The RSDE linear bearings from Micromech are based on the conventional crossed roller linear version, but thanks to the deeper ground V-groove in combination with special designed cylindrical rollers, offer higher load ratings and stiffness without changing the envelope dimensions.
The construction comprises of two pairs of opposing linear bearings; each pair consisting of two similar 90° V-groove guideways that are ‘through-hardened’ and precision ground, with crossed rollers held within a cage between the guideways.
The main feature achieved by this is that the load capacity is approximately three times higher than conventional bearings. This also produces a second major benefit whereby the stiffness is doubled, due to the enlarged contact area of the running surface. The RSDE has an approximate 80% stiffness factor compared with 35% for conventional types. The compact design prevents that dust and dirt enter the inside of the roller-ways as the space between the roller-ways is reduced to a minimum.
Roller sizes are 3, 4, 6, and 9 mm, guideways lengths range from 50 to 1200 mm and the guideway attachment holes are countersunk-bored to a standard pitch configuration.
They are manufactured to extremely close tolerances - 2microns over the full guideway length; the reduction of surface roughness is 0.05Ra so that the V-groove has a visual mirror smooth finish. This means vibrations in the sub-micron range are substantially reduced as well as friction, resulting in smooth running linear motion.