalog or technical sheet. Although most slides are vertically (side) mounted, some can be flat mounted under the drawer or moving component. In this configuration, the load rating is reduced by about 50%.

Accuride products intended strictly for flat mounting include models 3132 & 1029. Linear motion slides, such as model 115RC, perform better when flat mounted because the moving member is always fully supported on ball bearings. These products may also be mounted vertically, as non-load-bearing guides.

Unit Construction

When installed in a drawer or cabinet that is lightweight and flexible, slides can contribute to the structural rigidity of the unit. To ensure the slide is able to provide this support, select a model with a slightly higher load rating and larger cross section than you would normally need for the application.

Side Space

Side space is the amount of room needed between the pullout and the case or cabinet. Providing sufficient side space is critical for optimal slide movement. Always consider drawer width and expected load to evaluate whether the project requires a slide with a larger cross-section width than the design initially intended. It is difficult and costly to increase side space if this dimension is not considered early in the design stages of a project.

Environmental Factors

Most Accuride slides are designed for indoor use and should be protected from moisture, chemical fumes, dirt, and corrosion. The Accuride self-cleaning ball retainer protects slide raceways by removing foreign particles between ball bearings. Accuride offers a selection of stock and custom moisture-resistant finishes that withstand up to 500 hours of salt spray protection. For wet environments, consider our stainless steel and aluminum slide products.

Use care when applying finishing agents as the overspray may affect slide movement. Should you need to clean the slides, you can re-lubricate them with a grease rated "EP" for extreme pressure.

Extreme temperatures can affect the lubricant and plastic or rubber components. Commercial drawer slides are intended for use in temperatures between 0 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. For service outside normal temperature and humidity ranges, consult Accuride directly.

Shock/Vibration

Shock and vibration may adversely affect slide performance. Applications that are likely to encounter these conditions should be tested to evaluate the affect on slide performance. If conditions are severe, select a heavier duty slide.

Cabinet Hardware Product Testing

Slides for wood and furniture applications are tested in accordance with the guidelines of applicable ANSI/BIFMA specifications. Certain models have been BHMA certified or WI approved. In most cases, hardware alone cannot be rated; the testing standards pertain to the end product. Our goal is to provide products, that when combined with the purchaser's product, deliver a system that meets the governing standard.

• Unless otherwise stated, Accuride slides are rated for the dynamic (cycled) load that an 18" pair of slides will carry without failure. This load rating decreases proportionally beyond the 18" length.
• In the dynamic test, the center of gravity of the load is balanced between and at the midpoint of the drawer members.
• Static (resting) load testing is based on placing 2 times the maximum permissible load in a fully extended drawer for 24 hours. The slides are measured for deflection at 0 hours and again at 24 hours.
• In all cases, the static load capacity of each model is at least twice the dynamic load rating, providing at minimum, a 100% static safety factor, even when the slide is loaded to its maximum rating.

Standard test criteria for box, file, and desk drawers (drawers narrower than deep):
50,000 dynamic cycle tests.

Standard test criteria for lateral file drawers (drawers wider than deep):
A total of 75,000 dynamic cycle tests: 55,000 cycles from the center of the drawer and 10,000 cycles from each side.

Industrial & Electromechanical Product Testing

Standard Test Criteria/Basis of Load Rating

• The maximum load rating is based on a pair of side-mounted slides.
• The center of gravity of the load is centered between and at the midpoint of the drawer/chassis members.
• Unless otherwise stated, testing is based on 18" slides mounted on a 16" wide drawer. This load rating decreases proportionally beyond the 18" length.
• Dynamic tests are based on 10,000-cycles and include a 100% static safety factor.
• Static (resting) load testing is based on placing 2 times the maximum permissible load in a fully extended drawer for 24 hours. The slides are measured for deflection at 0 hours and again at 24 hours.

Standard Electronic Enclosure Test Criteria

• The life cycle count for most enclosure applications is 1,000 cycles. Testing is based on a 2,000 cycle dynamic test, with 100% safety factor.
• Proof test: Additional weight is added to a fully loaded chassis within two inches of the chassis front, for one hour.
• Salt Spray test: 5% salt spray (fog) for 12 hours.
• Vibration testing is available upon request. Customer to supply test standards.
• Load rating is based on bracket mounting of slides to cabinet.