A black metal cover with a ribbed, stepped design featuring several holes along the bottom edge. It has a flat top section and a series of parallel ridges extending downwards.

Machine Tool Protection

Machine Way Covers

Dynatect’s protective covers for machine ways, rails, and ball screws come in all forms and sizes. Way covers protect moving machine parts and help guard against mechanical pinch points. There are flexible way cover designs that can roll-up, bend, and flex to allow unrestricted movement through a dynamic range of motion.

With over 75 years of experience in manufacturing machine way covers, we have the expertise to provide reliable and effective protection for your equipment.

Find a Representative Learn About Way Covers View Applications

Way Covers 101

The Purpose of Machine Way Covers

Machine tool processes, involving fluids and generating particulate matter, demand protection of actuating mechanisms while ensuring unhindered movement. Static protective enclosures are often impractical due to the proximity of moving parts.

Way covers are protective shields used to guard machine ways, guides, and linear rails from dust, chips, coolant, and other contaminants. They help to extend the lifespan and efficiency of machinery by preventing damage to critical components.

A close-up of a CNC machine in operation, featuring metal tool cutting into a workpiece. Coolant fluid is sprayed around to keep it cool and lubricated, with droplets visibly splashing on the machine way covers. The environment appears industrial and precise.

Way Cover Types

There are flexible cover designs that can roll-up, bend, and flex to allow unrestricted movement through a dynamic range of motion.

Protective covers are available in various materials and types. They can be polymer-based, metal, or fabric depending on the requirements of the application.

way cover protective cover types

 

Way Cover Design Considerations

What factors should be considered when choosing a protective way cover?

Motion requirements, operating environment, and space restrictions are reviewed for every way cover application.

Tell your protective cover manufacturer about your application requirements such as:

  • Temperature conditions including ambient temperature and nearby heat sources
  • Exposure to environmental threats such as dust, oils, acid, coolant, weld spatter, etc
  • The speed (velocity and acceleration) of the cover and frequency of cycle
  • Vacuum or pressure conditions
  • Load-support requirements (e.g., walk-on surface for inspection or maintenance, heavy chip load, or protection from dropped tools)
  • Orientation of cover travel (horizontal, vertical, cross rail/frontal, ceiling/roof cover)

For help selecting the right cover, a local Dynatect Rep can assist in measuring the cover, making recommendations, showing samples, and assisting in your quote request. Dynatect provides quote request forms to simplify the process of receiving a quote.

Dynatect offers the largest protective cover selection in North America (manufacturers of Gortite® brand covers).

machine way cover machine application

Machine Way Cover Applications