Lubrication of Linear guide

Linear guide description:

Linear Motion units based on block and rail systems. The block moves back and forth along the track. In most cases, there are recirculating balls that are moved with linear guides. Unlike ball screws, which convert rotary motion to linear, balls rotate in a linear direction. Some linear guides can be a mix of different types of linear bearings, such as ball screws or lead screws.

For linear guides, most of the friction is sliding and rolling. Sliding comes from the planes of contact, and rolling comes from the recirculating balls, if the linear guide incorporates these. Some linear guides with polymers are self-lubricating.

Lubrication:

Linear guides can be lubricated with oil, grease or solid lubricants depending on the application. As with ball screws, we will also focus on oil and grease lubrication. Guides that slide on rails should be lightly painted to prevent corrosion, such as ball screws. Linear guides typically fill 50-70% of the available space. This number will vary for different temperatures, speeds and linear guide types. With linear guides, if the linear guide contains these, you must ensure that there is enough lubricant for the sliding parts and recirculating balls. Again, you have to make sure you don't have too much lubricant that can hinder your movement. For vertically oriented linear guides, the relubrication interval is usually halved. Vertically mounted linear guides are the most difficult to lubricate because more lubrication is lost. The relubrication interval is usually 6 months. When applying grease, the rails should be swung back and forth 2-10 times for proper lubrication.