MGN12 400mm Recirculating Ball Linear Guide - 440C Stainless Steel

Precision miniature linear guide line DHM pro. This is a thin, lightweight guide particularly suitable for precision measuring instruments, manufacturing and testing equipment, and other applications where precision linear motion is essential such as 3D printers and small CNCs.

They are also called small-scale linear guides since they are small in size.

This guide is the MGN12 model: the width of the guide is only 12 mm. The guides are supplied with an MGN12H (long skid) stainless steel skid.

• Good vibration absorption capacity
• Compact design for mounting even in small applications
• Precision mediating effect with reduction of any error given by the mounting surface
• Installation compatibility with guides of other brands due to standard dimensions
• Two-track structure
• Low coefficient of friction

A linear guide enables linear motion based on the use of balls or rollers (rolling elements). In our case through the recirculation of balls between the rail and the carriage, the linear guide enables extremely precise linear motion. The coefficient of friction of a linear guide is only 1/50 compared to that of a conventional system with SBR guide and bushing. Due to the constraints between rails and carriages, linear guideways are able to support loads in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Due to these features, linear guideways enable greatly improved motion accuracy, especially when combined with ball screws.

Linear guides in the DHM pro line are manufactured following specific accuracies. They feature the same mounting dimensions as products offered by other brands and can therefore be used as replacements for them.

The preload ensures rigid movement of the runner blocks. There is better shock and/or vibration absorption, more precise guidance, and better ability to withstand loads. The pads have a hole for lubrication.

This model of linear guide is made of 440C stainless steel. This is a stainless steel with high hardness and resistance to

corrosion. Good resistance in medium corrosive environment (atmosphere, fresh water, water vapor, crude oil,

gasoline, diesel oil, alcohol, weak acids, foodstuffs, fruit juices). The hardening and polishing to which the guides are subjected create excellent conditions for corrosion resistance.

Preload determines the stiffness of the linear guide. The higher the preload, the stiffer the guide. Loose guides can oscillate, causing noise and vibration. For example if used as guides in 3D printers any vibrations are visible later when printing directly into the object. This is why the supplied runners feature medium preload.

Lubrication is a key element in order to ensure proper functioning of recirculating ball systems. It should be carried out both when the guide is first put into operation and during the working operation of the system at periodic intervals.

Proper lubrication leads to benefits that extend the life of the entire linear system. Especially it leads to a reduction in the system of:

We recommend cleaning the rails before lubrication. To ensure that the skid does not leak during these maneuvers you can help by putting a clamp through the last holes.

It is recommended to lubricate the rails and bearing balls with grease. Then proceed by coating the entire rail with a thin layer of grease to prevent oxidation.

The relubrication interval depends on the type of operating environment, type of load, frequency of use, and distances traveled by the skid.

The operating environment is defined as all factors external to the system, such as small chips, material

removed by abrasion, surrounding temperatures, humidity. By load type, on the other hand, we mean those factors that directly affect the system, such as shock, types of torsional loading, and vibration.

We recommend a maintenance and lubrication frequency of 6 months, or every 3 if usage is heavy or distances traveled are long. Depending on the above conditions if the grease deteriorates or becomes contaminated more quickly, it is necessary to reduce the lubrication interval according to the needs of the system.

In general, the conditions to be evaluated to schedule maintenance and lubrication of the linear system are:

Lithium grease can be used. The grease forms a film of lubricant between the steel balls and the rolling surface of the linear guides. This reduces friction and prevents jamming.

Note: Lubricants containing MoS2 (Molybdenum Bisulfide) or graphite should not be used.

The recirculation face must not be subjected to shocks. Any shocks may affect the recirculation of the balls and cause sliding abnormalities. The balls do not fall out of the linear guides DHM pro when disassembled from the rails because the carriages are equipped with special stops. However, the balls could fall out if you quickly disassemble the carriages from the rail

or insert the rail into the carriage at an angle. Disassemble and assemble the carriages carefully.

Accuracy and radial clearance are only guaranteed if bogies and rails from the same kit, or from the same batch, are used. We therefore do not recommend swapping bogies and rails from the original combinations.

The accuracy of the linear rails is guaranteed after the rail has been installed, after the screws have been fastened to the rail and the rail has been pushed onto the reference plane. Rails can be installed in different ways. You can find the specifications in the dedicated guide:

Rails cannot be connected to each other in length. In case, therefore, you need a longer size, select the length most suitable for your project.