Renishaw and HMK join THK-Parker team

The linear motion supplier THK has extended its partnership with Parker Electromechanical to include the encoder manufacturer Renishaw and the linear controls specialist, HMK. Together, they will offer complete, integrated linear motion assemblies.

"Our customers across many industry sectors are increasingly looking for integrated solutions," explains Michael Pearce, THK`s business development manager. "With employment and economic trends, they don`t have the time, resources or expertise to source multiple components from several suppliers.

"OEMs and machine builders," he continues, "are demanding complete systems or sub-systems, assembled and tested, ready for immediate installation."

THK`s initial alliance with Parker, announced at the beginning of 2003, has resulted in Parker stepper and servo motors and controllers being offered with THK actuators and guides. Now the partners will be able to add Renishaw encoders and HMK`s drive and control programming expertise.

They have already announced two types of linear motion module (an example of which is shown above) that combine linear guides, encoders, cabling and drives, with linear, stepper or servo motors.

• In a similar agreement, the motion control specialist SmartDrive is co-operating with Hepco Slide Systems to offer integrated slide systems. They expect the partnership to open up new applications for both companies` products, particularly for precision applications in scientific equipment.