Foreword
SCHNEEBERGER, established in 1923, is a leader in linear motion technology, known for its high standards in load capacity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The company is recognized for its innovative solutions and quality commitment.
Useful Guidelines
This section offers resources like videos, drawings, and regulations on substances and limit values, along with an index and type designations for easy navigation.
MINI-X Overview
The MINI-X product line includes MINIRAIL, MINISCALE PLUS, and MINISLIDE, catering to various applications with customizable solutions. It addresses special requirements such as temperature range, speed, cleanroom compatibility, vacuum conditions, and corrosion resistance.
MINIRAIL Product Overview
MINIRAIL features include carriage interchangeability, long-term lubrication, high load capacities, and robust design. Technical details cover performance parameters, accuracy classes, preload classes, and lubrication.
MINISCALE PLUS Product Overview
MINISCALE PLUS offers advanced features like signal processing and reference marks, with detailed technical information on performance parameters, dimension tables, and lubrication.
MINISLIDE Frictionless Table Product Overview
MINISLIDE products are noted for high load capacity, compact form, and integrated cage centering. Technical details include performance parameters, running accuracy, and lubrication.
Configuration of the Base Structure
This section discusses surface quality, geometric accuracy, and permissible deviations for MINIRAIL and MINISCALE PLUS.
Installation and Adjustment Guidelines
Guidelines for aligning guideways, installation methods, and lubrication are provided, along with specific information on tightening torques and installation specifics for MINISCALE PLUS.
Load Carrying Capacity and Service Life
Principles for calculating service life according to DIN ISO standards are outlined, including formulas for nominal service life and effective load carrying capacity.
Handling, Storage, and Transport
Instructions for handling, storage, and transport of standard versions are provided to ensure product integrity.
Ordering Information
Details on ordering MINIRAIL, MINISCALE PLUS, and MINISLIDE products are included.
Introduction
The document introduces the MINI-X series by SCHNEEBERGER, highlighting its advanced linear motion technology. The series includes MINIRAIL, MINISCALE PLUS, and MINISLIDE, designed for various applications such as biotechnology, semiconductor industry, and medical technology. Key features include high smoothness, accuracy, and robustness, suitable for vacuum or cleanroom environments.
Product Specifications
The MINI-X series offers zero backlash guide systems with characteristics like high speed, minimal wear, and high load-bearing capacity. The products comply with RoHS and REACH standards, ensuring environmental safety.
Useful Guidelines
Drawings and models are available for free on the Cadenas Part Server. Additional information and videos can be accessed on the SCHNEEBERGER website. The document also provides an index for easy navigation of technical specifications and guidelines.
MINI-X Overview
The MINI-X series is described as robust and precise, suitable for demanding applications. Each product line has unique features: MINIRAIL offers high speeds and interchangeable carriages; MINISCALE PLUS integrates guiding and measuring; MINISLIDE MS and MSQ provide high load capacities and rigidity.
Applications
MINI-X is ideal for applications requiring high precision in limited spaces, such as micro-automation and optics industry. The document details specific use cases, like microscopes and flying probe testers, emphasizing the series' precision and reliability.
Customized Solutions
SCHNEEBERGER offers customization for specific applications, including defined push forces, special lubrications, and hybrid guideways. Examples of customer-specific products are provided, showcasing the adaptability of the MINI-X series.
Special Requirements
The document outlines operating conditions, including temperature ranges and vacuum compatibility. It discusses the importance of corrosion resistance and the impact of short strokes on service life, recommending specific lubricants for optimal performance.
MINIRAIL Product Overview
MINIRAIL is highlighted as a highly accurate miniature guideway with ball bearings, suitable for various precision applications.
MINIRAIL Product Overview1. Product Characteristics- Carriage Interchangeability: Carriages are uniform in size, allowing easy interchangeability and simplifying storage and maintenance.
- LUBE-S Long-term Lubrication: Enables maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 km, requiring no extra space and is environmentally friendly.
- Carriage Range: Available in various lengths (short to extra long) to accommodate different load capacities and design needs.
