7.1 Product Characteristics
7.1.1 Carriage Interchangeability
Because the carriages are made to precisely the same size, they can be switched for other carriages at will (carriage uniformity system). This simplifies storage and maintenance considerably.
Note:
The MINISCALE PLUS carriages and guideways are always matched to each other and are therefore delivered as a set (carriage mounted on rails) - (see chapter 18.1).
Carriage uniformity system
7.1.2 LUBE-S Long-term Lubrication from SCHNEEBERGER
The SCHNEEBERGER solution for long-term lubrication LUBE-S is described in detail in chapter 8.1. LUBE-S enables maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 km, requires no extra space and is good for the environment and short stroke applications.
Note:
Guarantee only with lubricants tested and approved by SCHNEEBERGER.
LUBE-S long-term lubrication
7.1.3 The Carriage Range
The different carriage lengths from short to extra long, along with the corresponding load capacities, allow greater flexibility when designing axes of motion.
Short => MNNS Standard => MNN Long => MNNL Extra long => MNNXL — MINIRAIL carriage range
7.1.4 Speed and Acceleration
The innovative embedding of ball recirculation in the carriage allows speeds of up to 5 m/s and accelerations of up to 300 m/s².
Enlargement of ball recirculation in the carriages
7.1.5 High Load Capacities
The Gothic arc profile of the guideway tracks allows high load capacities.
Gothic arc profile of the guideway tracks
7.1.6 Simple Installation and Maintenance
Whether a carriage is moving along the guideways or being prepared for installation, the ball bearings are always held in place by a retaining wire. This makes for easier handling and is a prerequisite for simple installation and replacement carriages.
Retaining wire holding the balls in place
7.1.7 Exceptional Robustness
Carriages and guideways are made of through-hardened stainless steel. They are therefore superbly suited for use in the most demanding of applications.
Made of corrosion-resistant, through-hardened steel
7.1.8 Sophisticated Lubrication Concept
MINIRAIL are delivered unlubricated as standard, allowing you to decide on the optimal lubrication for the respective application (see chapter 7.2.12 «Lubricating MINIRAIL»).
MINIRAIL lubrication with oil
Each wiper on the carriages features two lubrication holes so that the left and right ball recirculation pathways can be lubricated with oil separately. This ensures that the tracks of the carriage can be supplied with lubricant independent of their installation orientation.
Also consider the long-term lubrication option LUBE-S in chapter 8.1.
7.1.9 Excellent Running Properties
The ball recirculation, transitions and run-ins on the carriages are designed for consistent redirection of the ball bearings. They ensure optimal containment of the enormous centrifugal forces involved with minimal friction.
Polished run-ins
7.1.10 Maximum Protection from Contamination
The ultra-precise manufacturing of the carriages and guideways ensures minimal clearance between them. This prevents the migration of dirt particles into carriages.
Small clearances between carriages and guideways
The carriages are fitted with profiled wipers as standard. They are snap-fitted into place and can therefore be easily replaced. Alternative variants (for example low-friction or clearance wipers) are described in chapter 9.2.
Detachable wipers
In order to prevent the accumulation of dirt, the attachment holes in the guideways can be sealed with plastic plugs (see chapter 9.1).
Plastic plugs for sealing