The four benefits of Caged Ball LM (Linear Motion) Guides

The world leader in Linear Motion (LM) technology, THK Co. Ltd Japan, also supplies its LM Guide with Caged Ball Technology, which provides significant performance improvement over conventional products.

1. Quiet operation that minimises metal contact

Traditionally ball bearings in their initial stage of development were not caged, resulting in high noise levels, short service life and lack of performance at high rotating speeds.

The Caged Ball LM Guide boasts a long service life and superior high-speed performance in the same manner as roller bearings, while reducing the maintenance needed.

2. Orderly ball movement

The standard LM Guides consists of four rows of balls that recirculate within the LM block onto the LM rail with ball-to-ball contact whilst running on the raceways of a particular LM Rail. This results in a shortage of grease life, therefore, shortening the service life.

Caged Ball LM Guides consist of four rows of balls that recirculate within the LM block, onto the LM rail with no ball-to-ball contact whilst running on the raceways of a particular LM Rail. Hence Caged Ball technology.

The Caged Ball technology has the benefit of an absence of collision noise between the balls for quiet operation. Furthermore, an orderly ball movement with accurate alignment of balls as well as stable movement due to the elimination of sudden variations in friction.

3. Original cage structure exhibiting excellent high-speed performance

A cage structure results in high-speed performance as the use of balls eliminates heat generation caused by friction.

4. Grease holding structure (consecutive grease pockets) for long-term, maintenance-free operation, long service life

Grease holding structures (consecutive grease pockets) constantly provide lubrication to ensure long-term, maintenance-free operation and a long service life.