Linear systems move components, tools or loads along straight paths. They range from a single guide to a complete multi axis system. Which design is suitable depends on how many axes are needed, what the drive looks like and how much of it should already be fully assembled. How a single linear system is designed and dimensioned is explained in the glossary entry of the same name.
Designs of linear systems
Linear guides
The simplest form of a linear system consists of rail and carriage without its own drive. Designers combine the linear guide themselves with drive and supporting structure. This offers the greatest design freedom.
Linear axes and linear modules
Guide, drive and supporting profile are combined into a ready to install unit. Linear axes shorten the design time, but largely fix size and drive. An example with a Franke linear guide is the linear robot axis, which enables precise and repeatable movements in automation.
Cross tables and multi axis systems
When two or three axes are combined, the result is cross tables for movements in a plane or gantries and multi axis systems for movements in space, for example in handling systems, gluing gantries and pick and place machines for electronics assembly.
| Design | Degrees of freedom | Advantage | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear guide | one axis, without drive | maximum design freedom | special machines, doors, slides |
| Linear axis, linear module | one axis with drive | short design time | handling, feeding |
| Cross table | two axes in a plane | compact positioning | test equipment, machining |
| Gantry, multi axis system | two to three axes in space | large working area | pick and place, gluing, assembly |
What matters in the selection
- Number of axes and motion sequence: one axis, one plane or one space.
- Load, stroke and dynamics: weight of the moving parts, travel distance, speed and acceleration.
- Accuracy: required positioning accuracy and repeatability.
- Environment: dirt, clean room, food production, vacuum or magnetic fields.
- Integration: ready made unit or guide integrated into your own design.
- Maintenance: relubrication or maintenance free operation over the entire service life.
Franke linear guides for different operating conditions
Franke supplies the guide for linear systems, as a profile rail with carriage or as a pair of profile rails with pair of roller shoes. There are dedicated types for different environments, each available in both designs:
| Operating condition | Profile rail with carriage | Pair of rails with pair of roller shoes |
|---|---|---|
| standard applications, quiet and smooth running | Type FDA with carriage | Type FDA with pair of roller shoes |
| cost sensitive applications | Type FDB with carriage | Type FDB with pair of roller shoes |
| moisture and cleaning agents | Type FDC with carriage, Type FDG with carriage | Type FDC with pair of roller shoes, Type FDG with pair of roller shoes |
| magnetic fields, for example in medical technology | Type FDD with carriage | Type FDD with pair of roller shoes |
| food production and clean room | Type FDE with carriage | Type FDE with pair of roller shoes |
| maximum acceleration, pick and place | Type FDH with carriage | Type FDH with pair of roller shoes |
| high vacuum | Type FDI with carriage | Type FDI with pair of roller shoes |
Linear systems in practice
Linear systems with Franke linear guides work in very different industries. Some examples:
- Medical technology: In a patient couch, the linear guide positions together with non magnetic, maintenance free components inside an MRI scanner. In sample handling in the clean room, it moves samples.
- Packaging: Used for example in a vertical form fill seal machine and in food packaging.
- Mechanical engineering: In the water jet cutting machine, a linear motor integrated in the rail profile moves the cutting head.
- Apparatus and device engineering: A camera slider uses Franke linear guides for light, quiet and jerk free running with minimal weight.
- Automation technology: A picking system for pharmacies works with Franke linear guides.
- Further industries:Robotics and handling, research and development, vehicle construction and energy generation.
All examples at a glance: Applications for linear guides.
Frequently asked questions about linear systems
What types of linear systems are there?
A distinction is made between linear guides without their own drive, linear axes and linear modules with integrated drive, and cross tables and multi axis systems that combine several axes.
When is a single linear guide a better choice than a ready made linear axis?
When installation space, weight or drive are to be designed individually. A linear guide can be integrated freely into your own design, whereas a linear axis largely specifies size and drive.
Which Franke linear guide is suitable for clean room or vacuum?
The lubricant free type FDE is designed for food production and clean rooms, and type FDI with lubricants and materials that prevent outgassing for high vacuum.
Which linear guide is suitable for applications with magnetic fields?
The non magnetic type FDD is designed for environments with magnetic fields, for example in medical technology or electronics production.
In which industries are linear systems used?
Among others in mechanical engineering, medical technology, packaging, apparatus and device engineering, robotics and handling, research and development, vehicle construction, energy generation and automation technology.
Further terms in the Franke glossary: Linear system | Linear guide | Roller guides | Linear technology
All products at a glance: Product overview linear guides