From June 24 to 27, 2025, IMTEK exhibited at Automatica Munich 2025 together with our European partner, HA-CO Motion. At Booth B6-439, we presented linear guides, special-environment configurations, and integrated linear module concepts for industrial automation.
The exhibition gave our team an opportunity to meet automation engineers, machine builders, distributors, and manufacturing specialists from across Europe. More importantly, it allowed us to discuss real motion-system challenges directly with the people designing and operating the equipment.
Linear Motion Solutions Presented at Automatica 2025
At Automatica Munich 2025, IMTEK presented a selection of products and engineering concepts from our broader linear guide portfolio. The display covered both standard motion components and configurations developed for more demanding operating environments.
The main exhibits included:
- Stainless steel miniature linear guides for compact and corrosion-sensitive equipment;
- High-temperature linear guide configurations with heat-resistant components;
- Hard chrome and black chrome surface-treatment options;
- Linear ball guides for general automation equipment;
- Linear roller guides for higher rigidity and load requirements;
- Integrated linear module systems for compact machine-axis design.
Rather than presenting each component as an isolated product, we used the exhibition to show how rail type, block design, material, preload, sealing, lubrication, and mounting conditions need to be considered together.
Stainless Steel Linear Guides for Sensitive Environments
One of the main areas of interest was IMTEK’s stainless steel linear guide range. Stainless steel configurations are relevant when compact motion components must operate in environments affected by humidity, cleaning processes, light chemical exposure, or contamination-control requirements.
IMTEK’s stainless steel miniature linear guides are available for compact automation systems such as semiconductor equipment, medical devices, laboratory machinery, electronics assembly systems, optical instruments, and precision measuring equipment.
During the exhibition, discussions focused on more than corrosion resistance alone. Engineers also considered installation size, preload, accuracy grade, lubrication method, load direction, travel length, and maintenance access. These factors determine whether a stainless steel guide is suitable for the complete machine rather than only for the surrounding environment.
High-Temperature Linear Guide Configurations
IMTEK also presented linear guide configurations intended for elevated-temperature applications. A reliable high-temperature guide requires more than a different lubricant. The return system, seals, rail-hole plugs, rolling elements, preload, mounting base, and lubrication method must all support the actual operating temperature.
For selected configurations, continuous operation up to 150°C may be possible when metallic return components, suitable heat-resistant seals, approved lubrication, controlled thermal expansion, and application-specific validation are used together.
Short temperature peaks must be reviewed separately because their effect depends on peak duration, frequency, load, speed, lubrication, contamination, and cooling time. Engineers working with furnaces, drying equipment, welding systems, glass-processing machines, or heated production lines can refer to our guide on continuous high-temperature linear guide operation at 150°C.
Integrated Linear Modules for Compact Automation
Another important exhibit was IMTEK’s all-steel integrated linear module concept. The system attracted interest from visitors looking for compact axis structures with simplified assembly and a rigid mechanical base.
Unlike a conventional assembly in which the guide, support structure, drive components, and mounting interfaces are selected separately, an integrated module combines key structural and motion functions within one coordinated system.
At the booth, we discussed possible applications in CNC equipment, laser machinery, inspection systems, additive manufacturing equipment, precision transfer systems, and other automated machines. Each application still requires its own review of load, stroke, speed, acceleration, accuracy, drive type, mounting orientation, and environmental conditions.
More information about the available system structures can be found in the IMTEK linear module solutions section.
Engineering Discussions with European Machine Builders
Automatica Munich was not only a product display. Many of the most valuable conversations began with a machine problem rather than a part number.
Visitors discussed topics including limited installation space, high moment loads, uneven thermal expansion, corrosion risks, lubrication access, rail-length requirements, interchangeable components, and the integration of guides with ball screws or linear motors.
These conversations reinforced an important point: selecting a linear guide only by rail size is rarely enough. A reliable selection should also consider:
- Applied load and moment direction;
- Required rigidity and positioning accuracy;
- Travel speed, acceleration, and duty cycle;
- Preload and running-resistance requirements;
- Temperature, humidity, dust, chips, and process contamination;
- Mounting-surface accuracy and dual-rail alignment;
- Lubrication method and planned maintenance interval.
By reviewing these conditions early, machine builders can reduce the risk of excessive friction, premature wear, unstable accuracy, and difficult installation during the later project stages.
Working with HA-CO Motion in the European Market
IMTEK exhibited together with the HA-CO Motion team, combining local European market support with IMTEK’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities.
This cooperation helps customers communicate application requirements more efficiently while maintaining direct access to product configuration, production, quality inspection, customization, and technical review.
The exhibition also gave both teams a clearer understanding of current European automation requirements. Visitors showed particular interest in corrosion-resistant materials, compact motion systems, customized rail lengths, integrated modules, and solutions for demanding operating environments.
Continuing Development After Automatica Munich 2025
Automatica Munich 2025 provided valuable feedback for the continued development of IMTEK linear motion products. The discussions confirmed that customers increasingly need more than a standard catalog component. They also need material options, environmental protection, application review, dimensional customization, and coordinated technical support.
IMTEK will continue developing linear guides, ball screws, and linear modules for standard automation equipment as well as application-specific projects. Our engineering approach remains focused on practical performance, stable manufacturing, controlled quality, and long-term cooperation with customers and regional partners.
Share your required load, stroke, speed, accuracy, mounting orientation, operating temperature, environmental conditions, and available installation space. Our team can review the information and recommend a suitable guide or module configuration.
Thank you to everyone who visited IMTEK at Automatica Munich 2025. We appreciated the technical discussions, project ideas, and opportunities to connect with customers, partners, and automation professionals from around the world.