Schaeffler's monorail guides in Airbus A350 wing assembly jigs

Schaeffler supplied several hundred units from its RUE-E series of linear recirculating roller bearings and guideway assemblies, including carriages, rails and other linear accessories. These units were supplied in various sizes (25, 35, 45, 55, 65 and 100) and in various types (standard, long, high and high long). The RUE-E series is suitable for applications in which very heavy loads need to be supported and where high rigidity and precise travel are required.

Schaeffler also supplied units from its KUVE-B series of ball monorail guidance systems. These are four-row linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies. These units are used where linear guidance systems with high load-carrying capacity and rigidity are required to move heavy loads with high running and positional accuracy, as well as low friction. The guidance systems are preloaded and are suitable for long, unlimited stroke lengths.

Founded in 1986, Electroimpact's main campus and head office is located in Mukilteo, Washington, USA. The company also has a satellite office in Broughton, UK with over 100 engineers.

As Lucas Sallee, design engineer at Electroimpact Inc. states: "The linear guidance systems were chosen based on their superior cost and lead time on the logistics side. However, we also selected the linear guides due to their alternate roller arrangements, which leave more space for lubrication access channels, and end cap design. During routine maintenance, this design allows for superior ingress of grease onto the roller elements when stationary. In our experience, other linear guide manufacturers design their end caps primarily for oil lubrication with limited access channels from zirc fitting roller element, resulting in grease squeezing out of the end cap to the bearing block junction rather than entering the roller cavities."

For more information on Schaeffler's range of monorail guidance systems, please go to www.schaeffler.co.uk.