- Speed and Acceleration: Innovative design allows speeds up to 5 m/s and accelerations up to 300 m/s².
- High Load Capacities: Gothic arc profile of guideway tracks supports high load capacities.
- Simple Installation and Maintenance: Retaining wire holds ball bearings in place, facilitating easy handling and installation.
- Exceptional Robustness: Made from through-hardened stainless steel, suitable for demanding applications.
- Sophisticated Lubrication Concept: Delivered unlubricated, allowing customization of lubrication for specific applications.
- Excellent Running Properties: Designed for minimal friction and optimal containment of centrifugal forces.
- Maximum Protection from Contamination: Precise manufacturing ensures minimal clearance, preventing dirt ingress.
2. Technical Information and Alternative Variants- Performance Parameters: Max acceleration of 300 m/s², max speed of 5 m/s, and various preload and accuracy classes.
- Accuracy Classes: Available in G1 (high accuracy) and G3 (standard accuracy), with specific tolerances for each class.
- Running Accuracy: Tolerances are determined by rail length and accuracy class, ensuring precise operation.
- Preload Classes: Defined as a fraction of dynamic load capacity, affecting rigidity and service life.
- Push Force: Influenced by preload class, lubricant, and wipers, with customizable options available.
- Friction and Smoothness: Emphasis on smooth running with a low coefficient of friction under normal conditions.
- Rail Length and Hole Spacings: Standard and customizable rail lengths and hole spacings are provided.
3. Dimension Tables and Load Capacities- Detailed tables provide dimensions, load capacities, and moment loads for standard sizes 7, 9, 12, and 15.
MINIRAIL Product Overview
1. Specifications and Dimensions
The document provides detailed specifications for MINIRAIL systems, including dimensions for various widths (14, 18, 24, 42 mm). Key dimensions include system height, rail width, carriage height, and spacing of attachment holes. The document also specifies load capacities, both static and dynamic, and permissible torques for different configurations.
2. Load Capacities and Torque
Static and dynamic load capacities are provided in Newtons (N), with specific values for different rail widths. Permissible lateral and longitudinal static and dynamic torques are also detailed, indicating the system's capability to handle various forces.
3. Lubrication
The choice of lubricant is crucial and should be considered during the design phase. Factors such as operating conditions, external influences, and compatibility must be considered. The document advises against using lubricants with solid additives and highlights the importance of keeping guideways free from cutting oils and coolants.
4. LUBE-S Long-term Lubrication
LUBE-S is an optional long-term lubrication system for MINIRAIL carriages, providing maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 km. It ensures consistent lubrication, reduces maintenance costs, and maintains system smoothness and service life.
5. MINIRAIL Options
Options include multi-part guideways for extended lengths, push force definition for demanding applications, height-matched carriages for precision, customer-specific lubrication, and vacuum packaging for cleanroom applications.
6. Accessories
Accessories include plastic plugs for dirt prevention, various wiper options for contamination protection, and a relubrication set for maintaining lubrication.
7. MINISCALE PLUS Product Overview
MINISCALE PLUS integrates movement and measuring in a compact design, simplifying installation and ensuring high accuracy and reliability. It eliminates the need for separate distance measuring systems and is immune to vibration and shock.
Performance Parameters of MINISCALE PLUS
The MINISCALE PLUS system offers a maximum acceleration of 300 m/s2 and speeds up to 5 m/s for analog and 3.2 m/s for digital outputs. It features preload classes V1 and accuracy classes G1. The materials used include stainless, through-hardened steel, and POM. It operates within a temperature range of -40 °C to +80 °C and is suitable for cleanroom environments up to ISO class 6.
Resolution and Accuracy
The system provides a resolution of 0.1 µm with optional resolutions of 1 µm or 10 µm. It maintains an accuracy of 1000 mm +/- 5 µm and repeatability of +/- 0.1 µm unidirectional and +/- 0.2 µm bidirectional.
Electrical Specifications
The system requires a supply voltage of 5 V DC with a typical current consumption of 60 mA for analog and 90 mA for digital outputs. It supports analog signals of 1 Vpp and digital TTL signals according to the RS 422 standard.
