Format adjustments in packaging machines
Bastian Mehr | 30. April 2020
Can lubricants be dispensed with in format adjustments?
Most packaging machines have a number of format adjustments. They are often made with trapezoidal lead screw nuts and a corresponding lead screw. Many format adjustments still involve metallic lead screw nuts. To work smoothly, they need lots of lubricant. The dirty environment means that regular re-greasing and maintenance are necessary.
There is probably nothing worse than a non-functional format adjustment that brings the entire production line to a standstill. You want to focus on the important things, not maintain and grease metallic lead screw nuts.
Perhaps you would like to dispense with format adjustment lubrication entirely and enhance your system’s operational reliability?
Lubrication-free format adjustments
Then there is just one alternative: lubrication-free format adjustment in packaging machines. To eliminate lubrication, igus uses lead screw nuts made of high-performance polymer. The polymer nuts have many advantages over conventional ball screws. They are designed especially for dry operation, and solid lubricants have been incorporated into the compound. These high-performance polymers are self-lubricating so there is no need to grease the lead screw nuts. This keeps dirt, such as paper dust from cartons, from adhering to them.
If metallic nuts cannot be maintained or re-lubricated, the lead screw will wear until the application seizes. drylin polymer lead screw nuts are maintenance-free throughout their entire service life. This an added advantage for inaccessible points. Corrosion resistance and, for some materials, chemical resistance, are necessary for nuts to function smoothly even in areas that are frequently and aggressively cleaned.
Lead screw nuts are available in a number of materials for a wide range of application areas. Dry or wet, high or low temperatures, food-grade or hygiene-sensitive areas – igus materials can handle just about anything. Lead screw technology is also available in a wide range of geometries, ensuring simple 1:1 replacement.
Discover lubrication-free lead screw technology in our online shop.
Format adjustment service life
As described above, lead screw drive service life is a critical factor for maintenance-free format adjustments in packaging machines. As with all products, igus performs countless tests on them to determine service life in a wide range of applications. Numerous tests were also performed for various lead screw and lead screw nut materials and geometries. To precisely calculate the probable service life for your application, you can use our online tool free of charge.
Calculate the service life here.
Summary
It is clear that lubricants can be dispensed with in format adjustments. drylin lead screw technology with its lubrication and maintenance-free lead screw nuts offers a reliable alternative to conventional ball screws. The long service life, various materials and geometries, and quick availability are also decisive advantages of polymer lead screw nuts.