Machine Tool Axis Guidance
INA KUVE six-row cylindrical roller units for CNC lathe X/Z axes and machining center linear axes. High static moment capacity resists cutting forces without carriage deformation.
About Schaeffler INA/FAG
Schaeffler Group, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, is one of the world's largest family-owned automotive and industrial suppliers with annual revenue exceeding EUR 15 billion. The INA brand pioneered the needle roller bearing and has extended this expertise into compact, high-rigidity linear guidance systems that excel in space-constrained, high-load industrial applications.
Schaeffler's linear technology portfolio — marketed under the INA brand — is distinguished by its needle roller and cylindrical roller linear recirculating units. These deliver exceptional static load capacity and rigidity per unit volume, making them the preferred choice for machine tool headstocks, press tool guidance, robotic axes, and heavy-duty material handling where compactness and stiffness are the primary design drivers.
Core Product Lines
KUE / KUE..S / KUVE / KUVE..B
Roller Recirculating Units
Four- or six-row cylindrical roller linear guidance systems. Extremely high rigidity and load capacity, available in sizes 15-55. Interchangeable with profiled rail systems.
Applications: Machine tools, machining centers, grinding machines, heavy automation
RUE / RUE..E / RUE..H
Needle Roller Linear Guides
Compact needle roller flat cage assemblies for linear guidance with minimal cross-section height. Ideal for sliding-fit installations and oscillating motion.
Applications: Press tool guidance, mold bases, die sets, medical device slides
LFR / LR / LFS / LFE
Linear Bearing Housings & Shafts
Ready-to-mount linear bearing units with sealed deep-groove or angular contact ball bearings for shaft guidance systems. Compact pillow block and flange designs.
Applications: Packaging machinery, printing presses, food processing, textile machines
FAG 60.. / 70.. Series
FAG Precision Spindle Bearings
High-precision angular contact and cylindrical roller bearings from the FAG brand for machine tool spindles and ball screw support. P2/P4 (ABEC 7/9) accuracy.
Applications: CNC spindle bearing packages, ballscrew fixed-end support, rotary tables
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Precision Class (FAG Bearings) | P2 / P4 / SP |
| Dynamic Load Rating (KUVE) | 2.8 kN - 320 kN |
| Rail Width Range (KUE/KUVE) | 15 - 55 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C - +120°C |
| Maximum Velocity | Up to 5 m/s |
| Maximum Acceleration | Up to 100 m/s² |
Key Applications & Operating Conditions
Press Tool & Stamping Die Guidance
INA RUE needle roller flat cages for progressive die and transfer press guidance. Compact installation height (as low as 4 mm) enables tight die stack-up designs.
Heavy-Duty Material Handling
KUE/KUVE guides for automated guided vehicles (AGV), pallet transfer systems, and furnace charging machines. High contamination resistance with metal scrapers and multi-lip seals.
Packaging & Food Processing Machinery
LFR/LR housed bearing units with corrosion-resistant coatings and food-grade (NSF H1) lubricants for washdown packaging lines and meat processing conveyors.
Cross-Brand Compatibility Reference
Schaeffler INA KUE/KUVE roller guides compete directly with Bosch Rexroth R1845 roller rails in the 15-55 mm range — both offer comparable dynamic load ratings. For needle roller flat cage assemblies (RUE), INA has the most comprehensive catalog; THK and NSK do not offer equivalent products in this format. FAG spindle bearings are a direct cross-reference to NSK and SKF precision bearing series — interchange is straightforward when matching the bore, OD, contact angle, and preload class.
Common Faults & Maintenance
- KUVE carriage running noise under load: Verify that the mounting bolts on the rail and carriage are tightened to the specified torque. INA roller recirculating units are sensitive to rail mounting flatness — use a straightedge and feeler gauge to confirm within 0.02 mm per 500 mm.
- Cage creep in RUE needle roller assemblies: Needle roller cages require proper end stops or retaining elements to prevent axial migration. Check that the cage end piece or retaining ring is correctly installed with 0.5-1.0 mm axial clearance for thermal expansion.
- Contamination ingress in linear bearing housings: LFR and LR housed units use double-lip seals. If contamination bypass is observed, upgrade to the LFR..2ZR sealed series or install supplementary felt strip seals on either side of the bearing housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between INA KUE and KUVE roller guides?
KUE series uses four rows of cylindrical rollers for balanced all-direction loading. KUVE series uses six rows of rollers, offering approximately 40% higher static load capacity and moment stiffness — ideal for single-rail applications or where high overturning moments are present. Both are dimensionally interchangeable within the same size designation.
Q2: Can INA linear guides replace profiled rail systems from THK or HIWIN?
Yes, INA KUE/KUVE guides are dimensionally compatible with industry-standard profiled rail systems in many sizes. The bolt pitch and rail width follow ISO 12090-1/2 for sizes 15-55. Key differences: INA uses rollers instead of balls (higher rigidity, slightly higher friction), and lubrication port locations may differ.
Q3: Are Schaeffler INA products available with short lead times?
Standard KUE/KUVE sizes and FAG spindle bearings are typically ex-stock or 1-2 weeks from our Shenzhen hub. Custom-length rails and special precision grades may require 4-8 weeks from the German factory.
Q4: What is the service life of INA roller recirculating units?
When correctly sized and maintained, INA KUVE guides achieve 50,000-100,000 km of travel in typical machine tool applications. The actual life depends on the applied load ratio (C/P), contamination level, and lubrication interval. Our engineers calculate the L10 life rating as part of every quotation.