THK Linear guide

The fundamental innovation is the recirculating ball bearing system inside a guide block that moves along a precision-ground rail.

• Rail: A hardened steel shaft with precision-ground raceways.

• Slider (Block): The moving unit containing many load-carrying balls.

• Recirculation: Balls roll through the load zone, then return via an end cap or internal path, creating a continuous, smooth rolling motion.

• Gothic Arch Design: THK’s signature raceway groove shape provides four-point contact for each ball, enabling high load capacity in all directions (radial, reverse radial, and lateral).、

Main Product Lines (Series)

THK offers a vast range. Key series include:

1. SHS Series (Standard Type): The most common and versatile. Offers high rigidity and accuracy. Used in machine tools, industrial robots, and general automation.

2. SR Series (Miniature): Compact and lightweight. Ideal for precision instruments, medical devices, and small assembly machines where space is limited.

3. SSR Series (Cross-Roller Type): Uses cylindrical rollers instead of balls. Provides extremely high rigidity and precision with minimal elastic deformation. Used in high-precision applications like measuring machines and semiconductor manufacturing.

4. HSR Series (High-Speed Type): Designed for high-speed applications. Features improved ball recirculation, seals, and often a guide mechanism to prevent block lift-off at high speeds.

5. LWR Series (Wide Type): Features a wider block for higher moment load capacity and stability, often used in large gantry systems and machining centers.

6. C-Lube Series (Maintenance-Free): Equipped with a built-in lubricator that supplies grease automatically over a long period, significantly reducing maintenance.

Key Features & Advantages

• High Precision & Smoothness: Enables precise positioning and repeatability down to micron levels.

• High Load Capacity: The Gothic Arch design allows it to withstand heavy loads from multiple directions.

• High Rigidity: Essential for maintaining accuracy under load and during cutting forces in machine tools.

• Long Service Life: Made from high-quality bearing steel and hardened, offering excellent wear resistance.

• Low Friction: Recirculating ball design results in a very low coefficient of friction, improving efficiency and reducing drive power requirements.

• Interchangeability: Rails and blocks are standardized and interchangeable within the same series.

Typical Applications

THK guides are ubiquitous in industries requiring precise linear motion:

• Machine Tools: CNC mills, lathes, grinders, EDM machines.

• Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing: Wafer handlers, PCB drilling machines, wire bonders.

• Industrial Robots: Articulated arms, linear axes, gantry robots.

• Medical & Laboratory Equipment: MRI scanners, automated analyzers, surgical robots.

• Automation Equipment: Pick-and-place units, linear actuators, assembly lines.

• Precision Measuring Instruments: CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), vision inspection systems.