Linear guides that have combined bearings in combination with guide profiles are suitable for the use in foundries. The advantage is the durability and robustness of this system. The ball bearings are protected against dust, dirt wipers are installed in front of the combined bearing and the running surface of the combined bearing is very durable.

For loading and unloading of machine tools with a linear axes, high precision is required in most cases. Therefor a LM guide is recommended to achieving high precision. This is resulting, due to the smaller clearance between the guide rail and the carriages with internal ball rows.

The 7th axisextends the application range of a 6-axis robot, a 6-axis robot is comparable to the movements of a human arm. The 7th axis gives the robot the ability to move its "own position". This traversing axis is then called the 7th axis.

In dirty areas of application of linear axes, especially in foundries and in the wood industry with high ambient dust, the rolling bearings of the linear axes can become dirty and damaged. With WINKEL steel bearings, SLE linear axes can be used in these environments with dust and dirt due to their insensitivity. The WINKEL design consisting of steel profile and steel bearings with wiper prevent wear and ensure smooth operation in multi-shift operation. For use in dust and dirt, we recommend the WINKEL SLE linear axes.

In the case of low ceiling heights or other interfering contours, the use of a classic linear axis, for the vertical movement, is often not possible due to the overall length resulting from its design. This is due to the fact that the axis has a base unit which has to be moved during the movement and thus the actual construction height is exceeded. In order to solve the problem, it is possible to design the vertical axis as a telescopic axis. With this solution, the vertical movement is implemented by an axis consisting of segments that can be moved into each other. This reduces the overall length and the basic unit does not have to be moved.

With linear axes a maximum speed of up to 5 m/s (18 km/h) is possible, depending on the weight of the load to be moved and the guide system, i.e. LM guiding or WINKEL linear guides.

WINKEL manufactures linear axis with a max. speed of 3 m/s (3,6 km/h) that can move heavy loads up to 10 tons. Loads up to approx. 400kg can be moved with a speed of 5 m/s (18 km/h) in combination with LM guiding.

The rule "the more weight or load to be moved, the lower maximum speed of linear axis".

With WINKEL linear axes loads up to 10 t can be moved precisely, the linear axes are manufactured in steel profile construction with low backlash gear and must be equipped by hardened recirculating ball bearing guides or flat guideways and thus achieve a high rigidity. For loads up to 10 t, RLE robot axes are suitable as 7th linear axis in combination with 6-axis robot. For loads up to 4,000 kg, SLE linear axes in heavy duty design are suitable for semi-precise applications.

Achieving high precision in a linear axis depends to a large extent on the correct selection of the guide system. In principle, a ball rail guide is recommended for achieving a high precision axis. This is achieved, among other things, due to the smaller clearance between the guideway and the carriages with internal rows of balls.

Sufficient maintenance is essential for the reliable functioning of linear axes. Insufficient maintenance of linear axes increases wear and considerably shortens the service life. To ensure correct maintenance of the linear axis, the maintenance plan should be followed. This is part of the documentation. If this is not available, it is important and essential that all moving parts are relubricated at regular intervals. Lubrication of the linear axis is intended to ensure a lubricant film between the rolling elements and the track of the guide and drive elements, and also to prevent corrosion of metallic surfaces. A functional test of the safety devices should be carried out before each production start. As a general rule, maintenance and service work on linear axes must be carried out when the machine is switched off and secured.

There is no maximum length for the linear axes. Individual sections can be connected to each other at designated connection points. This means that an almost unlimited number of elements can be strung together. However, individual linear axes or sections should not exceed the total length of 12 meters, as otherwise transport with a standard truck is no longer possible. When transporting by container, the length should not exceed 11 meters. It is also important to note that supports should be provided at the latest every 6 m for elevated linear axes, as this minimizes the deflection of the axis.