Paul Boughton
SKF is launching a new range of modular linear profile rail guides for use in demanding industrial applications. The LLT profile rail guides have been developed to combine high operating speeds with heavy load capacities, while offering excellent rigidity, repeatability and accuracy from a system that can easily be configured to meet the needs of both OEMs and end users.
The modular design concept of the new range of LLT profile rail guides gives design and production engineers a wide range of system build options in terms of rail length, carriage size and profile, and for factors such as levels of accuracy, stiffness and preloading. For example, systems can be supplied for loads between 8400N and 128,500N, operating at speeds of up to 3.0m/s, with a choice of six types of carriage and unlimited stroke lengths.
In addition, the LLT system is claimed to be unique in enabling the four-ball bearing raceways that sit between each rail and carriage to be configured either in a conventional O-shaped or X-shaped arrangement, based on the contact angle of the rolling elements. Both systems provide excellent load bearing, acceleration, deceleration and side load characteristics, with the X-shaped raceway configuration also offering superior self-aligning properties, combined with the ability to virtually eliminate variations between the rail and carriage, even under preload conditions; for example, lateral deviation between carriage and rail is within +/-10microns. This makes the new guides suitable for use in high-performance single- and multi-axis applications.
Perhaps as importantly, the arrangement of four raceways, each set with a 45-degree contact angle, ensures equal load capacity while reducing frictional losses to a minimum, with low breakaway forces. This helps to produce smooth, easily controlled operation, even at extremely slow speeds, and plays a crucial role in providing extended operating life with minimal maintenance.
Each of the new LLT profile rail guides has a robust construction, from inductive and case-hardened steel, and is supplied pre-lubricated, with specially developed double-lip seals at either end of each carriage, plus side and inner seals to ensure that lubricants are retained and to prevent in the ingress of contaminants. Operating temperatures range from -20 to +80 degrees C, although each unit can withstand temperatures of up to 100 degrees C for short periods.
Additionally, SKF can supply an extensive range of accessories, and the company provides full technical and applications support from its global network of customer support and manufacturing centres.
For more information, visit www.linearmotion.skf.com
The modular design concept of the new range of LLT profile rail guides gives design and production engineers a wide range of system build options in terms of rail length, carriage size and profile, and for factors such as levels of accuracy, stiffness and preloading. For example, systems can be supplied for loads between 8400N and 128,500N, operating at speeds of up to 3.0m/s, with a choice of six types of carriage and unlimited stroke lengths.
In addition, the LLT system is claimed to be unique in enabling the four-ball bearing raceways that sit between each rail and carriage to be configured either in a conventional O-shaped or X-shaped arrangement, based on the contact angle of the rolling elements. Both systems provide excellent load bearing, acceleration, deceleration and side load characteristics, with the X-shaped raceway configuration also offering superior self-aligning properties, combined with the ability to virtually eliminate variations between the rail and carriage, even under preload conditions; for example, lateral deviation between carriage and rail is within +/-10microns. This makes the new guides suitable for use in high-performance single- and multi-axis applications.
Perhaps as importantly, the arrangement of four raceways, each set with a 45-degree contact angle, ensures equal load capacity while reducing frictional losses to a minimum, with low breakaway forces. This helps to produce smooth, easily controlled operation, even at extremely slow speeds, and plays a crucial role in providing extended operating life with minimal maintenance.
Each of the new LLT profile rail guides has a robust construction, from inductive and case-hardened steel, and is supplied pre-lubricated, with specially developed double-lip seals at either end of each carriage, plus side and inner seals to ensure that lubricants are retained and to prevent in the ingress of contaminants. Operating temperatures range from -20 to +80 degrees C, although each unit can withstand temperatures of up to 100 degrees C for short periods.
Additionally, SKF can supply an extensive range of accessories, and the company provides full technical and applications support from its global network of customer support and manufacturing centres.
For more information, visit www.linearmotion.skf.com
