Linear guides turn to civil engineering

A new range of linear guides have been developed specifically for use in a wide range of civil engineering applications.

THK has launched a new range of linear guides that have been developed specifically for use in a wide range of civil engineering applications.

The new products are designed to help engineers reduce build and maintenance costs, while improving system performance and safety.

Typical uses include bridge stabilisation, earthquake protection, flexible stadia, or observation platforms.

In general, linear motion guides move or position loads.

This basic principle means they are extremely adaptable and have become a common component in many industrial systems where accuracy and reliability is key.

Now, new developments in technology mean that these simple yet highly efficient devices enable them to be easily incorporated into civil structures, giving architects and engineers new and potentially innovative options when designing or building structures.

Tough as well as practical, linear motion guides are typically constructed of rails, or raceways, and guide blocks, or platforms, on which materials or components are transported.

Various techniques are used to support this mechanism although most contemporary systems use steel ball bearings housed within the block that run along a series of grooves in the rail.

As a result, linear motion guides can be installed on horizontal surfaces, vertical planes, inverted positions, slopes or walls.

The latest THK LM guides incorporate proven caged ball technology, which significantly extends the operating life of products and, perhaps as importantly, virtually eliminates friction, heat and noise.

As a result, systems supported or controlled by THK guides can be moved smoothly, accurately and with a minimum of motive force.

For example, the new JUP high capacity linear motion guide is capable of transporting extremely high loads of up to 780t - the equivalent of four unladen Boeing 747 jumbo jets - yet has a coefficient of friction that is less than 0.01.

In addition to long life and low operating costs, all THK products benefit from being virtually maintenance free - maintenance intervals are generally once every 10,000km of travel - allowing operating costs to be driven down even further without adversely affecting system performance or reliability.

THK linear motion guides are backed by full technical support and are available in a wide range of sizes to suit the variety of applications within civil engineering.

Back to top