1---Small size. This is important for XY platform, because the platform height can be reduced, that is, the platform can be made more "flat".
2---Less vibration. Roller is line contact, than ball contact area. This feature also applies to platforms, which work more smoothly.
3--- Rated tilting moment is large. Because of the cross arrangement of rolling elements, it is more stable when the force is applied in multiple directions.
4---High straightness. Because the rail of the raceway is flat, easier to process than the gothic groove of the ball guide, generally higher straightness. This feature is especially suitable for platforms that require high straightness.
Disadvantages:
1--- Limited travel. Because the size of the rolling body itself is relatively large (proportional), the effective stroke in the same length is smaller than the ball guide. In addition, due to the slide and fixed rail (referred to as, meaning fixed rail and sliding rail) equal length, the closer to the limit position in the case of bias load the more unfavorable to the stability. Therefore, the greater the length of the cross roller guide is an order of magnitude increase in price, most of the specifications are below 600 length, more than 1 meter is extremely rare.
2 --- high price. Similar load or similar specifications, the higher the price of the ball guide quite a lot.
3 --- lubrication is unfavorable. Because the rolling body is open operation, the operating environment is not clean and lubrication conditions are not ideal performance and life are affected, relatively speaking, the rolling body of the ball guide is closed operation, the lubrication requirements are lower.
Other advantages and disadvantages downstairs then added