Schaeffler has linear guidance for patients

A Schaeffler (UK) product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 21, 2008

Varian Medical Systems (VMS) UK, a manufacturer of radiotherapy machines, is using precision linear guidance systems supplied by Schaeffler.

VMS is using the systems on its patient couches to help speed up and improve the safety and reliability of cancer treatment.

Over the last 10 years, the linear guides have operated without any failures.

The guidance systems are being used by VMS on the company's latest range of radiotherapy machines and patient couches.

Schaeffler's KUSE range of six-row ball monorail guidance systems offer extreme accuracy, high rigidity and high load carrying capacity.

KUSE systems have a full complement rolling element set with integral lubricant reservoirs.

Derek Flanagan, Manufacturing Manager at VMS UK said it specifies Schaeffler's KUSE linear guidance systems for patient couches because of their high rigidity, high static and dynamic load carrying capacity, smooth running and good lubrication characteristics.

He added: 'We also subject Schaeffler's linear guides to in-house tests, which involve the guides being extended to their maximum length and subjected to very high moment loads.

'With the guides in operation on the patient couches, the cancer patient sees benefits in terms of improved comfort, faster treatment cycles and quieter operation.

Treatments that used to take 20 minutes, can now be completed in as little as two minutes.

Medical staff see improvements in terms of motion management.

The linear guides enable more precise positioning of the couch, which helps to ensure that more healthy tissue is spared during the radiotherapy treatment process.

Schaeffler's KUSE system is available in various sizes, from 20mm up to 55mm guideway widths.

The guidance systems are also available with Schaeffler's 'Corrotect' anti-corrosion coating.

In addition to monorail guidance systems, Schaeffler also offers a range of other linear guidance systems for medical devices, CT scanners and radiotherapy machines.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

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