The various components used in a machine tool are manufactured by the "master machine" used to produce the components of the machine itself. Whether they are delicate and complex, or large and heavy, the precision of the parts produced by machine tools is rapidly increasing, and THK's Linear Motion Systems help to provide the guides that enable this precision and speed to be realized.
Horizontal machining centers
The most important type of cutting machine is the "machining center". Ball retainer type LM guides and ball screws with high accuracy and rigidity are used for the table, where the workpiece must be positioned accurately and quickly, and for the drive mechanism, which moves the cutting tool. In addition, crossed roller collars are used in rotary tables where smooth rotation is required.
Milling Machines
Although machining centers and other CNC lathes are the primary means of manufacturing mass-produced products, milling machines are still used in cutting-edge production. In addition, state-of-the-art machines capable of manufacturing ultra-super-precision grade products are produced under the fine control of skilled personnel. In order to reproduce such advanced products, LM guides and ball screws with no wasted motion are used in the milling machine guidance system.
NC lathes
Like machining centers, NC lathes play a prominent role in machining work. LM guides and ballscrews are indispensable for the movement of the tooling section of the lathe due to their high rigidity and precision. In addition, the LM guideway combines this high rigidity with a very compact structural design, contributing to the miniaturization of the machine.
Flat milling machines
Flat milling machines are large milling machines. It goes without saying that its workpieces are also large and heavy. However, if a highly rigid LM guideway is used for table movement, the table can move smoothly and large parts can be machined very accurately.
CNC Gear Hobbing Machines
Traditionally, hobbing machines used to make gears for motion and power transmission have used sliding guides, but piping design and lubrication management have been difficult. By combining LM guides and ballscrews with lubrication options, it is possible to reduce system design work and assembly steps while extending the time between required maintenance work.
Surface grinders
Until recently, hydraulic cylinders were used to feed the tables of surface grinders. However, with the use of ball screws and servo systems, this work has become more accurate and faster, resulting in increased productivity. Machines with ball screws do not require any hydraulics, which makes them cleaner and reduces the possible negative impact on the environment. In areas where production used to be carried out manually, a variety of manufacturing machines are now being used to automate and save labor, and THK products are being used in a wide range of applications in this area, from equipment that merely repeats the same operation accurately and efficiently to equipment that realizes finely honed craftsmanship.
Electronic Injection Molding Machines
From hydraulic to electric drive. For environmental reasons, many manufacturers have switched to electric injection molding machines. In these machines, heavy-duty ballscrews with the same tightening force as conventional hydraulic cylinders are used, as well as highly rigid LM tracks for precise mold positioning.
Stamping presses
How fast can stamping be? Stamping speeds are increasing, and ballscrews with large lead lengths are well suited for pushing thin sheet steel workpieces with significant acceleration or deceleration. To realize this high-speed operating motion, ball retainer type LM guides and ball screws can be used.
Resin Welding Equipment
To weld two resin tubes, they must be heated and pressed together in a straight line at a constant pressure. This precise and reliable welding quality is ensured by positioning these resin tubes with LM guides.
Horizontal compression balers
Ball keeper type LM guides and precision keeper type ballscrews, type HBN, are used in the electronic drive system of note compression balers in paper mills. In the past, hydraulic cylinders were used to drive the compression press templates, but oil leaks and oil degradation occurred during equipment maintenance, contaminating both the waste paper and the peripheral equipment. The Ball Screw HBN type, however, can withstand high loads comparable to those of hydraulic cylinders, so the problem of oil leaks was eliminated by pushing the motor drive together with the Ball Screw HBN type. Furthermore, this allows for a more compact baler. As equipment becomes smaller and more accurate, the demand for precision in the manufacture of mechanical parts increases. Measuring instruments can help to meet this need by enabling greater precision to be maintained, and THK's products play a vital role in the functioning of precision instruments, enabling them to detect very subtle movements and changes.
Large 3D Measuring Instruments
Accurate guidance of large 3D measuring instruments is critical. Because the probe tip hangs so far from the guide mechanism, even small movements can affect measurement accuracy. High-precision LM guides are used in these instruments to provide accuracy, smooth motion and rigidity.
Small Measuring Microscope
The demand for machining accuracy in the field of high-precision machining technology is increasing. Small measuring microscopes for measuring these tiny mechanical parts use THK's LM guides as their high-speed and high-performance autofocus mechanism. In addition, our ball guides are used to guide the table that carries the specimen. They improve maneuverability during fine movements.
Particle size checker
Particle size checkers use sensors for high-speed image analysis. These sensors must move smoothly in a linear motion. Vibration and speed variations must be minimized. Our small LM guides solve these insurmountable problems. Today, semiconductor and LCD panel manufacturing equipment is essential for the production of any kind of electrical and electronic equipment, including personal computers, cellular phones, and flat-panel televisions. Advances in these devices have contributed to the increased performance of personal computers and the functionality of cell phones, and have enriched people's lives by lowering the cost of flat-panel televisions, and THK's products meet these kinds of high-tech needs with fine motion control.
