SCHNEEBERGER linear guideways are not designed to be load-bearing structural components, but as guideway components.

Horizontal installation indicates the direction of movement runs horizontally. Likewise, vertical installation indicates the direction of movement deviates from the horizontal plane.

Enclosed Configuration

The enclosed configuration is a fixed/fixed bearing. It can be loaded by moments and forces in any direction. Rigidity and running accuracy can be influenced by a change in the preload.

The advantages and characteristics of an enclosed configuration:

  • Supports any operation position, load direction and moment load
  • Supports a small guideway base
  • Must be preloaded. Consequently, rigidity and accuracy are increased.

Examples of Enclosed Configurations

Example involving linear guideways of type R, RN or RNG

An example involving linear guideways of type R, RN or RNG

Example involving linear guideways of type N/O or M/V

An example involving linear guideways of type N/O or M/V

Example with recirculating units of type SK, SKD, SKC or SR combined with the double V-shaped guide RD

Example with recirculating units of type SK, SKD, SKC or SR combined with the double V-shaped guide RD

Example involving recirculating unit of type SK and linear guideways of type R

Example involving recirculating unit of type SK and linear guideways of type R

Example involving recirculating unit of type NRT and surface guideways of type E

Example involving recirculating unit of type NRT and surface guideways of type E

Open Configuration

The open configuration is a fixed/loose bearing offering the following advantages and characteristics:

The advantages and characteristics of an open configuration:

  • Is mainly used when the load acts centrally and vertically on to the guideway plane and no deformations may occur by tensioning the surrounding structure.
  • Thermal lateral variations are evened out.
  • Large bearing spans can easily be bridged.
  • Requires a large guideway base.
  • Very installation-friendly as the machine component can easily be seated and/or lifted off.

Examples of Open Configurations

Example involving linear guideways of type R, RN or RNG combined with a surface guideway of type W/Z

Example involving linear guideways of type R, RN or RNG combined with a surface guideway of type W/Z.
In the case of open configurations, the height A for both pairs of guideways must be height-matched (see chapter 7.5).

Example of a suspended linear guideway of type N/O or M/V combined with a surface guideway of type L/M

Example of a suspended linear guideway of type N/O or M/V combined with a surface guideway of type L/M.
The dimensions A and B must be height-matched.

Example involving recirculating unit of type NRT and surface guideways of type E.
The vertical load is born by height-matched NRT.

ESC