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THK LM Guide: Improved Productivity of Machines

  • rebeccavanessendel
  • Feb 20
  • 2 min read

The LM Guide is THK's flagship product, the world's first practical application of rolling linear motion parts. It achieves higher precision, higher rigidity, reduced labor, higher speed, and longer service life of machines.


Functions Required for Linear Guide Surface

  • Large permissible load

  • Highly rigid in all directions

  • High positioning repeatability

  • Running accuracy can be obtained easily

  • High accuracy can be maintained over a long period

  • Smooth motion with no clearance

  • Superbly high speed

  • Easy maintenance

  • Can be used in various environments


Features of the LM Guide

  • Large permissible load and high rigidity

  • Accuracy averaging effect by absorbing mounting surface error

  • Ideal four raceway, circular-arc groove, two point contact structure

  • Superb error-absorbing capability with the DF design

  • Low friction coefficient

  • Wide array of options (QZ lubricator, Laminated contact scraper LaCS, etc.)


As a result, the following features are achieved: 

  • Easy maintenance

  • Improved productivity of the machine

  • Substantial energy savings

  • Low total cost

  • Higher accuracy of the machine

  • Higher efficiency in machine design


Linear Guide Characteristics


Light movement with no clearance 

As linear guides are rolling guides, they have no clearance and lighter movements than sliding guides.


Infinite linear motion is possible

Rolling guides such as cross-roller guides and ball guides have finite strokes, but the linear guide's balls recirculate endlessly, which means that the stroke can extend to however long the rail is made.


High permissible load

The linear guide's raceways are curved grooves, which provide surface contact between the balls and raceways. This makes the permissible load about 13 times greater than that of guide components with point contact, such as linear bushing. As a result, a linear guide can achieve a similar permissible load as a point-contact type through a more compact design.


Power-Flo Technologies is proud to partner with THK as they contribute to the improvement of infrastructure and more efficient expansion of industry. The LM Guide exemplifies THK's commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency in the world of linear motion technology. By offering unparalleled features such as high permissible loads, smooth and accurate motion, easy maintenance, and adaptability to various environments, the LM Guide has become a cornerstone for achieving enhanced machine performance and durability. Its groundbreaking design not only simplifies maintenance but also ensures energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for modern machine systems. With the LM Guide, businesses can look forward to improved productivity, better accuracy, and a more sustainable approach to machine design and operation.

 
 
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