Tuli Ljubljana

Are THK, HIWIN, Bosch Rexroth and INA linear guides interchangeable?

A common question when a machine is down is:

“Can we simply install a HIWIN block on a THK rail?”

The short answer is no.

A rail and carriage should always come from the same manufacturer and a compatible series. Different brands can sometimes replace each other, but normally only as a complete rail-and-carriage system.

Before changing brands, always check:

🔹 Assembly height
🔹 Rail and carriage dimensions
🔹 Mounting-hole pattern
🔹 Load and moment capacity
🔹 Preload and accuracy
🔹 Sealing and lubrication

Similar dimensions do not automatically mean equal performance.

In our latest technical blog, Max explains what to check before replacing THK, HIWIN, Bosch Rexroth or INA linear guides – including what to do when the original system is obsolete.

👉 Read the full article on our technical blog: https://www.tuli-shop.com/blog/are-linear-guides-interchangeable-thk-vs-hiwin-vs-bosch-rexroth-vs-ina.html

Need a replacement linear guide system? Contact us.

Our team is growing, and we’d love for you to get to know the people behind Tuli. 👋

We’re starting with Erika Pleško, our CEO, who has been leading the company since 2011.

With more than 15 years of experience at the helm of Tuli, Erika has played a key role in the company’s growth, development, and expansion into international markets.

💬 Do you have any questions for Erika about Tuli? Leave them in the comments!

What can you build with aluminum profiles?

Much more than you might expect.

Modular T-slot profiles are a practical solution for:

🔹 Machine frames and automation cells
🔹 Workbenches and inspection stations
🔹 Safety guards and machine enclosures
🔹 Mobile carts and test rigs
🔹 DIY camper interiors and storage systems

They allow you to build strong and professional structures without welding. Components can be moved, replaced or added later, making the system ideal for prototypes and projects that may change over time.

In our latest technical blog, we share practical examples and useful advice for selecting profiles, planning loads and choosing the right accessories.

👉 Read the blog and discover what you can build: https://www.tuli-shop.com/blog/aluminum-profiles-what-can-you-build-with-them.html

Small components. A big job in air cargo handling.

Moving ULD containers, pallets and heavy packages is not only about load capacity. The cargo often needs to move sideways, diagonally and into the exact position — quickly and with control.

In our latest technical blog, we look at how ball transfer units help make this possible.

We cover:

✅ multidirectional movement of heavy loads
✅ lower operator effort
✅ easier cargo positioning
✅ load distribution and correct unit spacing
✅ cleaning and maintenance in demanding environments

We also take a closer look at the Alwayse 805-30-16 — a compact, heavy-duty ball transfer unit with a 30 mm ball and a maximum dynamic load of 350 kg.

👉 Read our latest technical blog and learn how the right ball transfer units can improve air cargo handling systems: https://www.tuli-shop.com/blog/ball-transfer-units-for-air-cargo-movement.html

☀️ Summer at Tuli 2026

We never closed for the summer — but that doesn’t mean we don’t take holidays. We do. We simply cover for each other. That’s what being teammates looks like in real life. 😊

And while summer is usually a little quieter, we’ve had quite a few small wins to celebrate:

🚒 We’re proud sponsors of four local volunteer fire brigades
🚜 A new addition to our warehouse — our new side-loader forklift
🎓 Three students joining us for summer work
✈️ Ricardo visiting our partners HepcoMotion and Alwayse
🎥 Filming new videos for our online shop
🍰 Our new coworker Robi surprising the team with a homemade tiramisu

These are our little wins — the moments that make everyday work a bit more special.

The only real summer challenge? Getting the whole Tuli team together for one photo. 😄

What are your little wins this summer?

Does country of origin still matter when choosing a bearing?

The answer is yes—but it should not be the only factor.

Many leading bearing manufacturers now operate factories in several countries while following the same internal quality standards. This means that the brand, technical specification, traceability and reliability of the supplier can be just as important as the country printed on the box.

For critical applications, documentation and traceability are essential. For standard applications, the priority should be selecting the correct bearing for the load, speed, temperature, lubrication and working environment.

Our latest technical blog also explains how to reduce the risk of counterfeit bearings and why an unusually low price should always raise questions.

🔎 Read the full technical blog: https://www.tuli-shop.com/blog/country-of-origin-does-it-still-matter-for-bearings.html

The guides guide. The screw drives.

Sounds simple, but getting the combination of linear guides and a ball screw right can make a big difference to the performance and lifetime of a machine axis.

In our latest technical blog, Max explains:

✅ how to position linear guides and ball screws
✅ why alignment is critical
✅ when to use fixed and floating supports
✅ why a flexible coupling cannot compensate for poor mounting
✅ how to reduce wear, noise and unnecessary motor load

The main rule? Let the linear guides carry and control the load, while the ball screw provides the driving force.

Read the full technical blog and explore our range of linear guides, ball screws and accessories in the Tuli online shop: https://www.tuli-shop.com/blog/how-to-combine-linear-guides-and-a-ball-screw.html

🌊 Tuli is with you – even at the seaside! 😎

A big thank you to Robi for sharing his holiday moments with the Tuli team. It’s always great to see where our colleagues are enjoying their well-deserved time off! ☀️

We wish everyone a wonderful rest of the week, and Robi – enjoy the rest of your vacation! 🌴🌅

A very special chapter is continuing in our family business, TULI d.o.o. 💙

This summer, the third generation is joining us for the second year.

Julija is helping with our website, while Neja is supporting us with administrative tasks. Guiding them along the way is our founder, Danica Pleško, who represents the first generation of our family business.

Seeing three generations working together under one roof is something truly meaningful for us. It is not only about learning new tasks, but also about sharing experience, values and the story behind the company.

Of course, working with family can be challenging at times, but moments like these remind us why family businesses are so special.

How does the younger generation get involved in your family business during the summer holidays?

Installing a ball screw nut looks simple, but one small mistake can damage the whole assembly.

A ball nut is not a standard threaded part. Inside it are recirculating balls, and they must stay correctly guided during installation. That is why the safety mandrel is so important.

In our latest technical blog, we explain:

• why the safety mandrel must stay in place
• how to transfer the nut onto the screw correctly
• why clean and careful installation matters
• what to do if the balls fall out of the nut

The main advice is simple: work clean, keep everything aligned, and do not rush the process.

Read the full blog here: https://www.tuli-shop.com/blog/installation-of-a-ball-nut.html

For ball screws, ball screw nuts, and other linear motion products, visit our online shop: www.tuli-shop.com