Series FAK-FAL guiding bushes are round linear guiding and clamping elements for all fields of precise mechanical engineering. The use of guiding bushes is called for wherever precise sleeve or column guidance is required and the sleeve/column has to be additionally precisely centrally clamped in any optional position.

This is required, for example, for sleeves on machine tools in which absolute freedom from play at standstill is called after positioning. The sequence of clamping and release can be repeated as often as required.

Following practical examples will give an overview of different applications:

Fig. 1: Sleeve guidance and clamping. The working sleeve of a machine tool is guided here by 2 series FAK guide bushings. In the stationary working position of the sleeve, clamping is hydraulically powered and guarantees absolute freedom from play as well as a high degree of radial rigidity.

Assembly: The shim ring height is defined during assembly in such a way that the sleeve can be moved with the required guide play when the flange cover is tightened (upper half of the picture). The hydraulic oil acts via the ring piston to clamp the sleeve (lower half of the picture).

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Fig. 2: Safety requirements (power failures, oil pressure drop) or economic considerations (long clamping and short release times) often call for a mechanically acting clamp. In this case, the FAL series guide bushing is clamped using banks of cup springs (lower half of the picture) and de-clamped hydraulically (upper half of the picture).

Assembly: Pre-assembly without cup springs! The shim ring height is coordinated so that the sleeve can be moved with the required guide play with the flange cover tightened. The cup springs may only be mounted with the sleeve already inserted. Otherwise, the guide bushing clamped by the springs could be destroyed as a result of plastic deformation.

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Fig. 3: In the case of the arrangement shown here, an independent guide play setting is possible for each guide bushing. This allows the ever-present minimal influence of the different actual guide bushing dimensions and housing boreholes to be compensated. Where expedient for certain requirements, differing degrees of guide play can be set at the two guide bushings.

Assembly: The shim ring height is defined during assembly in such a way that the sleeve can be moved with the required guide play when the flange cover is tightened (upper half of the picture). The hydraulic oil acts via the ring piston to clamp the sleeve (lower half of the picture).

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