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- Thomson Industries, Inc.
- RoundRail Linear Guides and Components
RoundRail Linear Guides and Components
RoundRail Linear Guides and Components
Thomson is a prominent supplier of mechanical motion technology, offering a wide range of products such as linear ball bushing bearings, 60 Case shafting, and RoundRail linear guides. The company focuses on balancing performance, life, and cost, with over 70 years of experience in various industries.
Thomson offers a variety of linear bearings, including Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings in inch and metric sizes, with load capacities up to 7,760 lbf (30,000N). These bearings are self-aligning and available in different styles. Specialty bearings like RoundWay and FluoroNyliner are designed for high-load and contaminated environments.
Thomson's 60 Case LinearRace shafting is manufactured to high standards, compatible with Thomson Ball Bushing Bearings, enhancing performance and travel life.
These guides provide low friction and accurate motion for applications like factory automation and medical equipment, supporting loads from 5 to 2,000 lb with repeatability to 0.0002”.
The document includes detailed engineering specifications, performance criteria, and maintenance guidelines for Thomson products, covering load considerations, coefficient of friction, and material specifications.
Thomson's extensive product range and engineering expertise make it a preferred choice for motion control solutions, offering reliable and efficient products tailored to diverse industrial needs.
Detailed charts on the availability of support rails and blocks in different sizes and materials are provided, specifying catalog pages for reference.
Selection criteria include load capacity, smoothness of travel, cost, travel accuracy, speed, rigidity, and environmental considerations.
Round rails offer high seal effectiveness and smoothness, while square rails provide higher load capacity and stiffness. The choice depends on specific application requirements.
Thomson offers a range of linear bearings, including Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings, which provide increased load capacity and travel life.
The document serves as a comprehensive guide for selecting and understanding components and configurations for linear motion systems.
Available in 23 sizes, offering three times the load capacity or 27 times the life of conventional bearings, suitable for high-speed applications.
Designed to eliminate binding and chatter, available in open and closed versions, suitable for high-temperature environments.
Ideal for small mechanisms requiring high accuracy and compactness.
Available in two accuracy classes, offering improved efficiency and reduced machine downtime.
Provide high load capacity and rigidity, allowing for high travel speeds and accelerations.
Offer up to 20 times the load capacity of conventional bearings, minimizing installation time.
Designed for high performance in contaminated environments, featuring a self-lubricating composite liner.
Provide continuous lubrication, eliminating the need for expensive lubrication systems.
Advanced design features of the Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings include self-alignment, load distribution, and reduced friction.
Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings offer twice the load capacity of the Thomson Super Ball Bushing Bearing and six times that of conventional bearings.
Various product options include corrosion-resistant and nylon ball options, as well as lubrication options like Dry Pack and Thomson Linear Lube.
Graphs illustrate the load capacity and travel life advantages of the Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings over conventional options.
Detailed tables provide specifications for different bearing sizes, including nominal diameters, lengths, and dynamic load capacities.
Thomson's Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings are designed for enhanced performance in load capacity and travel life.
Detailed specifications for Super Smart Ball Bushing Pillow Blocks and Rigid Steel Pillow Blocks are provided.
Instructions for determining the appropriate Ball Bushing Bearing size using load/life graphs are given.
The importance of considering the orientation of the bearing and the direction of the applied load is emphasized.
Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings offer self-aligning capabilities, high load capacity, and long bearing life.
An application example of building an X-Y system using Super Smart pillow blocks and Thomson ball screw assemblies is described.
Load/life graphs and polar graphs assist in determining the appropriate bearing size and load correction factors.
The document provides technical specifications and guidelines for selecting and using Thomson RoundRail Linear Guides and Components.
Various types of bearings such as Sealed Super Ball Bushing Bearings, Super Ball Bushing Cartridge Bearings, and Super Ball Bushing Pillow Blocks are listed.
