Since 2022, LM Systems has operated from a future-proof facility with a floor area of approximately 1,600 square metres. More than 21,500 unique items are kept in stock there. This enables us as an organisation to respond quickly to enquiries from the Benelux market, particularly when standard linear components are required or when a machine comes to an unexpected standstill. In addition, our stock of linear technology components is backed by more than thirty years of practical experience with applications including packaging machines, handling systems, food processing machinery, medical technology and general mechanical engineering.
Stockholding in linear technology starts with market knowledge
A large stock of linear technology components only has value when it reflects what machine builders, purchasers and maintenance departments actually need. THK offers a very extensive product range in the field of linear motion technology. Over more than thirty years of experience, LM Systems has developed a clear understanding of which products are regularly used in the Benelux market.
That is why our standard stock has been built around product groups that are frequently used in machines and installations. In general, recirculating ball guides in sizes 15 up to and including 45 are kept in stock. For certain versions, larger sizes up to and including 65 are also available. In addition, we stock ball screws in diameters ranging from 12 millimetres up to and including 40 millimetres. Here too, selected larger versions up to and including 63 millimetres are available.
Suitable bearing blocks are required for these ball screws and are also kept in stock. As a result, for many enquiries we can immediately consider a complete technical solution rather than just a single individual component.
Extensive THK stock for standard and recurring applications
Our extensive THK stock is primarily intended to enable a rapid response to standard applications and recurring customer requirements. Examples include linear guides for machine frames, ball screws for positioning axes and bearing blocks for drive systems. These components are widely used in mechanical engineering because they combine precise motion, repeatability and load capacity.
However, a stock item is rarely ready for use in every machine without further preparation. A rail often needs to be cut to length. A guide may require a specific modification. A component may need to be cleaned for use in a clean application. A different lubricant from the standard version may also be required. This is precisely why the combination of stock and our own workshop is so important.
From stock item to customised assembly
We have grinding machines that allow products to be shortened to any required dimension. This means that a stock product can quickly be adapted to the required machine length. Various modifications to guides can also be carried out in our workshop.
This approach allows us to remain flexible without unnecessarily outsourcing parts of the process. It reduces coordination, shortens the supply chain and provides greater control over quality and planning. When a product needs to be supplied to a higher level of cleanliness, it can be cleaned and packaged in our cleanroom after machining.
This creates a working method in which stock does not simply end on a warehouse shelf. The item only becomes truly valuable once it has been prepared for the application.
Storage of precision components
Linear guides, carriages and ball screws are precision components. During storage, they must remain straight, clean and protected against corrosion. For this reason, products are treated with anti-corrosion oil at the factory and sealed in tubular protective film.
Our warehouse is also climate-controlled, helping to maintain stable storage conditions. The goods are delivered on steel pallets and subsequently stored in crates or boxes. This keeps the components protected until they are machined or dispatched.
Careful storage is particularly important for longer rails, precision running surfaces and components that will later be installed in machines requiring high repeatability. A properly stored component helps prevent problems during installation and contributes to reliable machine performance.
Machine downtime
In the event of machine downtime, the value of having stock available immediately changes. For you as the user, what matters is not only whether an item is available, but also how quickly it can be delivered. Under normal circumstances, LM Systems specifies a standard lead time of 1 to 2 working weeks. Within this period, stock products can be prepared, assembled, cleaned or lubricated with special grease.
In the event of downtime, however, we can act more quickly. If a product is available and the situation requires it, it can be collected the same day or dispatched by courier. This can make a significant difference for maintenance departments that need to get a production line back into operation as quickly as possible. It remains important, however, to select the correct component. Fast delivery has little value if the component is not suitable for the load, stroke length, mounting position or environmental conditions. Technical consultation therefore remains an integral part of the process.
Cleaning, lubrication and coating in practice
In addition to cutting products to length and assembling them, we can clean stock products and relubricate them with special grease. For assembly, cleaning and the application of special grease, the lead time in practice is generally around 1 to 2 working weeks. This is due to the machining, inspection and preparation required for the product.
Coating is different. Applying a coating requires a longer lead time of several weeks. To respond more effectively to this requirement, we also keep coated guides in stock. Where the application permits, the cut end can be treated with a zinc spray approved by THK.
Call-off orders
For series production, simply having individual products in stock is often not sufficient. Purchasers require certainty for recurring orders. That is why LM Systems works with kanban orders and framework agreements. Based on a customer’s annual requirements, stock can be reserved or arranged accordingly, allowing call-off orders generally to be delivered within 1 to 2 working weeks.
This helps with the planning of ongoing production series. The customer does not have to respond repeatedly to lead-time risks, while we can align our stock more closely with expected demand. This creates greater stability throughout the supply chain, particularly for machines in which the same guides, ball screws or bearing blocks are used repeatedly.
For purchasers, this naturally offers a practical advantage. Lead times become more predictable while the technical specification remains unchanged. In addition, there is still scope to have products machined or prepared for installation in advance.
Everything about stockholding in linear technology
Stockholding in linear technology only works when stock, machining and logistics are interconnected. LM Systems therefore not only keeps a large number of items in stock, but also has the facilities required to prepare those items for their intended application. Our stock consists of frequently requested THK components, based on many years of experience in the Benelux market. Would you like to learn more about our warehouse and the way we work? Feel free to contact us!