SCHNEEBERGER Handling and Installation Guidelines for R, RN and RNG linear bearings

Linear bearings are high-precision components. Hereafter are recommendations which must be followed in order to ensure satisfying running behavior.

1 Transport Handling and Storage

The linear bearings must always be transported in their original packaging which protect them from damage, dust and corrosion. It is also vital that they are being stored at room temperature and in a dry environment.
Improper handling of the guideways may lead to preliminary damage and thus to premature failure. Therefore, once unpacked the linear guideways should always be touched by wearing gloves and handled with care. Unpacking, inspection and their assembly may only be undertaken by expert professional staff.

With careful, clean work environment and preparation and a step by step approach, by adopting a rational procedure, a precise linear guide system is achieved.

1. To guarantee an accurate support for the guide rails, any remaining burrs or ridges are to be removed with a fine whetstone.

2. Before installation, the linear guideways and supporting surfaced should be cleaned using a solvent-free cleaner and lint-free cloth. By means of a subsequent lubrication of the guiding profile, they will be protected from any consequential damage. Use a rust-protection oil to prevent the other surfaces from rust.

Important remarks

Accuracy of mounting surfaces should be according the needed accuracy of the linear bearing rails.
Due to the bore hole tolerances of the rails, the fastening holes in the supporting surfaces should be drilled according to the holes in the linear guideways. By using fastening screws with a thin shaft, differences in hole spacings can also be evened out (see chapter 5 in our product catalogue).

Step 1

The fixed pair of linear guideways (1) is pressed against the support surfaces using an appropriate clamping element and the fastening screws are tightened (use a torque wrench!). Find tightening torque values in the table below. Check parallelism ΔA and ΔP. The parallelisms measured must fall within the tolerances of the linear guideway (see chapter 7.1 in our product catalogue).

Step 2

Install the fixed rail (2) of the opposing pair. Install the rail (3) and in so doing only lightly tighten the fastening screws. The loose rail should be movable slightly.

Step 3

Assemble interface plate (IP) and guiding block (GB). Insert and center the cages (4). Please make sure the stroke is limited by a mechanical stop to prevent from overrunning. Finally mount the end screws or endplates.

Important remarks

Please make sure the linear bearings are always operated in an environment which prevents of too high operating temperature (recommended - 40°C to + 80°C), excessive strokes/vibrations, excessive

preload/load or dust and foreign particles.

In order to gain accuracy and rigidity, the linear bearings must be preloaded before usage.