Glass Edge Grinding Unit
Compact ball screws with extremely smooth motion and ball retainer type LM guides are used in systems for the efficient production of LCD panels for car navigation systems and mobile tools.
Glass substrate conveyor
To convey large crystalline glass substrates quickly and over long distances, it is necessary to achieve high speeds, extreme accuracy, and the ability to track them even over long travel distances, which can be accomplished by combining the LM guideway with a linear motor drive system.
LCD panel detector table unit
In order to detect the electrical characteristics of LCD panel substrates, the gauge must be able to accurately locate the substrate over a wide area. the LM guideway and ballscrews, with their high machining accuracy, can provide this tracking control, helping to enable efficient manufacturing even as the size of the substrate increases.
Diamond Wheel Scribe
The Diamond Wheel Scribe is used to cut and separate each IC chip from the larger wafer on which it resides. Laser cutting equipment and extremely thin radial blades on the end of a high-speed rotating shaft are used to accurately cut off the IC chips. LM guides and ball screws are used in the guiding and driving sections, which must always operate with high precision and stability, and THK's ultra-ultra-precision technology excels in this area. Automatic machines are used in a variety of industries to position workpieces quickly and accurately. Some automated machines (not limited to direct motion) have multi-jointed components that mimic the movement of the human arm. These jointed parts must have high rotary accuracy and rigidity to ensure that sudden stops do not derail them, and THK's unique products are powerful and compact enough to meet these needs.
5 Jointed Closed Loop Automatics
Automatic positioning machines that push the limits of acceleration and deceleration. The guiding part must be precise and rigid, and the main structure must have excellent stopping damping capability. Crossed roller collars are used in the rotary part to achieve this rigidity and speed.
Arc Welding Automation
Crossed roller collars are used in the rotary motion portion of arc welding automation in factory production lines. Since the crossed roller collar itself is sufficiently rigid in each direction of radial and axial moment loads, it can be used to form a compact articulated joint for automatic machinery.
Scalar automatics
Scalar automatics are used to transport and position workpieces in a small area. the LM guideway system plays a vital role in their travel motion and rotational accuracy in the Z-axis (where high speeds and low runout are essential).
Dual-armed automatics
Dual-armed automatics designed to mimic the movement of the human arm must be able to perform complex operations smoothly and repeatedly. In addition, they must be sufficiently rigid and responsive, and THK's linear motion systems and crossed roller collars reduce the size of the robot while increasing its rigidity and speed of operation. Electronic equipment is a collection of small units and actuators. The manufacturing equipment for these units is also a collection of small actuators. THK offers a wide range of actuators for all market segments where space-saving and energy-efficient actuators are in high demand.
Various Portable TV Camera Systems
Remote TV camera systems must be able to move very smoothly in all directions in order to capture a clear picture. In addition, the operation of the system must be quiet in order not to interfere with the recording. The drive mechanism created by our LM guides, which are based on retention technology, achieves this critical smoothness and quietness.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
THK's slides are used at the exit of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) for deposits or withdrawals. These chutes are lightweight and compact, and have been playing an active role in the development of compact ATMs.
Compact Photo Processing Equipment
Small LM guides and ball screws are used for equipment that scans camera negatives, processes film image data, and outputs color pictures on a printer. Since such devices are used for photo processing and print storage, they must be compact, and THK's compact products provide the high precision focus required for film scanning devices while maintaining compactness. THK's products are used in a wide range of major machine components in railroad locomotives, automobiles and other vehicles. Particularly in the automotive manufacturing process, THK's products are used in virtually every type of equipment, automated machinery, machining centers and assembly machines.
Single-Seat Helicopters
THK's R-rails are used in the propeller angle movement shafts of the world's smallest helicopters. Changing the propeller angle allows the aircraft to rotate and change direction.
Station Gates
Ball Retainer type LM guides and needle cam guides are used in station gates that protect people from falling onto railroad tracks. THK's products provide high durability and noiseless operation to ensure that these outreach gates are securely fastened.
Four-wheeled Electric Motorcycles
THK's linkage balls are used in the linkage mechanism of the front and rear steering systems of four-wheeled electric motorcycles. With the aging of society, the demand for these four-wheeled electric motorcycles is increasing among the elderly. The use of linkage balls allows the mechanism to operate without any gaps or play, ensuring safe driving. THK's precision-machined products are used not only in industrial machinery, but also for outdoor use, where they are subjected to heavy loads in muddy and splashy environments. Our products support basic amenities, realizing comfortable and safe living conditions in an ever-widening range of applications.
Building Vibration Control Structures
Frequent earthquakes have caused great concern among residents in some areas, and THK's vibration control systems can help. The system is based on the application of LM-guide ballscrews to protect people's lives and livelihoods during earthquakes. The system not only prevents damage caused by earthquakes, but also reduces panic by being ubiquitous, reliable and durable.
