About Slides
Just in case you don't live and breathe slide products, the following information will help you gain a better understanding about the phrases we use when determining your ideal movement solution, how slides work, and their components.
Slide Terminology
Here are some common terms used to describe slide attributes. For more insight, watch the short videos by each term.
Cross-Section
If you cut through a slide at a right angle to the direction of slide movement, you see a cross section of the slide components. Cross section illustrations include dimensions for the width and height of a product. These dimensions are important to planning drawer size and side space requirements.
Detent
A detent is a feature that uses friction or interference to hold a slide in a particular position. Most Accuride slides have a hold-in detent, to ensure drawers stay closed and do not drift back open. A hold-out detent keeps drawers in an extended position; extra force is required to overcome the detent to close the drawer.
Disconnect
Slides with a disconnect feature allow you to remove the drawer (or drawer member) for mounting and other purposes. There are four types of disconnects:
- Lever disconnect: A lever on the drawer member releases it from the intermediate member. Disconnect is achieved by pulling the drawer firmly though the resistance of the ball retainer.
- Rail disconnect: Rails are mounted to the drawer or moving element of the installation. There are two types of rail disconnects. The most common has a latch that is lifted to disengage the rail from the slide. The other style does not have a latch; the drawer is lifted off the slides.
- Friction disconnect: No levers or latches are required to remove the drawer. Disconnect is achieved by pulling the drawer firmly through the resistance of the ball retainer.
- Push-latch: A latch is pressed to release the drawer member. Disconnect is achieved by pulling the drawer firmly though the resistance of the ball retainer.
Extension or Travel
This refers to how far the drawer, tray, or shelf extends from the cabinet.
- ¾-extension: Slide opens approximately 3/4 of the total slide length.
- Full-extension: Slide opens the same distance as the slide length.
- Over-travel: Slide opens a greater distance than the length of the slide.
Finishes & Materials
Accuride offers six finishes as protective coatings on its slides:
Type | Prefix | Salt-Spray Testing |
Clear Chromate | C | 12 Hours |
Clear Chromate | CH | 96 Hours |
Clear Chromate | CE* | 120 Hours |
Clear Chromate | CP* | 250 Hours |
Black Chromate | CB | 96 Hours |
Electrocoat White | EW | 500 Hours |
Each layer undergoes salt-spray testing in accordance with ASTM B117 standards.
Accuride also offers two alternative materials for advanced corrosion-resistant solutions:
- Stainless-Steel
- Aluminum
Accuride uses two grades of stainless steel:
- 300 Series (Austenitic)
- 400 Series (Ferritic)
300 Series steels are generally non-magnetic, formable, and tough. Their composition makes them good for welding and commonly used in automotive trim, food and beverage equipment, and industrial apparatuses.
400 Series steels have high chromium, low carbon, and are magnetic. They’re highly ductile, but possess less corrosion resistance than 300. They are commonly found in kitchenware and industrial equipment.
* Available for OEM customers only. Contact OEM Direct for more information.
Lengths
Slide length is measured as the longest dimension of a fully closed slide. As a rule, always use the maximum length allowable in the application. Most slides are sold in a range of lengths that vary by 2-inch increments.
Load Rating
Load rating refers to the amount of weight a slide will carry without failure. All Accuride products list a maximum weight capacity that is determined by testing performed via Accuride as well as outside agencies such as BHMA and WI.
Slide Members
Slides are made up of stationary and moving members. The stationary member is the cabinet (or outer) member. The moving members are the intermediate and drawer members. The drawer member may also be referred to as the inner member.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are made of steel, stainless steel, or polymer. Most slides have carburized steel or stainless steel ball bearings. Metal ball bearings give a slide more strength and a greater load capacity. Slides fitted with polymer bearings operate more quietly.
Ball Retainers
Slide movement is achieved through ball bearings held by a device known as a ball retainer, which is positioned between the slide members. Each ball bearing sits in an individual compartment of the ball retainer and moves back and forth in grooves on the slide members.
Lubricants
The grease used in Accuride slides is part of what makes our products move so well. In addition to the standard grease formulations, food-grade and high temperature grease options are available for special order or large-scale projects.