THK’s LM Guide Actuator SKR20 represents a significant advancement in linear motion technology, integrating the precision of a caged ball LM guide with the compact efficiency of an actuator system. This design is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in applications demanding high rigidity, smooth motion, and long-term reliability. The SKR20 model features a unique caged ball retainer system that separates and guides the balls within the raceway, minimizing friction, reducing heat generation, and virtually eliminating metal-to-metal contact. This results in quieter operation, extended service life, and consistent accuracy even under high-load conditions.
Key technical features of the SKR20 include its compact cross-sectional design, which allows for space-saving integration into machinery without sacrificing load capacity. The caged ball mechanism ensures uniform ball circulation, preventing skewing and reducing torque variation for smoother linear movement. It offers high positioning accuracy with minimal backlash, supported by precision-ground raceways and optimized ball groove geometry. The actuator is pre-lubricated for maintenance-free operation in many environments and is available with optional seals to protect against dust, chips, and moisture in harsh industrial settings. Compatibility with various motor types, such as servo or stepper motors, enhances its adaptability to diverse automation needs.
Performance advantages of the SKR20 are evident in its ability to handle combined loads—radial, reverse radial, and lateral—with high stiffness, making it ideal for applications requiring precise guidance and stability. Its low friction coefficient translates to higher efficiency, reducing power consumption and enabling faster acceleration and deceleration cycles. The caged ball design also prevents ball-to-ball contact, reducing wear and noise levels, which is critical in cleanroom or noise-sensitive environments. With a rated load capacity tailored for industrial demands, it maintains precision over long travel distances, supported by THK’s expertise in surface treatment and material selection for corrosion resistance.
Typical applications span across industrial machinery, where the SKR20 is used in CNC machining centers for tool changing systems, automated assembly lines for pick-and-place operations, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment for precise wafer handling. In automotive systems, it facilitates precise positioning in robotic welding arms, engine component testing fixtures, and battery assembly lines for electric vehicles. For precision equipment, it finds use in medical devices like MRI scanner tables, optical alignment systems in lithography, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) where repeatability and accuracy are paramount. By combining reliability with technical sophistication, the THK LM Guide Actuator SKR20 empowers engineers to enhance productivity and innovation in demanding sectors.