Shock-absorbing structures for houses
Shock-absorbing technology is an effective means of dealing with earthquakes by mitigating damage caused by seismic waves. When LM rails are combined in a straight intersection, they can move freely in a plane. Based on this and supplemented by damping rubber, THK's unique damping system reduces the vibrations experienced by lightweight houses during earthquakes. Through the know-how accumulated in the manufacture of LM rails, THK is creating new systems that can protect people's lives and property during natural disasters.
Vibration-damping structures for large buildings
THK's vibration-damping guideways are also used in skyscrapers. the LM guideways are arranged in a cross form to absorb horizontal vibrations. This greatly reduces the impact of ground vibrations on the building and keeps the building standing by reducing the impact of earthquakes by 1/3 to 2/3, converting it into a gentler force.
Barriers
Transportation and telecommunication networks, which are vital to our lives, are located "underground" and are invisible above ground. Barrier machines play an important role in digging the tunnels needed for underground railroads, fiber optic networks and other parts of the infrastructure. THK's large LM guides are used on these machines working deep underground to help pour concrete and for precise positioning. The aerospace industry requires high-performance systems that can adapt to special environments. THK products developed for vacuum and other special operating environments are used in the manufacture of everything from spacecraft hulls to spacecraft seating mechanisms. Problems that arise in technology development can often be solved with THK products.
Seat Slide Mechanisms
The LM rail SR type is used for seat slide mechanisms in small airplanes. Since the floor of an airplane is usually made of sheet metal, measurement errors associated with the mounting part are common and the installation process can be time consuming. the SR type has excellent error elimination capabilities and can be mounted directly to the floor of the airplane, simplifying assembly. In addition, THK's small LM rail, the RSR type, offers smooth movement without gaps and is compact enough to be used in seat footrests. Advanced medical technology is a powerful tool for doctors, and nursing equipment can ease the burden on caregivers. Advances in the medical industry, including highly computerized medical equipment, protect lives, and THK products meet the highest standards of reliability for medical equipment.
X-Ray Equipment
Our LM guides and cross roller collars are used to move the X-Ray receiver. This allows the X-ray machine to move the ray transmitter and receiver unit in any direction, as well as to take images from any angle, regardless of the patient's position. When using THK's products, the vibration and noise of the machine can also be reduced, thus relieving the patient's concerns.
Automated blood analysis equipment
Our ball spline and changeover cylinders are used to vertically transport reagent syringes in blood testing equipment. The ball spline dampens the vibration that occurs at the end of the syringe when it stops, while the sliding screw changeover barrel helps create a very smooth high-speed supply mechanism.
Medical X-ray CT Scanner
An X-ray CT scanner is a single device that allows for a full-body examination of a patient, and includes a computed tomography (CT) scanner and an angiography device for diagnosis of the circulatory system. In these devices, the longitudinal movement section utilizes THK's LM guides; this section moves the patient lying on the bed longitudinally during the scanning process. These rails help eliminate patient concerns by reducing vibration and noise during system movement.
Bath equipment supporting motorized wheelchairs
Our ball splines are used in bath equipment with motorized lifting devices. Using the spline shaft as a lifting rod allows for compact equipment.
Surgical support for automated machinery
During bone positioning, doctors need to use enormous pressure to adjust the position of the bones. Radiography leading to absorption of radiation is also a tricky problem. To solve these problems, surgical support automation machines have been developed. By using THK's LM guides and actuators, surgical support automation machines can be powerful and compact, achieving high precision during surgery and replicating the surgeon's movements reliably. THK's linear motion systems are also used in special handling and processing equipment that is very different from machine tools, industrial automation and other general manufacturing equipment. We can provide solutions to meet the specifications of any special-purpose equipment.
Printing and dyeing machines
In the dyeing and printing process, the printing machine transfers the material to the dyeing tank and tenses the cloth. Instead of conventional needle cam guides, LM guides JR type are used in the guides for horizontal movement of cloth to minimize machine clearance and vibration. A ball retainer type LM guide is also used on the vertical axis for transferring the cloth to the dye tank.
Stone Cutters
Our Ball Retainer type LM guide rails are used on the X, Y, and Z axis guides on stone cutters that use a grinder to gradually cut through the stone. Splashing water and stone chips make for a harsh operating environment, but with the lubricator QZ and the lapping contact scraper LaCS, the LM guides can be used effectively even in this environment.
Foam Polystyrene Treatment Machines for Casting
Machines used to treat foam polystyrene in place of wood in casting. Ball retainer type LM guides SHS type are used for the X, Y and Z axis guides of the treating machines and rolling ball screws are used for the drive section of these machines. The X-axis travel of these machines can be up to 9050 mm. with the SHS type, the rolling vibrations of the machine are reduced and the casting contour accuracy is improved. In addition, the lubricator QZ reduces piping and allows for long-term maintenance-free operation.