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linear motion guides Unexpected linear motion applications are everywhere! They range from relatively simple, such as an inexpensive seat actuator in a passenger vehicle to a complex multi-axis coordinate system, complete with control and drive electronics for closed-loop positioning. No matter how simple or how complex the linear motion guide rails, at the most basic level they all have one thing in common. Moving a load through a linear distance in a specific amount of time, linear rails and linear actuators are used to control movements with different variables and complexity. Read more »

Based on Newton’s First Law of Motion, any object that doesn’t experience a net force will constantly move in a straight line at the same velocity, which is called linear motion. Every day we are surrounded by things that move in a linear motion. Whether in machine tools, robots, semiconductor production applications, precise measuring equipment, medical devices, or computer-controlled machines and systems for other industry sectors. As a leader in Motion Control Distributors, Technico specializes in offering a broad range of automation technologies to OEM’s in a wide variety of industries. Primary industrial applications include machine tool, metalworking, automation, transfer equipment, automotive, robotics, medical, tire and rubber, injection molding, press, steel mill equipment, packaging, and special machinery among others. Read more »

A new version of the THK Laminated Contact Scraper is designed to extend the operating life of linear guides, especially in applications where there is a high degree of contamination. Called the Side Scraper, the new device effectively protects THK linear guides by removing dirt, oil, liquids and various debris regardless of the mounting orientation. Contaminated operating environments with high levels of airborne dust or particles, such as in flour mills, or where debris including shavings, swarf or weld spatter fall on guide rails, can significantly reduce the operating efficiency and life of THK linear motion systems. Read more »

Linear actuators from THK are being used in an innovative new coordinate measuring system to provide exceptionally high levels of accuracy, with a measuring frequency of 1kHz and a resolution that is less than 30nm, and a maintenance-free operating life of up to ten years. The VC-10 coordinate measuring machine is designed and built by the German company, Optacom, and have been developed for use in a wide range of industries, from aerospace and motorsport to electronics and medical devices, where high levels of precision are required for both one-off and volume production parts. The VC-10 measuring machine has two precision linear axis, in the X and Z directions, offers a large measuring area of 170 x 175mm and self-calibrates in under three minutes. Read more »

THK has added two new models to its proven range of high performance linear actuators. The latest versions of the SKR are now available in smaller sizes, of 20 and 26mm, and form part of a product family that is designed to combine exceptional levels of rigidity, accuracy and reliability in compact, virtually zero maintenance units. The new SKR linear actuators incorporate THK’s patented caged ball technology. Read more »

A new range of linear slides and guides has been launched by THK, the world’s largest dedicated developer and manufacturer of linear motion technology, for use in on- and off-road vehicles. Designed to help improve operating efficiencies and reduce the cost of ownership, while offering greater functionality, performance, and safety than existing devices, the new linear products have the potential to be used in a wide range of transport systems, ranging from tail lift and trailer mechanisms to earth moving plant and servicing and maintenance equipment. The new generation of products includes a range of robust thk ballscrews, for more rugged applications, and heavy-duty THK linear guides systems. Read more »

THK, the leading global designer, developer and manufacturer of linear motion solutions, has introduced a number of additions to its proven range of performance linear motion guides. Designed for use in heavy and ultraheavy load applications, the linear guides are particularly suitable for the machine tool industry where high speeds, ultrahigh levels of rigidity, extremely precise positioning and long-term maintenance free operation are required. The LM guides have been introduced to extend the SNR, radial type model, and SNS, four-way equal-load type model, product ranges and, in each case, incorporate THK’s patented Caged Ball technology. Read more »

Innovative THK linear motion guide products are making it possible to produce quieter and more compact operating mechanisms for sliding doors in elevators and general building applications. With noise levels reduced by up to 50% compared with conventional products, the new mechanisms minimize the disturbance created by a door opening and closing – a benefit which is particularly important in quiet environments, such as hospitals and libraries. The smaller size of the new mechanisms allows them to be accommodated in a slim enclosure which is, in most cases, mounted above the doors. Read more »

THK continues to push the boundaries of its proven Caged Ball technology, with the introduction of the system into a new range of miniature SRS LM guides. The benefits of caged ball technology, most notably silent movement, virtually maintenance-free operation and high speed, make the new miniature linear motion guides (including THK linear bearing components) particularly suitable for use in semiconductor, electronics manufacture, biotec, medical and precision automation and measurement applications. Available in 9, 12 and 15mm rail widths, the new miniature SRS LM guides maintain compact dimensions in all planes. Read more »

THK has launched two new models to extend still further its proven range of high performance THK linear motion guide systems. The latest versions of the SRW Caged roller guide are now available with extra-wide guide rails, of 130 and 150mm in width, to provide even greater load capacity, in terms of both weight and overall size, with excellent levels of rigidity, positional accuracy and repeatability. The new SRW LM guide incorporates THK’s patented Caged Roller technology, which is based on the proven operating techniques used in the company’s Caged Ball linear motion devices, with the steel ball arrangement being replaced with two sets of opposing caged rollers positioned at 45-degree contact angles between each side of the block and rail. Read more »