Linear Ball Slide

THK Linear Ball Slides represent a fundamental advancement in precision linear motion technology, engineered to deliver exceptional accuracy, rigidity, and smooth movement in a compact, highly efficient package. These systems are built around a recirculating ball bearing mechanism that travels along a precision-ground slide rail, minimizing friction and enabling high-speed operation with remarkable positional repeatability. The core of the design features a rigid aluminum or steel slider block housing multiple rows of precision balls that circulate endlessly through a load-bearing raceway and return guides. This recirculation ensures consistent, low-friction motion, even under substantial loads, while the incorporation of high-grade seals and wipers protects the internal components from contaminants like dust, chips, and moisture, significantly enhancing operational life and reliability in harsh environments.

Key technical features include the ability to support loads in multiple directions—radial, reverse-radial, and lateral—due to the optimized groove geometry in both the rail and the slider. Many models offer pre-load adjustments, which eliminate internal clearance and increase rigidity, critical for applications requiring high precision and resistance to vibration or impact forces. The compact, low-profile design of many Linear Ball Slides allows for space-saving integration into machinery where envelope constraints are a primary concern. Performance advantages are substantial: these systems exhibit very low coefficients of friction, leading to reduced power consumption and heat generation. They maintain high positional accuracy over millions of cycles, with minimal maintenance requirements beyond periodic re-lubrication. The high rigidity and damping characteristics contribute to improved machining or assembly quality by minimizing deflection and vibration during operation.

Typical applications for THK Linear Ball Slides are widespread across industries demanding reliable and precise linear guidance. In industrial machinery, they are indispensable in CNC machining centers for tool changer arms, in automated assembly lines for positioning pallets and fixtures, and in precision measuring instruments for moving probes and sensors. The automotive industry utilizes them extensively in robotic welding and painting arms, automated test equipment for components, and high-speed pick-and-place systems for electronic control unit assembly. Within the realm of precision equipment, these slides are found in semiconductor manufacturing apparatus for wafer handling and lithography stages, medical devices such as DNA sequencers and automated analysis systems, and optical positioning systems where smooth, jitter-free movement is paramount. Their versatility, durability, and precision make THK Linear Ball Slides a cornerstone component for engineers designing next-generation automated systems where motion control is critical to performance and productivity.

