How to select a THK LM guide

The following steps can be used as reference for selecting an THK LM Guide.

1, Setting Conditions

Set conditions necessary for designing load on the LM Guide.

  • Space in the guide section
  • Dimensions (span, number of LM blocks, number of LM rails, thrust)
  • Installation direction (horizontal, vertical, slant mount, wall mount, suspended)
  • Magnitude, direction and position of the working load
  • Operating frequency (duty cycle)
  • Speed (acceleration)
  • Stroke length
  • Required service life
  • Precision of motion
  • Environment
  • In a special environment (vacuum, clean room, high temperature, environment exposed to contaminated environment, etc.), it is necessary to take into account material, surface treatment, lubrication and contamination protection.

2, Selecting a Type

Select a type that meets the conditions and temporarily decide a rough size.

SHS, SSR, SVR, SVS, SHW, SRS, SCR, EPF, HSR, SR, NR-X, NRS-X, HRW, RSX, RSR, HR, GSR, GSR-R, CSR, MX, JR, HCR, HMG, NSR-TBC, HSR-M1, SR-M1, RSX-M1, RSR-M1, HSR-M2, HSR-M1VV, SR-MS, SRG, SRN, SRW

3, Calculating the Applied Load

Calculate the applied load on THK LM block.

4, Calculating the Equivalent Load

Convert the load applied on each LM block in each direction into an equivalent load.

5, Calculating the Static Safety Factor

Obtain the value of static safety factor from the basic static load rating and the maximum applied load.

Judgment on the static safety factor. if yes, then next step

6, Calculating the Average Load

Average the applied load fluctuating during operation to convert the value to an average load.

7, Calculating the Nominal Life

Calculate the the distance traveled based on the nominal life equation.

8, Prediction the Rigidity

  1. Selecting a Radial Clearance (Preload)
  2. Service Life with a Preload Considered
  3. Rigidity
  4. Radial Clearance Standard for Each Model
  5. Designing the Guide System

9, Determining the Accuracy

  1. Accuracy Standards
  2. Guidelines for Accuracy Grades by Machine Type
  3. Accuracy Standard for Each Model

Comparison with the required service life. if the requirements are met, the nex step.

10, Selection According to the Environment

  1. Lubrication: Type of lubricant, lubrication method
  2. Corrosion Prevention: Material, surface treatment
  3. Contamination Protection