Dimension Tables and Load Capacities
The document provides detailed dimension tables for various standard and wide sizes of the MINISCALE PLUS, including system height, width, rail width, and attachment hole spacing. Load capacities are specified with static and dynamic values, along with permissible torques for both lateral and longitudinal directions.
Components and Working Method
The MINISCALE PLUS is an optical, incremental measuring system comprising a dimensional scale on the guide rail, an optical sensor on the carriage, a flexible sensor print, and an interface module. The system uses a flexible flat cable for dynamic loads, allowing flexible positioning of the interface module.
MINISCALE PLUS Product Overview
Specifications and Components:
The MINISCALE PLUS system includes a sensor, interface module, and guideway with a dimensional scale. The sensor detects optical signals from the scale, which are then converted into electrical signals by the interface module. The system actively controls LED illumination to counteract aging and impurities.
Interface Module:
The interface module processes raw signals into standard output signals, available in analog or digital formats. Key components include a ZIF connector, green and red LEDs for status indication, and a compensation key for digital interfaces. Various structural types are available, including options with or without housing and different connectors.
Signal Processing:
Analog signals are differential, with sine and cosine signals shifted by 90° and correlated with the scale markings. Digital signals are differentially interpolated, achieving a resolution of 100 nm. The reference pulse marks a precise position on the scale.
Incremental and Reference Tracks:
The incremental track runs the length of the guideway, with customizable position and length. Reference tracks are added for precise positioning, with standard and special versions available. Reference marks must be synchronized with the dimensional scale.
Interface Module Pin Connections:
Pin connections are detailed for both analog and digital signals, with specific configurations for D-Sub 9 and Micro Match connectors.
Extensions:
An extension kit with a flexible flat cable (FFC) is available for situations where the interface module cannot be mounted directly at the sensor. The FFC cable offers benefits such as reduced system mass and dynamic load capability.
Lubrication:
Lubrication is crucial and should be defined during the design phase. Factors to consider include operating conditions, external influences, and compatibility. Guideways should be kept free of cutting oils or water-soluble coolants.
MINISLIDE Product Overview
Product Characteristics:
The MINISLIDE range includes sizes 4 to 15, with travel distances from 6 to 102 mm. The MS range features a Gothic arc profile for high load capacity and compact form, while the MSQ range offers high speed and acceleration capabilities.
MSQ Product Characteristics:
The MSQ range includes rail widths of 7 to 15 mm, with integrated cage control to prevent cage creep. The design allows for speeds up to 3 m/s and acceleration up to 300 m/s². The robust cage control system ensures high process reliability.
Maximum Rigidity and Load Capacities:
MINISLIDE MSQ products have four tracks with a circular arc profile, arranged to ensure large inner spacings and evenly distributed force from all directions.
MINISLIDE Product Overview
Specifications and Performance Parameters
MINISLIDE products are designed with zero backlash and high rigidity due to the high number of rolling elements. The MSQ model features a circular arc profile that provides the highest rigidity with minimal deformation. The MS model offers a maximum acceleration of 50 m/s² and a speed of 1 m/s, while the MSQ model can achieve 300 m/s² and 3 m/s. Both models operate within a temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, with the MSQ extending up to +150°C. They are suitable for vacuum environments and cleanrooms up to ISO class 6.
Materials and Construction
The guideways, carriages, and ball bearings are made from stainless, through-hardened steel. The MS model uses POM for the cage, while the MSQ uses PEEK for both the cage and pinion. The end pieces of the MSQ are also made from PEEK.
Accuracy and Tolerances
The running accuracy and parallelism of supporting surfaces are critical, with specific tolerances based on system length. For example, a system length of 10-30 mm has a straightness tolerance of 3 μm. The total height tolerance and push force are influenced by preload and lubrication.
Friction and Smoothness
MINISLIDE products are manufactured to ensure smooth operation with a coefficient of friction of 0.003 under normal conditions.