Instructions for determining the proper Ball Bushing Bearing size using load/life graphs are provided.
The actual dynamic load capacity of a Ball Bushing Bearing is influenced by the orientation of the bearing and the direction of the applied load.
Polar graphs and load/life graphs illustrate the relationship between load, travel life, and bearing size.
Users are advised to refer to the polar graphs to determine the load correction factor.
Detailed specifications for various Ball Bushing Bearings and LinearRace components are provided.
To determine the appropriate Ball Bushing Bearing size, users should refer to the Load/Life Graph.
The importance of considering the orientation of the bearing and the direction of the applied load is emphasized.
Tables list part numbers with their respective dimensions, clearance values, and load capacities.
Dynamic Load Capacity is based on a rated travel life of 2 million inches.
Users should ensure proper fit and clearance when using Thomson end supports.
The document provides technical specifications and guidelines for Thomson's Ball Bushing Bearings.
Various models of Super Ball Bushing Pillow Blocks and Twin Pillow Blocks are listed.
Instructions for determining the correct Ball Bushing Bearing size using load/life graphs are provided.
The document recommends replacing high-friction plain bearings with Precision Steel Ball Bushing Bearings.
Tables provide detailed specifications for each bearing model.
Proper installation of bearings is advised, emphasizing the importance of using the correct retaining rings.
Thomson's Ball Bushing Bearings offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency, durability, and ease of use.
Detailed specifications for various shafting and support rail products are provided.
Procedures for mounting and supporting shafts using different types of support rails are outlined.
Hardness, surface finish, roundness, straightness, and taper standards for both stainless steel and aluminum shafting are specified.
Recommendations for selecting the appropriate type of support rail based on application needs are provided.
Tables provide detailed measurements and tolerances for different shaft diameters and lengths.
316 Stainless Steel is corrosion-proof and has no carbon content.
Various types of shaft support blocks and rails are discussed, focusing on materials such as high-strength extruded aluminum and malleable iron.
Different support types, including intermittent and end support, are outlined.
Detailed tables provide dimensions for various shaft support blocks.
Hardness, surface finish, roundness, straightness, and taper for different materials are specified.
Shaft rail supports, including low-profile steel support rails and aluminum support rail assemblies, are described.
Recommendations include using shimming for high-precision applications.
The document provides technical specifications and options for Thomson's linear motion products.
Chrome Plating, Black Oxide, and ARMOLOY™ options are detailed.
Custom machining quotes based on original product drawings or technical descriptions are offered.
Designed for applications requiring accurate, smooth linear positioning.
Features include increased life, cost savings, and self-aligning capabilities.
Specifications for various pillow block models, including part numbers, dynamic load capacities, and dimensions, are provided.
Dimensions for replacement components are provided for both SPB and TWN type pillow blocks.
Specifications for Thomson RoundRail Linear Guides are outlined.
Features and benefits of continuous support linear ball guides are described.
Dynamic load capacity matrices for various linear guide assemblies are provided.
Materials for various components, including aluminum alloy for housing and end supports, are specified.
Recommendations for installation and usage include ensuring proper alignment and lubrication access.
The document provides detailed specifications and guidelines for Thomson Linear Guides.
Dimensions and load capacities for various types of linear guides are outlined.
Guides are composed of Super Smart Ball Bushing pillow blocks and LinearRace shaft support rail assemblies.
Dynamic load ratings and load limits for different directions are specified.
Instructions for specifying a Thomson Linear Guide are provided.
FluoroNyliner Linear Guides offer corrosion resistance and self-aligning pillow blocks.
FluoroNyliner guides are shipped without lubricants, and users must ensure compatibility with the bearing material.
The document provides detailed specifications and configurations for Thomson's linear motion systems.
Dynamic Load Capacity Matrix and Component Dimensions are provided.
Instructions for ordering and assembling the linear guide systems are provided.
Material and Finish recommendations are provided.
