Anti-friction miniature linear guides from PM B.V. now come with a variety of cage options

When building miniature linear-motion systems, design engineers can choose between ball and crossed-roller linear guides.  When applied to precision systems, most all of these linear guides have cages to prevent shifting of the anti-friction rolling elements during operation … especially when these linear guides are applied in exacting microscopy, manipulator, and image-scanner applications — for which repeatability and smooth motion are critical.

Now, linear-motion and multi-axis motion-system supplier PM B.V. offers multiple linear-guide products with customizable features to satisfy these demanding applications. Customizable elements include precision cages to keep the rolling elements in these components in place.

For linear guides based on ball rolling elements, there are JJ and KKLK types. For linear guides based on crossed-roller elements, there are KZR, AA, and AL types.

In fact, PM B.V. now offers the widest range of cages in the industry — meeting all the demands for medical, test and measurement, and imaging applications. The linear guides are available in two ways:

• The linear guides can be purchased as a standard set including four rails along with cages and endpieces …
• The linear guides can also be purchased as single-piece components.

This lets engineers design their own linear-guide sets without being forced to use standard sets.

The smallest rolling elements used in the cage are 1.5 mm in diameter … and are superfinished for top accuracy and running performance. The linear guide-rail sizes come in lengths from 20 mm (RSD-1520) up to 1,400-mm (RSD-91400) long in one piece. For longer lengths, multi-section pieces are available; these are ground together for top precision. For cleanroom and vacuum applications, there are also many stainless steel solutions available. Engineers designing machines for cleanrooms and vacuum environments can also specify that the anti-friction guides be cleaned and bagged before shipment.

For more information, visit PM B.V. at www.PM.nl.