Load Capacities and Dimensions
Detailed tables provide dimensions, load capacities, and permissible torques for various sizes of MS and MSQ models. For instance, the MSQ 9 model has a static load capacity of up to 3341 N and a dynamic load capacity of 1252 N.
Lubrication
Lubrication is a critical design element, with initial lubrication using Klübersynth GE 46-1200. Subsequent lubrication can be done with oil or grease, depending on the application. Custom lubricants are available for specific conditions such as vacuum or cleanroom environments.
Options and Customization
Options include defined push force and customer-specific lubrication. Guideways can be cleaned and vacuum-packed for vacuum applications, with packaging suitable for ISO 6 or ISO 7 cleanroom classes.
Guideway Installation and Maintenance Overview
1. Surface Quality and Assembly
The performance of MINI-X guideways is optimized when mounted on a rigid structure with high geometric accuracy. Surface inaccuracies can negatively impact accuracy, running behavior, push force, and service life. High surface contact ratio is essential to prevent assembly relaxation, achieved through high surface quality. For high-precision applications, a maximum Ra value of 0.4 is recommended, while standard applications can have a maximum Ra value of 1.6.
2. Reference Height and Corner Radii
Adhering to specified height and corner radii ensures proper force absorption and clearance for carriages. Tables provide maximum values for various rail sizes to ensure correct contact with mounting surfaces.
3. Geometric and Position Accuracy
Permissible deviations for lateral (E1) and longitudinal (E2) alignments are calculated using preload factors and spacing dimensions. Examples illustrate calculations for specific types and preload classes. Flatness and parallelism tolerances are specified to maintain running accuracy and service life.
4. Installation and Adjustment Guidelines
Alignment methods vary based on accuracy needs, with options ranging from manual alignment to using reference surfaces and lateral clamping for higher accuracy. Installation methods consider load, accuracy, time, and location specifics. Reference surfaces simplify installation and improve accuracy.
5. Preparing for Installation
Tools required include oil stone, lubricant, torque wrench, and fastening screws. Reference surfaces must be cleaned and lightly oiled. Initial lubrication involves applying suitable oil or grease to guideways and carriages, with specific quantities recommended for different carriage types.
6. Lubrication and Relubrication
Initial lubrication is necessary as components are delivered unlubricated. Oil or grease lubrication methods are detailed, with relubrication intervals dependent on various factors. Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation and longevity.
7. General Installation Instructions
Ensure all components are at room temperature before installation. Fastening screws should be tightened with a torque wrench, alternating sides to maintain balance. Protective measures are recommended during carriage transfer to prevent contamination and misalignment.
Installation and Adjustment Guidelines for MINIRAIL and MINISCALE PLUS- Tightening Torques for Fastening Screws: Recommended torque values are provided for oiled screws with a friction coefficient of 0.12. For lubricated screws with a friction coefficient of 0.07, torque values should be halved. A table lists torque values for screws of strength class 12.9 and A2-70 according to DIN 912.
Load Carrying Capacity and Service Life- Principles: Load capacities are based on DIN 636. Static load capacity C0 is set to prevent deformation affecting bearing operation. Dynamic load capacity C ensures a nominal service life of 100 km. Service life calculations should consider all acting forces and moments.
- Service Life Calculation: Formulas are provided for calculating nominal service life in meters and hours, considering factors like effective load carrying capacity and dynamic equivalent load.
Handling, Storage, and Transport- Delivered Condition: Guideway components are delivered in protective packaging. MINIRAIL guideways are unlubricated by default, while MINISCALE PLUS and MINISLIDE products are pre-lubricated.
- Handling and Storage: Products should be stored in original packaging, protected from moisture, and handled with care to prevent damage. Temperature guidelines are provided for different products.
Ordering Information- MINIRAIL: Carriages and guideways are ordered separately with specifications for size, length, accuracy, preload, and other options.
- MINISCALE PLUS: Delivered as a complete, lubricated set, with orders placed via the company's website.
- MINISLIDE MS or MSQ: Ordering sequence includes series, rail width, system length, and additional options.