If a linear guideway system is subjected to excessive loads or impacts during movement or at a standstill, localised permanent deformation occurs between the track and balls. As soon as this permanent deformation exceeds a certain level, it affects smooth operation of the guideway. According to its basic definition, the static load rating corresponds to a static load that causes permanent deformation of 0.0001 × ball diameter at the contact point that is loaded the most. The values are given in the tables for each linear guideway system. Using these tables, the designer can select a suitable linear guideway system. The maximum static load to which a linear guideway system is subjected must not exceed the static load rating.

The permissible static moment is the moment which, in a defined direction and size, corresponds to the maximum possible load on the moving parts by the basic static load rating. The permissible static moment is defined for linear motion systems for three directions: MX, MY and MZ.

A linear guideway makes it possible to move in a linear motion with rolling elements. The use of balls and rolls between the rail and block in a linear guideway makes precise linear movements possible.