Contact scraper smooths out linear guides

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 5, 2003

An ingenious scraper system facilitates high-speed, low-maintenance linear motion in harsh or aggressive operating environments.

THK UK has launched an ingenious scraper system that facilitates high-speed, low-maintenance linear motion in harsh or aggressive operating environments.

Specifically designed for use in conjunction with THK's renowned LM guides and Caged Ball technology, the new LaCS laminated contact scraper removes foreign objects and liquids from guide rails thereby increasing operating life currently measured at 300%, on continual life tests.

The new scraper features a three-layer design that permanently makes contact with the rail ensuring dirt, debris, oil and liquids are effectively removed as the carriage moves along the guide rail.

Attached to the guide's end seal lip - so protecting it from wear and tear - the LaCS removes up to three times more debris, significantly extending the operating life of the linear motion system.

Crucially, the LaCS uses a self-lubricating synthetic foam that minimises resistance and maintains the high-speed performance associated with caged ball designs.

As a result, the new LaCS is an ideal accessory for a variety of linear motion guides used in hostile or aggressive operating environments, including injection-moulding equipment, machine tools and high-speed transfer systems.

Supporting THK's low maintenance philosophy, the new LM guide scraper prevents liquids entering the LM block and reduces abnormalities caused by abrasive foreign objects.

It is also possible to supplement the LaCS with a specially designed metal scraper that removes larger foreign objects such as cuttings and swarf.

The highly adaptable LaCS can be used to clear the way on virtually all of THK's range of LM guides, including those featuring the highly acclaimed Caged Ball technology.

The result is a low-maintenance, high-speed guide capable of an extended operating life in the toughest of conditions.

Bob Love, Technical Manager at THK, said: "The caged ball principle already provides significantly improved linear motion performance in a range of industrial applications.

With LaCS, we can bring the principles of virtually maintenance-free, high-speed and long-life motion control to more extreme working environments, where effective linear movement would otherwise be hampered by aggressive materials or liquids".