Linear motion has been around for a very long time – its history even stretches back to ancient times! In ancient Egypt, it was necessary to transport heavy loads from one place to another to build palaces and pyramids. Creative ideas were already being put into practice back then, as it was of course not possible to simply pull the loads across the ground: Great forces were required to move large loads on skids. At the same time, however, this method caused sliding friction, which in turn required a large driving force. Tree trunks in the form of elongated rollers were placed between the transport surface and the ground, which made transport much easier overall.
Linear motion in the age of industrialisation
Out of ancient Egypt and into the age of industrialisation: The increased use of linear guide systems became necessary as a result of the mass production of industrial machines, when the increased requirements for speed, precision, smoothness and efficiency had to be met. Linear guide systems followed rolling bearings, which are used for rotating movements. In addition, balls as rolling elements were installed in linear systems. The development of modern linear guide systems can be considered a milestone.
In 1944, a ball bushing – as it is commonly known today – with recirculating balls on a round shaft was developed in the USA. Based on this bushing, work was carried out on the development of a linear guide with a raceway adapted to the rolling elements. The first linear guide, a profiled rail guide, was presented in 1972. . An important point was finally reached in 1993, when the company began to manufacture linear systems with rolling elements in both ball and roller form. Three years later, in 1996, a linear guide with ball chains was presented.
Linear motion today
The way in which heavy loads are transported has changed significantly since ancient times. Nevertheless, modern linear motion is still inspired by the first approaches from ancient world. The rolling elements that are installed in linear guides, for example, move in a closed circulation in today’s linear guide systems. In addition, high demands are placed on linear motion today: the products must fulfil various standards, for example in terms of precision, rigidity and load capacity. In addition to linear guides, there are now other types of linear guide systems, including linear axis, ball screw drives and ball bushings. Today’s linear guide systems are also used in a wide variety of applications such as machine tools, sliding doors, packaging or woodworking machines: These days, they are indispensable.
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