Linear Motion Guide Characteristics -LM guide

What is a Linear Guide (Linear Motion Guide)?

Structure of the LM Guide

Linear Guide Mechanism 

Linear Guide Characteristics

What is a Linear Guide (Linear Motion Guide)?

Terminology and Difference from Rotary Bearings

A linear guide is a crucial machine component that employs bearings, originally designed for rotary motion, to facilitate the easy movement of heavy objects in a straight line. It is termed a “recirculating linear ball bearing” by ISO and a “linear guideway” by the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association.

Here at Toco, we call it the LM Guide (Linear Motion Guide). Alternative names include “linear motion ball guide,” and it is sometimes referred to as a “linear bearing” in the context of being a bearing It is specifically designed for linear motion, not rotational motion.

Structure of the LM Guide

The linear guide primarily consists of three key components: a mobile carriage, a rail that supports the carriage's movements, and balls. Linear motion is achieved by incorporating a mechanism for recirculating these balls. At Toco, we refer to these components as the LM block and LM rail.

Linear Guide Applications

Linear guides are essential for smoothly and easily guiding linear motion while supporting loads, ensuring precise and efficient machine operation.

They are a vital part of linear components in devices like machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In recent times, they have also found applications in railway vehicles, buses, automatic doors, seismic isolation systems, and various other consumer fields.

Machine tools

Our linear motion systems contribute significantly to the guide components that determine the machining accuracy of machine tools.

Precision Machinery

Our products greatly enhance the ability of precision instruments to detect minute movements and changes.

Industrial robots

Our offerings provide robot joints with superior precision, rigidity, and high-speed performance. Linear Guide Mechanism (Linear Motion System) Linear guide mechanisms (linear motion systems) are employed to move or position objects along a straight line with utmost precision. They perform two main functions: guiding and driving elements

Linear Guide Mechanism (Linear Motion System)

Linear guide mechanisms, also known as linear motion systems, are designed to precisely move or position objects along a straight line. These systems comprise both guiding and driving components, each serving a specific purpose. Linear guide mechanisms employ rolling technology to ensure smooth and accurate linear movement of objects.

The linear guide, a crucial component, plays a vital role in the guiding element. A variety of other components can be employed in linear guide mechanisms, including ball splines, linear bushings, slide rails, and cross-roller guides, among others. The driving element in these systems can convert rotational torque from a motor into linear thrust. Common examples include ball screws and belts.

Alternatively, hydraulics, pneumatics, or linear motors can also be used as driving elements. The combination of these components in the mechanism's design aims to meet the precision, speed, and load requirements of specific applications. Initially developed for machine tools, linear guide mechanisms have found It is widely used in linear motion parts of various industrial machinery and consumer fields.

We also offer a range of machine elements that incorporate the linear motion system, enabling movements such as arcs or combining linear and curved motions.

Linear Guide Characteristics

Smooth and Precise Motion with Zero Clearance

Linear guides, utilizing rolling elements, offer a level of precision and smoothness unmatched by traditional sliding guides. The absence of clearance ensures consistent performance and reliability in high-precision applications.

Endless Linear Motion Capability

Cross-roller and ball guides may have limited stroke lengths, but the linear guide's ball recirculation system allows for continuous motion along the entire length of the rail, enabling unlimited linear travel.

Exceptionally High Load Capacity

The linear guide's raceways feature curved grooves that facilitate surface contact between the balls and the raceway, significantly increasing load-bearing capabilities. This design allows for a permissible load up to 13 times higher compared to guide components with point contact, such as linear bushings. As a result, linear guides can achieve comparable load ratings to point-contact types while maintaining a more compact and efficient design.

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