(FLORENCE, KENTUCKY) – Mazak Corporation has adopted the use of Linear Motion Roller Guides in many of its models whenever high-static or dynamic loads are encountered. Compared with conventional plain guides, roller guides offer numerous advantages for high-performance machine tools.

The first is very low, consistent friction factors, which allow tighter control of positioning, small incremental moves and repeatability. There are very small differences in static (start-up) and dynamic friction, making motion control very reliable and energy efficient. In addition, low-friction linear guides allow increased velocity leading to improved machining efficiency.

Linear Motion Roller Guides also are known for their high reliability and long life. Rolling, as opposed to sliding, creates very little wear of raceways and rolling elements over long periods of operation. And, long life can be designed-in from the ground up as the life calculation formulas of roller guides are well established.

Finally, roller guides require a minimum of lubrication, which offers two distinct advantages. A thin film of lubrication helps preserve accurate linearity while conventional slides are sometimes affected by variations in oil film thickness. And lubrication is easy, requiring only grease lubrication in most applications, saving on maintenance tasks and reducing the need to dispose of hazardous lubricating materials.

At the Manufacturing Technologies for Global Competitiveness event, a number of new and existing models utilize this linear motion technology:

NEW VCN 700D-II, the largest version to date of the NEXUS family of Vertical Machining Centers

NEW HCN 8800-II, extended range and capacity Horizontal Machining Center

NEW INTEGREX i-150 Multi-Tasking Center with integrated material handling and the most advanced Intelligent Machine Functions.

HCN 6800-II, a mid-range HMC shown teamed up with Palletech material handling automation.

VARIAXIS 730-II, the largest member of the VARIAXIS five-axis Multi-Tasking centers.

INTEGREX e-RAMTEC V/8, is a large Multi-Tasking Center with a unique ram for machining the inside of large parts.

VORTEX 1400-II, the large range, five-axis Vertical Machining Center for the Aerospace industry.  

Linear Motion Roller Guides are known for their high reliability and long life.  Rolling, as opposed to sliding, creates very little wear of raceways and rolling elements over long periods of operation.