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The THK Linear Ball Slide With Rack Model LSP SERIES represents a highly integrated linear motion solution, combining a precision linear slide mechanism with a robust rack-and-pinion drive system in a single, compact unit. Engineered for applications requiring both guided linear movement and positive rotary-to-linear power transmission, the LSP SERIES eliminates the need for separate component sourcing and complex assembly, delivering exceptional accuracy, rigidity, and operational efficiency. Its design is characterized by a high-rigidity, high-precision linear ball slide base, upon which a precisely machined rack is mounted, ensuring perfect alignment between the guiding and driving elements. Key technical features define its superior performance. The linear guideway utilizes a recirculating ball bearing system within a rigid housing, providing smooth, low-friction motion with high load capacity in all directions—radial, reverse-radial, and lateral. The integrated rack is precision-ground from high-grade steel, offering high tooth accuracy and surface hardness for minimal backlash, quiet operation, and long service life. The system is pre-lubricated and often features sealing strips or gaskets to protect the ball tracks and rack from contaminants like dust and chips, making it suitable for harsh environments. Standardization allows for easy integration, with the rack-and-pinion system providing a reliable and direct method for converting the rotary motion of a motor (via a pinion gear) into precise linear travel of the slide block. The performance advantages of the LSP SERIES are substantial for machine designers and builders. The unified design guarantees inherent alignment between the slide and the rack, which drastically reduces assembly time, minimizes potential alignment errors, and enhances overall system stiffness and positional accuracy. This integrated approach results in a more compact machine footprint compared to systems built from discrete components. The low-friction ball slide mechanism ensures high-speed capability and excellent motion smoothness, while the high-precision rack delivers precise positioning and repeatability. The high rigidity allows the system to withstand significant moments and loads, maintaining stability and accuracy under demanding operating conditions. This combination leads to improved machine throughput, higher product quality, and reduced maintenance requirements. Typical applications for the THK LSP SERIES are found across industries where precise, powered linear indexing, transfer, or positioning is critical. In industrial automation and machinery, it is extensively used in automated assembly lines, pallet transfer systems, material handling equipment, and precision indexing tables. Within the automotive manufacturing sector, these units are ideal for robotic arm end-effectors, welding gun manipulators, parts transfer mechanisms, and automated inspection stations. For precision equipment, the LSP SERIES is deployed in semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, optical positioning stages, precision measuring instruments, and medical automation devices where clean, accurate, and reliable linear motion is paramount. Its robust and sealed construction makes it a dependable choice for these high-performance, mission-critical applications.
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The THK Linear Ball Slide Without Rack Model LS SERIES represents a fundamental advancement in compact linear motion technology, engineered for applications where space is at a premium but high performance is non-negotiable. This series is characterized by its integrated slide unit construction, which combines a rigid base, precision-ground guideways, and a compact slide block into a single, highly rigid unit. The core of its motion is facilitated by a precision-circulating ball bearing system. As the slide block moves along the guideways, the balls recirculate endlessly within the compact block, providing smooth, low-friction linear motion with minimal resistance and excellent positional accuracy. Several key technical features define the LS SERIES's performance envelope. Its compact, low-profile design is a primary characteristic, offering a significant reduction in mounting space and overall height compared to traditional slide systems, making it ideal for machinery with stringent size constraints. The incorporation of high-capacity, long-length balls within the recirculating system ensures a substantial load rating, allowing the unit to handle significant moment loads and forces in multiple directions. Furthermore, the guide rails are precision-ground from high-carbon chromium bearing steel and subjected to rigorous heat treatment, resulting in exceptional surface hardness, wear resistance, and long-term dimensional stability. This robust construction is complemented by optional seals and wipers that effectively shield the precision ball tracks from contaminants like dust and chips, thereby enhancing service life and reliability in demanding environments. The performance advantages of this design translate directly into operational benefits for machinery designers and operators. The low-friction ball circulation mechanism yields exceptionally smooth and quiet motion, which minimizes vibration and contributes to higher quality surface finishes in machining applications. This smooth operation, combined with high rigidity, ensures outstanding positional accuracy and repeatability, which is critical for precision assembly and inspection tasks. The high load capacity and rigidity also contribute to a long, maintenance-free service life, reducing total cost of ownership. The simplicity of its design allows for easy installation and integration, as the unit is supplied as a complete, pre-assembled system that requires no complex alignment or adjustment. Typical applications for the THK LS SERIES are found across a spectrum of industries that demand reliable, precise, and compact linear motion. In industrial automation, these slides are integral to the operation of precision pick-and-place units, linear actuators within automated assembly lines, and as guiding mechanisms for sensor carriage systems. Within the automotive manufacturing sector, they are employed in precision welding equipment, component testing jigs, and automated material handling systems where space is limited. The series is also extensively used in precision equipment, including optical instrument stages, semiconductor wafer inspection devices, and medical diagnostic apparatus, where their smooth motion, accuracy, and compact footprint are essential for achieving the required levels of performance and reliability.
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The THK Linear Ball Slide With Rack Model LSC SERIES represents a highly integrated linear motion solution, combining a precision linear slide mechanism with a rigid, high-accuracy rack gear. This design eliminates the need for separate component alignment, providing a compact, self-contained unit for applications requiring both precise linear guidance and controlled rotary-to-linear motion conversion. The system is engineered around a robust base and slide block that incorporates a recirculating linear ball bearing system, ensuring smooth, low-friction travel along the hardened steel guide rails. Integrated directly onto the side of the base is a precision-ground rack, manufactured to tight tolerances for optimal meshing with a drive pinion, delivering efficient power transmission and accurate positional control. Key technical features define the LSC SERIES's performance envelope. The linear guide utilizes THK's proven ball recirculation technology within the slide block, which provides high rigidity, excellent load capacity, and minimal rolling resistance. The rack is typically case-hardened and ground, offering high surface durability and long-term wear resistance for sustained accuracy. Pre-loaded ball elements within the slide block eliminate internal clearance, resulting in high positional accuracy and smooth, non-fluctuating motion without stick-slip. Many models are available with optional seals and wipers to protect the critical rolling elements and rack interface from dust, chips, and other contaminants, significantly enhancing operational life in harsh environments. The unit is designed as a complete assembly, simplifying installation and eliminating the cumulative errors associated with mounting separate rails, carriages, and rack systems. The performance advantages of this integrated system are substantial for machine designers. By combining the slide and rack, it offers a significant reduction in assembly time and cost while improving overall system accuracy and repeatability. The high rigidity of the unit allows for high-speed operation and high moment load capacities, maintaining stability under complex force conditions. The low friction coefficient of the linear ball guide minimizes driving force requirements, contributing to energy efficiency and allowing for the use of smaller motors and drives. This combination of high speed, high precision, and high load capacity makes it an exceptionally reliable and durable component. Typical applications for the THK LSC SERIES are found wherever precise linear indexing, positioning, and movement are required alongside a rotary drive input. In industrial machinery, it is extensively used in automated assembly lines, precision machining centers for tool changer arms, and material handling systems like gantry robots and pick-and-place units. Within the automotive manufacturing sector, these systems are critical in welding robot seventh-axis tracks, precision fixture positioning, and automated testing equipment. For precision equipment, the LSC SERIES is ideal for applications such as semiconductor wafer handling robots, precision inspection and measurement stages, and advanced optical positioning systems in manufacturing and research, where its integrated design ensures the consistent accuracy and reliability demanded by these high-technology fields.
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