In the catalog, you’ll find additional technical information on column guides as well as our standard product line. We’d be happy to advise you personally on any specific questions regarding your application.

• Chapter 2 for …
• Chapter 6 for …
• Mechanical Engineering Brochure

Download the catalog – Mechanical Engineering Downloads

• Comprehensive Concepts
• Designs
• Design
• Calculations
• Plug-and-Play Solutions, including Cleaning, Lubrication, and Assembly
• Protocols
• Packaging
• Assembly
• Training
• Combined experience across more than 50 industries

Learn more about contract manufacturing as precision manufacturing and a complementary service for our customers

Precision & Process Reliability

• Positioning and repeatability accuracy, and stable processes
• Cleanroom compatibility, validatable processes, and low-vibration motion

Modularity & Scalability

• Modular expandability through defined interfaces
• Scalable solutions from prototype to series production
• Application-specific customization with maximum standardization

Integration & Efficiency

• Plug-and-Play
• Seamless integration into existing systems, backward compatibility
• Optimization of cycle times and maintenance

Quality & Traceability

• Protocols as agreed
• Traceability & custom labeling, including for OEMs

Hygiene & Lifecycle

• Easy-to-clean design
• Spare Parts and Lifecycle Concepts for Long-Term Operational Reliability
• Forecasting, delivery concepts

We’re happy to tackle the new challenges that are standard in your industry—put us to the test!

Common guide systems and bearing solutions include:

• Linear guides with guide rails and carriages (for linear motion)
• Ball and roller bearings (for purely rotational motion)
• Slide guides such as slide bushings and slide plates

Modern, integrated guidance systems combine multiple functions and reduce the number of interfaces and components—for greater efficiency and reliability.

A ball screw converts rotational motion into linear motion and is therefore classified as a drive element.

A guide system, on the other hand, stabilizes and guides movements with precision. It absorbs forces without actively converting them.

👉 The difference:

• Screw = Generates motion
• Guide system = precisely guides and stabilizes motion

Choosing the right guidance system is crucial for:

• Precision in the micrometer range
• Stability and vibration behavior
• Service life and maintenance requirements

An optimally designed system reduces wear, improves process stability, and enhances the machine’s overall performance.

The optimal design depends on the application. Important factors include:

• Stiffness and load
• Installation space and interfaces
• Operating characteristics and accuracy
• Process conditions

👉 The right solution is determined through structured analysis and engineering expertise.

A well-thought-out management concept reduces complexity and increases stability. Key levers include:

• Reducing interfaces
• Integration of functions (e.g., sealing, fastening)
• Appropriate guide or centering concept

👉 Result: shorter changeover times and more stable processes.

The right solution is created by combining:

• Requirements analysis (precision, load, installation space)
• Experience from real-world applications
• System-level engineering

👉 The goal is a control system that functions within the overall system—not just as a single component.

Agathon follows a structured engineering approach:

1. Analysis of system requirements (precision, loads, installation space)
2. Evaluation of suitable guide concepts
3. Iterative optimization in collaboration with the customer (e.g., in CAD)

👉 Result: a field-proven, reliable system solution with high performance.

In addition to traditional solutions, there are other technologies:

• Ball bushings
• Ball screws
• Magnetic bearings
• Hydrodynamic bearing systems

👉 The choice depends heavily on the application and requirements.