Re: Can I use THK Linear rail on its side or upside down?

Hello,

A very good question!

Depends on the model/type. Best to contact THK and ask to speak with
an applications engineer. Don't be afraid of what you don't know;
It's his or her job to help you use the THK products successfully.

Like the hair commercial sez, "If you don't look good, we don't look
good"

And I'd suggest going DIRECT to THK headquarters, NOT a "distributor"
(at least to start with). While some distributors are VERY good, with
excellent experience and good judgement behind the counter; others
are staffed by "order takers"...

Also, don't be afraid to read the "fine print" on the web about your
PARTICULAR slides. These are precision items, and can be ruined by
improper installation/usage. With all the "surplus" motion stuff out
there, you need to be aware that some of the linear bearing
assemblies REQUIRE VERY flat, stable and straight mounting surfaces!
A hunk of aluminum extrusion just will not do for some types...
Better sometimes to sell these and get a "lesser" grade you can work
with...

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., glee@i... wrote:
>
> I had an idea today for a system of linear rails with a ball screw.
I was
> wondering if it is permissible (read: a good idea) to mount THK
rails on
> their side or, in my example, even up side down so that the rail
travels
> back and forth over the two recirculating slide blocks? The rails
would be
> fully supported so that they would not flex much.
>
> Can I mount THK rails in this way or are they only designed to be
mounted
> one way?
>
> -Eric