Consisting of a miniature linear motion guide and miniature ballscrew, the latest actuator is able to provide excellent levels of both accuracy and rigidity
THK has added to its range of KR actuators by launching the KR15. Consisting of a miniature linear motion guide and miniature ballscrew, the latest actuator is able to provide excellent levels of both accuracy and rigidity in laboratory environments where space is limited.
All of the main components of the KR15, the outer rail, inner block, ballscrew and balls, are formed from stainless steel, with ultra-low-dust AFF grease (when specified). This makes the actuator ideal for use in clean room, bio-medical and containment areas.
The movement and positioning of laboratory equipment, such as scanners, mixers and testing equipment, requires smooth motion and pin-point accuracy.
The KR15 is particularly suited to such applications, as unlike conventional linear motion guides, the KR15 has a U-shaped outer rail, which houses the inner block and the ballscrew, enabling far greater rigidity and levels of precision to be achieved.
Furthermore, the shape of the rail not only reduces the overall weight, but minimises any bending of the beam during operation, allowing the actuator to be used in a suspended 'simply supported' structure as well as conventional mounting.
The accuracy and small envelope of the actuator is also enhanced as the ballscrew runs longitudinally through the centre of the guide, minimising the effect of pitching and yawing while optimising overall size. The KR15 has two load-bearing ball tracks on each side, which provide a double-row angular contact and also allows it to bear equal loads in all four directions.
As a result, there are no restrictions regarding the mounting position of the actuator.
In addition, the four raceways that carry the load are formed in a circular-arc groove and have no clearance, helping to enhance overall rigidity still further and eliminating frictional resistance due to load variations, thereby providing excellent feed accuracy.
The KR15 is available in a choice of lengths, with normal, high and precision accuracies available.