Protective Bellows and Locking Brakes are offered.
Dual Shaft Rail Guides and Twin Shaft Web Guides are described.
Specifications for various components of the Thomson QuickSlide System are outlined.
The QuickSlide System with Brake includes a manual locking mechanism.
Use of aluminum alloy black anodized material for dual shaft rail support is specified.
Dynamic load capacity of Ball Bushing Bearings is discussed.
Detailed information on the application and use of Thomson Ball Bushing Bearings is provided.
Tables with detailed dimensions and load capacities for various components are included.
Preload fit-up condition is recommended for high accuracy and repeatability applications.
Super Smart and Super Ball Bushing Bearings incorporate a self-alignment feature.
Travel life is influenced by factors such as 60 Case LinearRace hardness.
The travel life factor (KL) and shaft hardness factor (KS) are used to calculate the required dynamic load capacity.
The load limit is the maximum load a bearing can handle.
Specifications include a minimum hardness of 60 HRC.
The coefficient of friction for Thomson Ball Bushing Bearings ranges from 0.001 to 0.004.
Detailed specifications for Ball Bushing Bearings are provided.
Maintenance and service procedures are outlined.
The impact of seal drag on frictional resistance is discussed.
Materials used in Ball Bushing Bearings are listed.
Various bearing and lubrication options are available.
Equations for calculating deflection in 60 Case LinearRace systems are provided.
Tables provide coefficients of static friction for different lubrication conditions.
Procedures for cutting with an abrasive cut-off saw and lathe are provided.
Use two Ball Bushing Bearings per 60 Case LinearRace for stability and performance.
Align bearings and ensure shaft parallelism for smooth operation.
Provides tolerance zones for internal and external LinearRace shaft dimensions.
Follow specific alignment and mounting procedures.
Grouting provides a simple method for mounting 60 Case LinearRace.
The document provides technical specifications and conversion factors for linear guides and components.
Conversion factors between conventional and SI units are listed.
A color code chart is provided for different types of shafting materials.
Contact details for Thomson offices across various regions are listed.
Errors and technical alterations are reserved, and it is the user's responsibility to determine the product's suitability for specific applications.
Catalog excerpts
RoundRail Linear Guides and Components Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings, 60 Case® Shafting and RoundRail Linear Guides Linear Motion. Optimized.™
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Thomson - the Choice for Optimized Motion Solutions Often the ideal design solution is not about finding the fastest, sturdiest, most accurate or even the least expensive option. Rather, the ideal solution is the optimal balance of performance, life and cost. The Best Positioned Supplier of Mechanical Motion Technology Thomson has several advantages that makes us the supplier of choice for motion control technology. • Thomson own the broadest standard product offering of mechanical motion technologies in the industry. • Modified versions of standard product or white sheet design solutions are...
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RoundRail Linear Guides 60 Case Special Machining 60 Case Quick Shaft Metric 60 Case Shafting Inch 60 Case Shafting Metric Ball Bushing Bearings Inch Ball Bushing Bearings Thomson RoundRail Linear Guides and Components
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Linear Bearings Thomson offers an extensive family of linear bearings. Super Smart Ball Bushing® Bearings are available in inch and metric sizes. Thomson uses the latest technology - universally self-aligning bearings. These bearings are offered in a dual-track design and offer load capacities up to 7,760 lbf (30,000N). The Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings are available in sizes 0.5 to 1.5” (8 to 40mm). Super Ball Bushing pillow blocks are available in closed, adjustable and open styles in both single and twin versions. These are the original, self-aligning, precision, anti-friction linear bearing...
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RoundRail Linear Guides Pre-assembled, ready-to-install stages providing low friction, smooth, accurate motion for a wide range of moment or normal loading configurations. Market applications include factory automation, medical, packaging, machine tool, semiconductor, printing, automotive assembly, aerospace and food processing. Slide tables are available as customizable RoundRail linear guides to multi-axis, turnkey systems complete with motors, drives, controls and electromechanical accessories. • Applications typically on factory machinery where accurate, smooth linear positioning is required...
