The fundamental innovation is the recirculating ball bearing system inside a guide block that moves along a precision-ground rail.
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Rail: A hardened steel shaft with precision-ground raceways.
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Slider (Block): The moving unit containing many load-carrying balls.
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Recirculation: Balls roll through the load zone, then return via an end cap or internal path, creating a continuous, smooth rolling motion.
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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:
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SHS Series (Standard Type): The most common and versatile. Offers high rigidity and accuracy. Used in machine tools, industrial robots, and general automation.
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SR Series (Miniature): Compact and lightweight. Ideal for precision instruments, medical devices, and small assembly machines where space is limited.
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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.
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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.
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LWR Series (Wide Type): Features a wider block for higher moment load capacity and stability, often used in large gantry systems and machining centers.
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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
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High Precision & Smoothness: Enables precise positioning and repeatability down to micron levels.
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High Load Capacity: The Gothic Arch design allows it to withstand heavy loads from multiple directions.
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High Rigidity: Essential for maintaining accuracy under load and during cutting forces in machine tools.
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Long Service Life: Made from high-quality bearing steel and hardened, offering excellent wear resistance.
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Low Friction: Recirculating ball design results in a very low coefficient of friction, improving efficiency and reducing drive power requirements.
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Interchangeability: Rails and blocks are standardized and interchangeable within the same series.
Typical Applications
THK guides are ubiquitous in industries requiring precise linear motion:
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Machine Tools: CNC mills, lathes, grinders, EDM machines.
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Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing: Wafer handlers, PCB drilling machines, wire bonders.
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Industrial Robots: Articulated arms, linear axes, gantry robots.
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Medical & Laboratory Equipment: MRI scanners, automated analyzers, surgical robots.
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Automation Equipment: Pick-and-place units, linear actuators, assembly lines.
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Precision Measuring Instruments: CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), vision inspection systems.
