THK, the world’s largest dedicated developer of linear motion technology, has developed a new scraper system to be used with its renowned recirculating ball linear motion guides as an efficient and cost effective solution to the problem of dust contamination in the cutting mechanism of carpet looms.

The source of the problem is the carpet itself; as it is cut, a very fine dust is produced which contaminates the track of the linear motion guides used to drive the cutting blades. As the dust builds up, it increasingly deteriorates the performance of the cutter. 

To combat this problem, THK can now offer loom manufacturers their compact SRS-series guides together with the company’s new LaCS (Laminated Contact System) scrapers, Attached to the end seal lip of the guide, the LaCS scrapers feature a three-layer design and are permanently in contact with the rail, ensuring that dirt, dust, debris, oil and liquid are efficiently removed as the carriage moves.  The use of self-lubricating synthetic foam in the construction of the scrapers minimises friction, and ensures that their  impact on the performance of the guides is negligible.

Used with conventional seals, the LaCS offer a first line of defence against carpet dust ingress, and provide a complete and effective solution to the cutter contamination problem.  This enables the SRS guides, mounted upside down in this application, to deliver the smooth precise motion and long periods of maintenance-free operation which are characteristic of THK’s linear motion guides that incorporate the company’s proven recirculating Caged Ball^TM technology