Pioneer in motion technology Schneeberger

pionEEr in Motion tEchnology

Since its establishment, the name Schneeberger has been a synonym for modern linear technology all over the world. Over the years the company has introduced many technological innovations, which have set new market standards.

Established in 1923, today Schneeberger stands for pioneering innovations in linear motion technology. Linear bearings and profiled rail guideways together with measuring systems, racks, slides, positioning systems and mineral casting are all part of its extensive manufacturing capability and product range. Schneeberger serves original equipment manufacturers operating in various industries worldwide – from machine tool, solar and semiconductor technology to electrical and medical engineering, among others. Schneeberger commercial companies and sole agents are present in all the main industrialised countries, ensuring a global customer service.

optimum profiled guideways for heavy loads

Highly reliable profiled linear guideways are fundamental when the heaviest loads in milling, turning, drilling or grinding machines need to be moved in an accurate manner. The Monorail MR Schneeberger product line is the ideal solution for the most varied types of applications and for very different weight categories, as it is able to handle heavy tools of up to 150 tonnes – always with the utmost precision. When producing large engines to manufacture generators or dealing with aeronautical or space technology, as well as with other heavy machinery producing sectors, the components that need to be moved to work centres are often very heavy. Maximum precision is nevertheless required in their manufacture, and thus the linear guideways used in this process are a decisive and fundamental factor. Precisely because of their full awareness of this issue, with the MR Monorail range the Schneeberger technicians and engineers have developed profiled guideways which are custom-designed for this type of application and are available in five different sizes. For normal applications the standard version allows for accelerations up to 50m/s2 and is designed for speeds up to 3m/s. In addition to this, Schneeberger is able to supply guideways of different sizes calibrated to the specific precision categories of the various applications – from G3 (standard) to G2 and from G1 to G60 (high precision).

Profiled guideways with rollers

Schneeberger’s high precision Monorail MR roller guideways are used worldwide for a broad range of mechanical engineering applications: from simple handling tasks to difficult machining processes. The newest generation, the MR 4S series, introduces four major improvements relating to the distribution of lubricants, dirt resist-

ance, shock resistance, and serviceability. Eight rail widths and four carriage sizes are available, and the user has a choice of two accuracy and preload classes.

Profiled guideways with balls

In order to meet more extensive demands, Schneeberger has developed new carriage types which expand on the previous ‘standard’ and ‘compact’ versions. The new carriages are shorter and/or lower, and do not necessarily conform to the ISO standards. This opens up further areas of application, for example in woodworking and sheetmetal working or in water jet and laser cutting systems.

The familiar strengths are also featured in the new carriages for the Monorail BM guideways. These are efficiently sealed with longitudinal and transverse wipers, preventing dirt from penetrating and minimising lubricant loss. This ensures a longer service life with minimum maintenance. The optimised roll body rotation gives the BM systems outstanding running characteristics; in particular, they run smoothly with low pulsation, low friction and high travel speeds.

Moreover, it’s possible to also integrate AMS positioning into the reading system. The basic technical structure of all systems within the Monorail MR range is identical. The basic bodies of the guide carriage and the track are manufactured in high quality hardened steel, so as to guarantee their longevity. The rotating bodies used are rollers of a special shape, designed to obtain maximum rigidity and a high static and dynamic system load capacity. In order to prevent dirt infiltration and lubricant leakage the company’s technicians have mounted cross double-lip wipers on the front terminal plates. If the guideways have to be used in extreme external conditions, Schneeberger can supply optional features including additional wipers, which can be inserted directly on the guideway, thus facilitating replacement or boosting operations even in the spaces between the guide carriages.

Schneeberger is extremely well-positioned on the market both from a financial and technological point of view. Its aim is to maintain sustained growth and continue to shape its future. It intends to remain faithful to its mission of helping its customers build machines enabling them to manufacture innovative products, offering increased performance in technological as well as in economic terms. The company is able to perform at these levels, thanks to the fact that it has at its disposal broad specialist knowledge, gained from many successful projects in various industries. In addition to this, it works closely with its customers, with whom it evaluates the optimum products from its standard range or alternatively defines project-specific solutions.

Thanks to its years of experience and consistent focus on linear technology, Schneeberger is in a position to continually develop its products and solutions and thus provide its customers with many technical advantages. FEM calculations and 3D simulations allow the company to determine whether the required specifications and characteristics can be achieved – all before the first prototypes are built. Schneeberger products are manufactured in the company’s own production facilities, utilising the most advanced manufacturing technologies and highly skilled employees. The manufacturing process is subjected to demanding and application oriented checks and inspections, thanks to which the highest level of quality is guaranteed at all times. n