Franke develops customer-specific Wire-Race-Bearings and Linear Systems, which are precisely tailored to the respective requirements

Company founder Erich Franke invented a new type of bearing in 1934 - the Wire Race Bearing. It still forms the basis of all Franke applications. Today, Franke GmbH employs more than 200 people. The company's head office is located in Aalen in Germany. We are represented by numerous offices around the world.

The functionality of all Franke products is based on a 4-point contact. The balls roll on special wire races, which are placed in mating structures. The 4-point arrangement of these wire races means that loads can be borne from all directions. This so called "Franke Principle" allows individual design of the mating structure and a free choice of materials.

Wire-Race-Bearings

Franke Wire-Race-Bearings provide the necessary movement in various Wire-Race-Bearing applications. They comprise four race rings, balls, a ball cage and, on request, a mating structure. The ball rolls smoothly and with little friction on the four open race rings. The raceways are precisely adapted to the ball diameter using a special grinding process.

Linear Systems

Franke Linear Systems are used wherever machines perform fast, straight movements. Aluminum guide rails form the basic components, which have integrated steel or non-corrosive raceways.

Cassettes or pairs of roller shoes with large rollers move on the guide rails. They are based on a 4-point contact and, as a result, are able to bear high loads equally from all directions.

Domain Expertise

Franke adapts its products to the individual application in close cooperation with the customer. The most diverse solutions are developed from the design to construction of prototypes to extensive testing. This facilitates the production of individual and series products.

At the company's lab different components of products are measure and analysed the with regard to material composition, production process and performance under extreme conditions.

Diverse Applications

Franke products can be used in a wide variety of ways. The company develops customised solutions for numerous industries - from bespoke products to standard components.

Franke Wire-Race-Bearings and Linear Systems have been used to date in the following industries:

• Medical
• Machine building
• Aerospace
• Solar
• Clean room
• Food
• Packaging
• Robotics
• Textile
• Research & institutes

(Franke products are available in India from: Neelkamal Agency Pvt Ltd, Bangalore. Tel: 080-65611807, 26624006. Mobile: 094484-94201. Fax: 91-80-26620400. Email: neekamal_agen@dataone.in)