What are the industry-specific applications of THK slides?

　　1. Machine Tools

　　Various THK slide components used in machine tools are manufactured by "masters" whose components are used to produce the machines themselves. Whether complex, large, or heavy, the manufacturing precision of machine tool-produced parts is rapidly improving. THK's linear motion systems provide the guiding device to achieve this precision and speed.

　　2. Horizontal Machining Centers

　　An important type of cutting machine is the machining center. The drive mechanism that moves the workpiece table and cutting tools, which needs to be accurately and quickly positioned, uses high-precision, high-rigidity ball-clamping type LM guides and ball screws. In addition, a rotary table that needs smooth rotation uses a cross roller bearing.

　　3. Milling Machines

　　Machining centers and other CNC machine tools are the main means of mass production, but milling machines are still used in production. In addition, advanced machines are also produced that can manufacture products under the meticulous control of skilled labor. To repeatedly produce these products, LM guides and ball screws with no wasted movements in the milling machine guidance system are used.

　　4. NC Lathes

　　Like machining centers, NC lathes play a prominent role in machining operations. LM guides and ball screws are crucial for the movement of the lathe tool section due to their high rigidity and precision. Furthermore, LM guides combine this high rigidity with a very compact structural design, contributing to the miniaturization of the equipment.

　　End Milling Machine

　　End milling machines are large milling machines. Needless to say, the workpieces for THK slides are also large and heavy. However, if high-rigidity LM guides are used to perform the table movement, the table can move smoothly, and the machining of large parts can be very precise.

　　5. NC Gear Hobbing Machines

　　Traditionally, rollers for manufacturing motion and power transmission gears used sliding guides, but pipeline design and lubrication management were difficult. Using LM guides and ball screws with lubrication options reduces system design and assembly steps while extending the necessary maintenance intervals.

　　6. Surface Grinders

　　Not long ago, hydraulic cylinders were still being transferred to the worktable of surface grinders. However, with the use of ball screws and servo systems, the precision and speed of this work have improved, and productivity has increased. Machines using ball screws do not require hydraulic systems, so they can make the machine cleaner and reduce the adverse impact on the environment.

　　7. General Industrial Machinery

　　Various manufacturing machines that were used in the past in the field of manual production have achieved automation and labor savings. THK products are widely used in this field, from equipment that accurately repeats the same tasks to equipment that implements processes. 8. Electronic Injection Molding Machines

　　From hydraulic drive to electric drive. Due to environmental reasons, many manufacturers have switched to electric injection molding machines. These machines use load-type ball screws and high-rigidity LM guides with the same clamping force as existing hydraulic cylinders to ensure precise placement of the mold.

　　9. Punching Machines

　　How fast can the punching speed of THK slides be? Punching speeds are constantly increasing, and ball screws with larger blades are suitable for propelling steel plate workpieces with greater acceleration or deceleration. For this high-speed operation, ball-fixed type LM guides and ball bars can be used.