Linear Guide Applications
Linear guides play the role of easily and smoothly guiding linear motion while bearing loads in order for machines to operate precisely and efficiently. They are an indispensable part of linear components in devices such as machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Recently, they have also been used in railway vehicles, buses, automatic doors, seismic isolation systems, and other consumer fields.
Linear Guide Characteristics
・Light movement with no clearance
As linear guides are rolling guides, they have no clearance and lighter movements than sliding guides.
・Infinite linear motion is possible
Rolling guides such as cross-roller guides and ball guides have finite strokes, but the linear guide’s balls recirculate endlessly, which means that the stroke can extend to however long the rail is made.
・High permissible load
The linear guide's raceways are curved grooves, which provide surface contact between the balls and raceways. This makes the permissible load about 13 times greater than that of guide components with point contact, such as the linear bushing. As a result, a linear guide can achieve a similar permissible load as a point-contact type through a more compact design.
LM Guide Variations
Many variations of the LM Guide are available to suit diverse applications. There are different categories of how loads are distributed, such as the radial load and four-way equal load types; categories based on shape, such as wide and miniature types; and more. In addition, the LM Guide featuring THK’s proprietary ball cage system helps improve equipment performance.