...Anyone ever source the rails and bearings direct from THK? Also, does anyone have a referral to someone who replaces Linear Guides on machines? Not many techs are interested in the work anymore.
A few years back I did a ground up on a Mori SV50/40 pallet machine. (I think the SV is the precursor to the NV and/or NX?) New screws,rails everything. Once I had read about every THK bearing book in existence, I created part drawings with all the significant details spelled out. I bet it still took me a week to come up with these two drawings and part numbers. I sent this to THK through a local bearing guy I've used for years. It took three months, but the machine was in a million pieces so I had the time to wait.
I guess my point is you've got a lot of work to do just to get a legit part number figured out. Meaning dismantling the machine to a high degree to start. I doubt the Mori part numbers would be anything like those needed to order from a private company like myself. The cross drilling on the bearing trucks is not an option you'll find in the books. It's something Mori has them do. Might have been this way on my machine because of the pallet transfer mechanism being in the way. I included the special features in the drawing without asking and they delivered them that way. I'm sure they recognized they were making Mori rails.
I had the luxury of replacing these rails with all the sheet metal removed. I can't imagine how difficult it would be otherwise. It is very precise and careful work. Let alone the cleanliness part.
Anyway... I'm proof that it can be done, but it is one hellova job. Also your machine will be down for a good long while.
If you have the money and not the time, I'd order from Mori, and find someone with experience to put them in. I still think it would put your machine down for most if not all of a week. You'll probably want to laser shoot and ballbar it after you're done too. Doesn't hurt to use brand new mounting bolts either.
One nice thing about these rails is they're an improved version of the original. Next to highest precision class, improved seal arrangement and rail seals both. The extra length caused by the extra seals did cause me to have to slightly move a couple oil lines and machine away a little of the table casting. I simply figured, I'm ordering... why not get a little more for my money.
These part numbers include the fancy rail plugs (GC) and additional seals. Note that all the info in these drawings was requested by THK in their literature. (oil use, speed, etc)