Calculation tools for linear guides
Posted by Emelie Neckman, 2024-10-23
Calculating the lifespan of a linear guide, while considering all aspects of your design—can seem tricky at first glance. But luckily, help is available. One powerful tool is LMD, or as it's formally known: Linear Motion Designer.
With this tool, you input parameters of your construction, such as:
- How the rails are mounted
- Drive location
- Travel cycle details
- Load conditions
- Other relevant forces
Then you start the actual calculation, choosing from different carriage types that all suit your application. Based on your selection, you'll receive lifespan predictions and safety factors—like static load ratings—making it super easy to pick the right option.
The program considers a ton of parameters we’ve covered in previous posts, such as:
- Load ratings
- Preload levels
- Stiffness
- Tolerance impacts
- Carriage proximity
- Equivalent bearing load
- Combined loads from forces, torques, and levers
- Screw connection stresses
- …and more!
At the end, you get a detailed report of your calculation, perfect for your machine documentation, along with recommended lubrication intervals.
Best part? The program is free! Currently, it’s a downloadable desktop app, but a web version is launching soon.
Check out this video on the topic featuring Carry Lindholm from Bosch Rexroth.
