Posted to News on 12th Aug 2008, 14:53
Everything you need to know about monorail guidance systems
Schaeffler UK is publishing a free 480-page reference guide to its range of monorail guidance systems and accessories, including linear recirculating roller bearing type and ball bearing type guideway assemblies, as well as complete linear guidance systems with linear recirculating ball bearing units.
As well as providing technical data on individual products, the Monorail Guidance Systems catalogue also includes useful information for design engineers, including load carrying capacities, basic life ratings, preload, friction, special coatings, lubrication options and fitting instructions.
Schaeffler's range of INA-branded monorail guidance systems is suitable for guidance and precision positioning applications. The units are compact, complete linear guidance systems that are maintenance-free for most applications. The units benefit from high rigidity and load carrying capacities and support loads from all directions, except in the direction of motion.
Units can be supplied in various preload and accuracy classes. In most ranges, the carriages and guideways can be used in any combination within the same accuracy class, which gives customers a great deal of design flexibility, as well as simplified fitting and reduced stocks of guidance systems.
The linear recirculating ball bearing units come in two-, four- and six-row versions. For extreme operating conditions, Schaeffler also offers a range of special coatings and materials that are designed to increase the life of standard components and to improve their reliability. The coatings available are Corrotect (a thin anti-corrosion coating with cathodic protection and black chromate passivation), Protect A (thin-film chromium for applications in the food industry) and Protect B (thin-film chromium).
On the four-row linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies, special materials are also available. All metal parts can be made from corrosion-resistant martensitic steel. If required, customers can also choose units with a very low magnetic permeability.
Where robust construction is required, customers can specify end pieces that are made from corrosion-resistant steel. This is resistant to gamma radiation and is suitable for use in vacuum and clean room applications.
Ceramic rolling elements in hybrid bearings are also an option, offering high hardness, electrical insulation and resistance to rust.
For a free copy of the catalogue, or for more information on Schaeffler's complete range of monorail guidance systems, please visit www.schaeffler.co.uk or telephone the marketing department on +44 (0)121 351 3833.
