MECHATRONICS high precision linear equipment

Development of high-precision,
high-rigidity guides for production of more highly
accurate dies.

For production of cutting-edge materials such as semiconductors, liquid-crystal displays, and touch panels using dies, there were demands from customers for improving production quality and increasing die lifetimes. For this purpose, we began development of higher-accuracy dies, however producing dies with the requested accuracy proved extremely difficult. Eventually we determined that the reason was the guides, and decided to develop a new type of high-precision, high-rigidity guides that did not exist before. Because the theoretical required accuracy was not possible with previous ball types, we reviewed the guide shape as we began development. We focused on determining the optimal shape based on formulas for calculating lifetime and rigidity, using actual tests to provide support for these calculations, and creating products based on scientific information.

We conducted repeated development until set objectives, provisional concepts, prototypes, testing, and evaluations all achieved the target levels. We overcame numerous difficulties including development of special-purpose production equipment, establishing production methods, and establishing the integrated retainer molding method that is now patented technology, and succeeded in completing a completely new product in the form of needle roller-type hexagonal guides. Focusing on original development and ignoring market prices at the time, the primary objective of development was performance. As a result, we were able to create linear guides with performance that greatly exceeded our objectives.