Composite materials save on ball guide costs

The new, patented AccuGlide T-Series linear ball guides from Thomson provide cost savings of up to 50% over conventional guide systems through the use of composite material technology.

The new, patented AccuGlide T-Series linear ball guides from Thomson provide cost savings of up to 50% over conventional guide systems through the use of composite material technology.

The T-Series product combines high load capacity with low product cost and is up to 5 times more forgiving of bed preparation errors than conventional linear guides.

The forgiving nature of the product allows for even further cost reduction by reducing the time taken to prepare mounting surfaces and reducing overall assembly time.

The design reduces induced loads, resulting in extended travel life expectancy of the bearings.

Its light weight construction also provides for inertia reduction in moving axes by 60% as well as overall machine weight and required power reduction.

The construction comprises a rail and carriage, both of which are composite material designs.

The rail is an aluminium structure with a hardened steel insert that acts as the load bearing element.

The process of inserting and retaining this element is proprietary, but once in place it is fixed and cannot be removed.

The bearing element remains in elastic state under compression while the rail structure around it is permanently set.

The carriage design is similar to the rail, in that it also comprises an aluminium structure with hardened steel load bearing elements.

Engineering polymer mouldings provide the ball recirculation system ensuring reliable and smooth linear motion.

The bearing carriages are fully sealed and easily lubricated through any of the four lubrication ports provided, ensuring minimum maintenance and maximum life.

Typical applications include packaging machinery, assembly equipment, handling, automation systems and any other transport type applications.

T-Series linear guides are available now in industry standard dimensions for drop-in replacement of conventional linear guides.

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