Linear axes without lubricant – is that possible?
Thomas Urbach | 26. February 2020
Do linear modules and linear axes always have to be lubricated?
A wide variety of systems are available on the market for linear drive technology. Many of these are usually equipped with recirculating ball bearing systems to enable linear or translatory movements of the linear carriages or for positioning tasks.
Hygiene standards for linear axes without lubricant
If an application is to meet high hygiene standards, lubricants often have to be dispensed with. Many linear modules and linear axes are equipped with recirculating ball bearing systems. However, recirculating ball bearing systems have a decisive disadvantage: they have to be lubricated.
Save costs without lubricant for linear modules and linear axes
To enable lubrication-free use of the linear modules and linear axes, specially developed high-performance polymers are used. The sliding elements made of these plastics operate particularly quietly and above all are maintenance-free. This means that relubrication and reapplication of lubricants is not necessary.
Conclusion:
Those who rely on linear drive technology with high-performance polymers can do so without lubricants and save operating costs.
The advantages of lubrication-free linear modules
- Reduced equipment costs
- Faster maintenance work
- Lower maintenance costs
- Less downtime
- More production time
Avoid operating costs
It is not without reason that more and more tribo-optimised high-performance polymers are being used in moving applications by mechanical engineers and maintenance personnel. Compared to solutions made of metal , sliding elements made of plastic are up to 40% more cost-effective.
Reduce energy costs
In order to relubricate linear elements on packaging machines and systems, they usually have to be stopped. The more often this is the case, the more energy costs are incurred when restarting. Lubrication-free, tribo-optimised high-performance polymers significantly reduce downtime and lower energy costs.
Significantly less maintenance
One who does not have to lubricate saves time, and time is money. Using the right lubricant in the right quantity at the right time requires more than just a lot of knowledge. The time required for such tasks is considerable and often very complex. Lubrication-free high-performance polymers reduce downtime and maintenance time.
igus® offers the right linear module for every application
The linear system equipped with a lead screw drive is very versatile and is offered in different versions for a wide range of requirements. Useful accessories such as motors, spacers, hand wheels and much more complete the range. The linear system can also be configured online in just a few steps.
Design of a lubrication-free linear axis with lead screw drive
- Lubrication-free due to polymer bearings and polymer nuts
- Shaft material (aluminium, steel or carbon)
- 8 trapezoidal thread pitches, 4 high helix thread pitches
- Body material made of stainless steel, aluminium, zinc or polymer
- Lead screw machined to drawing or plain drive shaft
- Accessories available
Design of a lubrication-free linear axis with toothed belt drive
The linear axes with toothed belt drive are suitable for many positioning and adjustment tasks. Thanks to the lightweight design using polymer and aluminium, igus linear axes with toothed belt drive have a low mass inertia, making them highly efficient.
- End supports with ball bearing
- Lubrication-free linear guide with polymer plain bearings
- Various carriage lengths
- Polyurethane (PU) or neoprene toothed belt
- Hard anodised aluminium
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