FLEXURE BASED LINEAR GUIDE WITH MICROMETRIC PRECISION

Linear guides represent the backbone of the manufacturing machines. Their properties have a direct impact on the machine characteristics and so they are given a special attention. Among these, linear guides with micrometric precision are a special case, which normally requires expensive manufacturing processes and complex assembly procedures. This work proposes an alternative design, based on the compliance of materials, which implies a significantly simpler production process, lower overall production costs and a much smaller manufacturing time. The resulted mechanical system will exhibit no backlash, does not require maintenance, has a very long life and is suitable to work in particle contaminated environments.