Linear guides with self-lubricating units (oil cartridge or oil-filled resin at the block ends, for long runs between lubrication)

01

An oil cartridge between end cap and end seal

HIWIN's assembly instructions for linear guideways (GW-02-4-EN-1505-MA) describe the E2 guideway as "a lubricator between the end cap and the end seal, and a replaceable oil cartridge"; the cartridge is changed without taking the block apart, and the block can be mounted in any position. [1]

HIWIN states that "The replacement intervals of the oil tank depend heavily on the loads and the environmental conditions", and that high loads, vibration and dirt shorten them. Its table gives the maximum interval at which the oil level should be checked, not a guaranteed life. The standard oil is Mobil SHC 636, ISO VG 680. [1]

Across the HG series the check distance rises with size from 2,000 km for HG15E2 to 40,000 km for HG65E2. The same assembly instructions plot relubrication intervals for ordinary grease-lubricated blocks against the load ratio P/C, so the E2 figures are a separate basis from grease relubrication. [1]

Give the supplier the load, speed, stroke, vibration and dirt at the axis, and ask for the check distance for your size and the oil to refill with.

02

Oil-filled resin units fitted together with grease

NSK's K1-L lubrication units are "made of a porous synthetic resin containing abundant lubricating oil", about 85% lubricant and 15% resin by weight; friction and heat at the rail raceway release oil, and the unit absorbs excess oil and releases it again. [2]

NSK notes that "Using K1-L lubrication units alone is not recommended in normal operation" and that guides with them are "typically packed with AS2 grease to achieve maximum running distance". In its tests on an NH25 slide with slight preload, K1-L units gave about 20% lower dynamic friction than the previous K1, nearly double its lubricating oil supply period, and, with iron powder spread on the rail every 100 strokes over 100 km at 1 m/s, minimal ball-groove wear against 3 to 4 µm for K1. [2]

Ask whether the guide is supplied with grease packed as well as the lubrication unit, and for the test conditions behind any running-distance claim.

03

Self-lubricating linear guide details

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Guide: [series; size; ball or roller; length]
Unit: [oil cartridge; oil-filled resin]
Grease: [packed; type]
Duty: [load; speed; stroke; km per year]
Environment: [dust; chips; coolant; vibration; temperature]
Service: [check distance; refill oil; access]
Mounting: [orientation]

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