Successful linear guidance rested on two factors: ease of movement and load handling. The application required a linear system to support the wide working envelope of the grinding area. Fitted with the grinding tool, the zeroG™ weighs 100 lbs. The linear guide system needed to support the heavy moment load of the grinding arm while smoothly traveling along the guide rail at the hands of the operator.

Integral V™ Technology (IVT) was the solution. Introduced as the next generation linear guide, IVT is designed for heavy load support, precise guidance, and smooth travel. Each IVT linear guide aluminum extrusion is precision-machined using PBC Linear’s patent pending SIMO™ process. This creates a stronger, more rigid extrusion that matches the strength of steel—allowing IVT to easily handle high static/dynamic loads. The SIMO™ process machines all critical sides of an aluminum extrusion in one pass, creating a remarkably straight surface (tolerances held within ± .001’’). This eliminates the need for fasteners, and drastically reduces alignment/installation time while ensuring high accuracy.

Reduced costs and simplified assembly are very attractive reasons to choose IVT, but the proof lies in the performance. Equipois needed a guide system to support a high roll moment load (the zeroG suspends tools using an extendable/moveable arm attached to the linear guide). Once installed, the Integral V™ linear guide system easily tolerated the required static/dynamic loads (IVT Double Bolt-on tested for roll moment loads of 338 N-m static and 374 N-m dynamic). Gothic arch dual row bearings provided smooth, hand-operated travel of the linear guide; allowing the zeroG™ to be freely used throughout the grinding area.

Easily adapted into the Equipois system, IVT worked great with the zeroG™. The grinding tool operator could bend, pull, align and grind with ease, and IVT gave enhanced movement and freedom to the tooling area. For more information on Integral V™ Technology (IVT); such as more application examples and detailed technical data, please call 1.800.729.9085, email to marketing@pbclinear.com or visit us at our homepage at IVT.pbclinear.com.

For more information on Equipois zeroG™ or any other of their strain reducing, problem solving products, please visit their website at http://www.equipoisinc.com.

PBC Linear
www.PBCLinear.com

Linear Motion Tips

The most recently added video demonstrates how igus’ DryLin WJRM hybrid linear bearing combines both rolling and sliding movements in order to reduce the driving force of a machine-guard door. The viewer is able to see exactly how a sliding-sleeve bearing and a polymer roller work together to give DryLin WJRM its unique characteristics.

The second video is about igus’ DryLin W adjustable linear bearings. It demonstrates how to manually adjust the clearance of the linear guide with a new ‘turn-to-fit’ hand clamp.

To watch these videos and more, visit www.igus.com/ApplicationCorner/DL_videos.asp. For more information about DryLin® linear bearings, guides and slide tables, please call 1-888-803-1895 or e-mail sales@igus.com.

igus
www.igus.com

Linear Motion Tips

The first section of the handbook provides insights into the fundamental physical principles involved in linear motion technology, including information about the structural design, operating principles and characteristics of linear motion technology components. Topics such as rolling contact, life expectancy, pre-load, rigidity, accuracy and lubrication are also discussed in detail.

Later sections describe the structural design and technical characteristics of the manufacturer’s linear bushings and shafts, profiled rail systems, ball screw assemblies, and ready-to-install linear motion actuators and Cartesian robots. Readers will also find useful design hints and advice on product selection, assembly and installation, as well as tips for cost-effective project engineering.

To download individual sections of the handbook or to get the entire handbook, visit

http://www.boschrexroth.com/country_units/america/united_states/en/products/brl/catalogs/white_papers/lmt_handbook/index.jsp

www.boschrexroth-us.com/country_units/america/united_states/en/index.jsp

Linear Motion Tips

The RB series of ultra-low profile roller guides from NSK Precision America are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the machine tool industry. Compared with NSK’s conventional RA series roller guides, the series offers a 26% reduction in overall height, which helps downscale equipment and lower the center of gravity of precision/positioning tables.

Optimizing the rolling contact conditions yields high capacity and rigidity, which is a result of configuring the internal dimensions so as to accommodate slider deformation (patent pending). As a result, equipment can be downscaled without sacrificing load capacity or high rigidity. Additionally, NSK’s K1™ Lubrication Units are available to ensure long-term, maintenance-free operation.

The RB series is available in five preloaded sizes ranging from RB30 to RB65 with 23 slide model types available.

www.nskprecision.com

Linear Motion Tips

Stainless steel DryLin W is ideal for harsh environments such as underwater, chemical and wash down, or for applications ranging from packaging to food and beverage, textile and marine. It can also withstand extreme temperatures as high as 482 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike traditional stainless steel ball-bearing systems, DryLin W is made with solid 316 stainless steel which maximizes both performance and corrosion resistance.

Stainless steel DryLin W is available as a combination of two supported round shafts in one bolt-on profile, or a split rail configuration. Each option provides its own unique advantages. The single profile round-rail option lowers the cost of an application and eliminates time-consuming shaft alignment and assembly. The split rail option emphasizes design flexibility. If the acting forces project beyond the slide or space is limited, the split rails can be assembled at a 90-degree angle.

The stainless steel carriages include plastic glide elements made of iglide J. For higher temperature resistance, the plastic liners can be made from iglide T500 for the 20 millimeter size.

DryLin linear guide systems are an ideal replacement for re-circulating ball bearings due to their maintenance-free, oil-free and self-lubricating operation. Unlike ball bearings, contaminants cannot build up in DryLin. This prevents malfunction and shaft damage. DryLin bearings and guide systems have a low coefficient of friction, are corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant. The DryLin family also includes DryLin R linear plain bearings, DryLin T linear slides, DryLin N micro slides, DryLin slide tables and DryLin S anodized aluminum shafting.

Linear Motion Tips

It is comprised of a hard-anodized-aluminum T-shaped rail, a clear-anodized-aluminum adjustable carriage and igus’ iglide® J polymer material blend gliding elements, to form a lightweight unit. The iglide J glide inserts combine lubrication-free operation and low wear rates to make DryLin T a maintenance-free solution. They also are designed for easy adjustment of the clearance to the guide rail. DryLin T is resistant to dirt and dust and possesses high shock absorption capabilities.

Some other advantages of the DryLin T system include: 

DryLin T can be used in a wide range of applications such as food, medical and clean rooms, as it requires no lubrication and due to its high shock absorption capabilities, is ideal for sensitive equipment such as semiconductors, water handling systems and test and measurement equipment. DryLin T also is well suited for the woodworking industry and can be employed on mounting vacuum grippers, sawmills, tool changers and wood chippers.

www.igus.com

Linear Motion Tips