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Ball Bushing® Bearings • Closed Type O Open Type ® Closed and Open Type S Single Configuration T Twin Configuration A Adjustable Configuration F Flanged Configuration
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Thomson RoundRail Linear Guides and Components Imperial (Inch) ®® • ®®®®® ® STAF STAF STA STA STA STA STA STA STA
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IT/THOMSON Linear Motion. OptimizedT Carbon Steel Tolerance Class Optional Features Material Carbon Steel 440C SS Optional Features MM Tx Predrilled Thomson 60 Case shafting is sold as cut-to-length (CTL), random length (RL), special machined (SM) and quick shaft (QS). Since Thomson grinds and hardens all of its own shafting, diameters and tolerances not listed are available as special grind and are made to order. Minimum lots may apply. Tolerance Classes: L - For use with XA, Open and Adjustable Ball Bushing® Bearings and Pillow Blocks as well as Super Ball Bushing Bearings and Super Smart Ball...
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Standard Support Rail Size and Availability Chart
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RoundRail linear guides are the non-driven building blocks for linear slide tables. They offer the customer flexibility to fit specific envelopes by allowing customized separations between shafts and between bearings on shafts to produce higher moment capacity. When combined with ballscrew assemblies, they become a driven slide table. Because RoundRail linear guides are offered in a wide range of sizes, bearing types and mounting configurations, they are typically selected by the qualitative attributes that are most appropriate for a given application (i.e. environmental considerations, mounting...
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Thomson RoundRail Linear Guides and Components Round or Square? Let Thomson help you choose the right rail type and carriage. Since the introduction of the square, or profile rail, linear guide in the 1970s, the design engineer has been faced with the pivotal question: round or square? While square rails initially cost many times more than round technology due to the extensive grinding requirements inherent in the design, new manufacturing techniques and economies of scale have allowed square rails to compete effectively in a broader application space. Once subjugated to the realm of machine...
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Linear Motion. OptimizedT RoundRail Bearings Steel Sleeve (A) The steel sleeve anti-friction recirculating ball bushing provides rigid low drag movement - ~100x lower drag coefficient than a plain contact bearing. • A Bearings - all steel (operates up to 450°F/232°C) with 3 grades of precision available (A, XA, B); sizes Y" - 4", closed, open, adjustable. • MAM (MultiTrac® A Metric) -twin track configuration, sleeve and a Delrin retainer; size 8 - 40mm, closed open, adjustable. • INST BRGS - precision miniature stainless steel (corrosion resistant) - sizes: 1/8" - 1/4". • The patented MAM is...
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Specialty Bearings Accessories/Options 60 Case® Shafting Description There are a multitude of specialty bearings that can be configured or developed to suit almost any customers' needs. Product Overview • RoundWay® - all-steel construction and a chain that connects the rolling elements; Sizes V" - 4". • NB (nylon ball) Bearings, Cartridge Bearings, etc. Comments • Highest load rating of the linear bearings. The ratings are based on a longer travel than other linear bearings use. • The chain enables the bearing to withstand high speeds and accelerations. • Temperatures up to 450°F/232°C. • Suitable...
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Thomson RoundRail Linear Guides and Components Inch Ball Bushing Bearings Linear Bearings Overview
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Thomson Linear Motion Components The RoundRail Advantage… Super Smart Ball Bushing® Bearings Thomson Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings represent a major advancement for linear bearing technology worldwide. This patented, self-aligning linear bearing provides twice the load carrying capacity or eight times the travel life of the industry standard Thomson Super Ball Bushing Bearing. This dramatic increase in load capacity allows the use of less expensive drive motors, linkages, gears and ball screws. The unique Super Smart design allows the bearing to maintain its diametrical fit up when installed...
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