NICK BROOKER OF SKF EXPLAINS HOW CAGE CREEP IS A THING OF THE PAST WITH THE LATEST LINEAR MOTION SYSTEMS. Linear motion devices, including slides and precision guides, are used throughout industry and are especially common in x-y-z positioning systems, where speed, acceleration and repeatability of movement, often within extremely tight tolerances, are essential for maximising the performance of production and process equipment Many of these devices use non-recirculating rolling elements, contained within a cage, as the mechanism for moving and positioning a load-bearing block or carriage along a flat or V-shaped track or guide rail, Although this method of construction is generally efficient and reliable, the rolling elements can suffer from a condition known as cage creep, which can gradually reduce the positional accuracy, repeatability and travel of the guide, eventually reaching a stage where it has to be repaired or replaced.
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