FEATURE


LINEAR MOTION


a guide for linear motion


Linearity is crucial in many applications, but how do you go about specifying the right linear guide for your application? Marcus Schneck, CEO of norelem, explains


T


o declare that something is linear is often thought to suggest that it is lacking in complexity, that it is plain, straightforward,


simple, there is no deviation, and no unknown quantities where choice can come in. However, in the manufacturing industry that’s exactly why linearity is so crucial. Demanding applications such as factory automation require precision – ‘nearly straight’ just won’t do as production lines depend on machinery that will reliably move along a pre-determined axis, over and over again. To meet the requirement, design engineers


specify linear guides. But, these needs to be strong and frictionless, capable of maintaining performance over thousands, if not millions, of repeatable movements, and be able to withstand forces without becoming deformed. So how do you go about selecting the right linear guide for your application?


characteriSticS


There are two main types of linear guide system, each with its particular characteristics. Slide guides are linear guides in which the individual linear guide elements are not separated by rolling elements. In contrast, roller guides are based on a rotational mechanism, whereby roller guides such as rollers or ball bearings are rotated between two moving elements. Either way, though, the end result is the same: the linear block moves forward and backward along the plane on which the rail is positioned. Slide guides: Linear slide guide systems include the dovetail slide from norelem,


8


which prevents a guide element from lifting during rotational movements. The full-contact design of the sliding surfaces makes dovetail slides well-suited for absorbing and damping shocks and vibrations. Telescopic slides are another option – and


norelem now offers 33 types, designs and sizes, providing effective movement for payloads from 10kg to 450kg. With these, the company placed particular emphasis on reducing friction, noise, and the need for maintenance. Although manufactured in steel as standard,


these are also available in stainless steel or aluminium. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and guarantees maximum hygiene – perfect for medical technology. Aluminium, meanwhile, is light, making it ideally suited for applications such as aviation, where every gramme counts. Roller guides: A rolling element retainer (such


as a roller chain) keeps the rolling element in control and ensures that the guide runs as quietly as possible. Roller guides include profile guide rails and linear ball bearings. Versions from norelem comprise guide


rails with lengths up to 4080mm and a compact and heavy-duty design sized 20mm, 30mm and 45mm. Depending on the size and dimensions, the roller guide systems can operate with static loads of up to 5,500N and dynamic loads up to 12,280N. The combination of fixed and floating bearing


rail prevents tilting and unnecessary wear of the roller guide systems, and the carriage can be made play-free by simply adjusting the central cam roller to the desired tension in the


1 DESIGN SOLUTIONS NOVEMBER 2021


rail. This guarantees precise running, while the permanently lubricated roller bearing ensures maintenance-free operation. Another type of roller guide relates to those


which have recirculation rolling elements. Rolling elements recirculate within the linear block and move with the block instead of separately, akin to the tracks of a tank.


Specifying the right Solution


As a general rule, a good quality guide depends on its shape, positional accuracy and lack of friction. This means that, when specifying and sizing a linear guide system, you can take a logical approach. Once you have clearly defined the most


important parameters required for your application, you will likely determine whether a slide or roller guide is the best system to use. Based on this decision, you can then narrow down the selection further based on specific variables, such as speed, load, material, maintenance and more. norelem has extensive experience in


helping customers to choose the right linear guide system. In fact its linear guides are used in industries ranging from semiconductor manufacturing and robotics, to packaging and medical technology – although, understandably, the primary field of application is factory automation. The company can also advise on the right


specification for positioning, manipulating, lifting or rotating production elements. As a result, its linear guide systems can be assembled according to the customer's specific application. So, next time somebody complains about


something being too linear, point them in the direction of the linear guide and remind them that, sometimes, simple is exactly what is needed.


norelem www.norelem.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54