Delivering a tailored solution on time and on budget
For applications where reductions in weight are paramount , IKO offers the cost-effective precision linear
slide range . Made from stainless linear rail and carriage system is many a design steel , and available in recirculating engineers first choice for transporting a load , and
A ( BSR for ) and good reason non-recirculating . It provides a rugged ( and BSP precise ) solution options that , this inherently range self-aligning is highly , offers flexible high load . handling capabilities , and can operate in some of the most
It features a simple two-row , challenging environments . But the temptation to over-engineer four-point a system can contact add significant structure cost to a project , high , while asking motion a vendor accuracy to supply a non-standard stable arrangement load can dramatically lengthen the lead time . carrying capacity .
We talk to the experts at IKO Nippon Thompson about how linear rail and carriages can be easily adjusted and modified , and how projects can be re-
When smooth linear motion
designed around standard products , to is of paramount importance save customers time and money
This is where IKO Nippon Thompson ’ s in-house design and adjustments service becomes invaluable , with the UK team of applications engineers able to suggest design
This can be further enhanced using a built-in rack and pinion system in the BSP variant ( BSPG ) for applications where there is potential for cage creep . This phenomenon is generally seen in and many money vertically .” orientated , highspeed applications , and IKO ’ s design reduces the chance of this occurring .
amendments that can reduce lead times from months to days , and / or remove significant cost from a project . Mark Ross , technical sales engineer at the company ’ s Milton Keynes UK headquarters , says : “ There are a wide range of things we can do at local level , from the everyday to the more unusual , to deliver an application-specific solution , providing a key service that can save UK customers time
For applications that may receive fluctuating and complex loads , but still need to see consistent repeatable A prime example results is the company , the ’ s BWU ability to assess the key range parameters may in be a project more , and appropriate look at what can be . easily amended without compromising the performance criteria ,
The high rigidity , precision linear so that the project can be serviced from the company ’ s free slide stock units . “ For any offer supplier design , manufacturing engineers a system to order the is possibility going to take time of , adding but IKO Nippon a secure Thompson will always have standard products available as free stock at mounting position that can handle loads of up to 12,100N . They are also exclusively made of stainless steel , making them suitable for potentially corrosive environments or cleanrooms . In addition , they are suitable for applications where rust prevention oil is not preferred .
42 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk our various global locations , and we can tap into that free stock and have it delivered within a couple of days ,” says
For designers and machine builders looking to increase load ratings further , while keeping the overall machine size to a minimum , IKO can then offer its crossed roller ways ( CRW ). This range is available in requirements three different .” variants , including a rack and pinion option ( CRWG ) and a heavier-duty variant that increases the strength of the internal components ( CRWH ).
Mark explains .
These products all utilise cylindrical rolling elements instead of ball bearings , and provide increased load rating capacity and improved rigidity . This , in turn , increases the stability of the overall product .
Mark . “ From there we have the in-house capabilities to modify standard products to meet specific customer
Examples include cutting rail to specific length at the simplest level , or changing the e-dimension – the measure from the end of the rail to the first mounting hole . “ As standard , this e-dimension would be half the normal hole pitch , but that might not suit the application ,”
Such adjustments and amendments can be important time savers for customers , particularly when they are building a prototype as proof of concept . But IKO Nippon Thompson ’ s design services can also save customers significant amounts of money , for example when it is clear that the design engineer has over-specified the project , perhaps as a belt and braces approach to meeting particular lifespan requirements .
“ We can quickly drill down to the customer ’ s most important considerations and then look at how that impacts
Despite the variation in materials and structure , all of the models share a similar design . With single linear caged bearings consisting of ball or roller elements running along inner and outer tracks . These bearings are arranged in parallel , one on each side of the slide , to support the weight of the table
( or carriage ) and its mounted load as it moves .
on the rail and carriage dimensions ,” says Mark . “ By talking through load and stroke requirements , that might lead us to propose alternative carriage lengths . For example , has the designer opted for a shorter carriage to increase
The various designs all
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • WWW . INDUSTRIALTECHNOLOGY . CO . UK provide precise accurate motion , normally over short stroke lengths . In the BSP , BWU and CRW ranges , this motion is further enhanced by their non-recirculating design . Due to the compression and release of the rolling elements as they pass in and out of contact with stroke length , but then bumped up the rail and carriage dimensions to accommodate the required load ? Perhaps they ’ ve even ended up with a design that uses non-standard length carriages . “ By adjusting the rail and carriage dimen- the raceways seen in recirculating
sions , we can often find a much more cost-effective approach designs , selecting , there more is no appropriate chance and of standard the products balls or better causing cost products any background
,” he continues . “ We can play
distortions in the data gathered . For the same reason , the bearings run very quietly . In addition , maximum speeds of 50m / min can be achieved .
While IKO prizes quality over pricing , one thing for customers
to keep in mind when buying with parameters such as preload to see if this provides a precision linear ways is how better way to meet specific application criteria . Or we can butt many together parts standard are rails included to deliver longer . This , non-standard lengths is particularly at given profile important dimensions without when impacting precision . specifying
“ In addition , we
the can
CRW add seals
range and scrapers
. While to protect
,
the for rolling historical elements reasons some product , many types , as well as offering different coating options to protect against rust competitors sell these parts in what or to alter the products ’ aesthetic appearance if that ’ s a
requirement is essentially too . The only addition half of rail of caps a full can also set be a further required simple for ( yet cost-effective any motion ) way to profile increase – the longevity of the system , and is something which , whilst basic , two ways with one cage and rolling is often overlooked .” elements All of this comes – IKO hand always in hand with sells the capability CRWs to provide as a CAD complete drawings and kit models : four , and ways to port those with designs straight into customers ’ models . two cages and rolling elements . For
IKO Nippon Thompson is conscious , too , of the cost of that logistics reason for its , customers a price , and that so can is perhaps supply pre-packaged
75 % sets higher to reduce for packaging an IKO
, handling full set and
( stock for management . And then there is the company ’ s on-site training in addition
example to its
) telephone
when and
compared web video support
to a
. competitor “ It ’ s all part of ’ a s service set might that means prove we are to much be more hands-on with our customers than perhaps other suppliers a more cost-effective option , as two are willing or able to be ,” concludes Mark . “ We want to be sets more of involved the competitor because benefits ’ s all product of us – we get to deliver would the be most needed appropriate to solution make and customers up the get time- and cost-saving benefits .”
same quantity as IKO ’ s offering . www . ikont . eu • Email : enquiries @ iko . co . uk
Tel ” 01908 566144 By offering the right bearings in an installation-friendly manner , IKO
27 aims to meet its customers ’ needs –
and often exceeds them .
Contact IKO UK today at 01908 566144 , or email enquiries @ iko . co . uk to discuss your motion control needs . Alternatively , visit the IKO website .