In order to ensure the long-term normal operation of the linear guide, good lubrication is essential. This article will provide a concentrated answer to the related issues of linear guide lubrication.
1. What is the Purpose of Linear Guide Lubrication?
The purpose of adding lubricant to the linear guide is to prevent metal contact between the track surface and the rolling element inside the linear guide, reduce friction and wear, and thus prevent heat and sintering. When a sufficient oil film is formed on the contact surface between the track surface and the rolling element, it also has the effect of reducing the contact stress caused by the load. Ensuring that the oil film is fully formed is very important to ensure the reliability of the linear guide.
2. How to Choose the Lubricant for the Linear Guide?
To give full play to the performance of the linear (rolling) guide, it is necessary to select the appropriate type of lubricant and lubrication method according to the form, load, speed, etc. of the linear guide. However, compared with the sliding guide, the rolling guide is less dependent on the lubricant, so the oil supply is small and the replenishment interval is long, which can greatly reduce the maintenance and management work. The lubricants used in linear guides can be roughly divided into grease and lubricating oil.
3. What are the Lubrication Methods?
3.1 Manual Grease Feeding
It is a common and direct lubrication method. Usually, grease is regularly replenished using a grease gun through the oil nozzle set on the linear guide. For systems with many parts that need lubrication, centralized piping can be used to replenish grease from a certain part using manual mercury. However, it should be noted that in the centralized piping method, due to the viscous resistance in the pipeline, the lubricant may not reach the end of the pipeline. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the grease consistency, pipeline diameter and use conditions to select a suitable linear guide lubrication method.
3.2 Automatic Refueling Method
It is an efficient lubrication method. Automatic mercury is used to force the injection of a specified amount of lubricant within a specified time interval. This method can ensure that the linear guide is continuously and evenly lubricated, reducing the problem of insufficient or excessive lubrication caused by human factors.
3.3 Oil Injection Lubrication Method
It is a common lubrication method. The guide adopts a sealed design and leaves an oil injection hole. It is convenient for oil injection and can also ensure that there will be no oil leakage. By regularly adding lubricant to the oil injection hole, the smooth operation of the linear guide can be ensured.
3.4 Built-in Oil Storage Block Lubrication Method
It is a more advanced lubrication technology. The guide rail has its own storage function, which can store oil well for daily use. Regular refueling through the oil filling hole can ensure that the linear guide rail is continuously lubricated and reduce wear and failure caused by lack of oil.
4. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
In addition to regular cleaning and lubrication, the linear guide should also be inspected regularly to detect and deal with potential problems in a timely manner.
4.1 Check the Surface of the Guide Rail
Regularly check whether there is wear, scratches or other damage on the surface of the linear guide rail.
4.2 Check the Seal
Make sure the seal of the linear guide is intact to prevent dust and other impurities from entering the interior of the guide rail.
4.3 Adjust the Guide Rail Preload
As needed, adjust the preload of the linear guide rail appropriately to ensure appropriate axial clearance.
4.4 Replace Damaged Parts
If the linear guide parts are found to be damaged or severely worn, replace them with new parts in time.
4.5 Pay Attention to the Working Environment
Keep the environment around the linear guide clean and dry, and prevent water, oil and other substances from entering the guide and affecting normal operation.
Summary
Regular and proper linear guide lubrication is an important part of linear rails maintenance, which can effectively extend its service life and improve the working efficiency of the equipment. Please formulate a reasonable lubrication plan according to the specific usage.
If you are interested in linear guide system or have any questions, please contact us.