STAF integrated linear motion systems, which include linear guides, ball screws and linear tables, are available in southern Africa exclusively from BMG. “With the growing demand locally for economical yet efficient linear way products, BMG has established a partnership with OME Technology to supply and support STAF linear motion components. This range is known globally for high speed and precision, easy integration and interchangeability, energy saving and environmental protection,” says Rouff Essop, general manager of BMG’s bearings division. STAF linear motion products are used in diverse applications, including welding, soldering and drilling; industrial machinery; measuring and inspection; printing, scanning and packaging; assembly plants and warehousing, and robotic arms and manipulators.
Linear guides – the key part of precision instruments – are used in conjunction with compact ball screws, which are locked onto a platform and linked to a servo motor to produce linear motion. The main function of the guide is to allow the platform to maintain high precision, high rigidity and high load motion.
STAF linear guides have a common rail, interchangeable alloy steel slide which is designed for reliability and flexibility. The dust sealing twin lip structure ensures effective sealing and the large internal lubricant storage facility reduces maintenance requirements and extends the service life of the system.
Cage and non-cage types, which are fitted on the same profile rail, have new patented features which include a ball re-circulation design with no gap for smooth running. The newly designed chain lubrication system reduces friction during operation and extends the service life of the system.
STAF’s BGC cage type linear guides, which are suitable for high-speed applications, contain lubricant between the steel balls. The friction produced during operation is reduced by the oil film. Advantages over conventional systems include reduced contact pressure, lower noise levels, less vibration and lower heat generation.
In traditional guides the steel balls collide, producing a sharp, screeching noise, and are easily worn out. BGC linear guide cages are manufactured from macro-molecule polymer, with lubricant space designed within the chain belt. With the flexibility of the chain belt and the cushioning effect of the lubricating oil, most of the noise produced from the chasing effect of the steel balls is eliminated.
STAF’s advanced lubrication system ensures lubricating oil reaches all surfaces in the loop during operation and in static state oil loss is minimal.
The BGC steel ball retainer has a fixed distance retaining function so that each steel ball receives a balanced force for stable operation and extended service life. The issue of irregular gaps is far smaller than with traditional linear guides.
The BGX non-cage series, with a 4-groove design, ensures even load capacity in all directions, irrespective of how the rails are mounted. An auto-adjust capability prevents assembly errors and allows quick, accurate linear motion by eliminating the deviation of the mounting planes. Advantages of this 4-groove series over the conventional 2-groove design include quick, light movements, reduced friction, high load ratings and improved stability.
The accuracy of linear guides depends on the efficiency of circulation of steel balls between the slide and the rail. The incursion of the smallest objects can cause skipping and bumping of the slide and lead to permanent damage. The advanced seal design of the BGX series is divided into top and bottom seal systems to prevent the incursion of foreign objects. The top seal system prevents particles caught at the rail holes from entering the circulation groove and the bottom seal system prevents objects from entering through the gap in-between the slide and rail.
STAF has also developed micro linear guides – the MBX and MBC series – with an integrated dust-proof design and an efficient lubrication system. These miniaturised cage and non-cage types have application advantages that include high precision, low noise levels and extended service life. The linear motion systems are manufactured in Taiwan according to stringent international quality and safety specifications, including
ISO 9001, and have RoHS compliance.
These advanced linear motion systems are supported by BMG’s comprehensive engineering solutions service.
For more information contact Rouff Essop, BMG, +27 (0)31 576 6200, [email protected], www.bmgworld.net
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| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.bmgworld.net |
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