Posted to News on 14th Oct 2020, 08:59
Extended linear guide service life highlighted by NSK
Company says that its NH/NS series of linear guides is being used by an increasing number of machine builders thanks to a long service life
The number of machine builders using its NH/NS series of linear guides is continually growing, thanks largely to a long service life which can be double that of conventional products says NSK . This longevity is, it affirms, a real advantage when minimising TCO (total cost of ownership) is vital, and concurrently, maintenance requirements are also reduced as the risk of expensive machine downtime due to premature failures recedes. NSK claims that greater service life is the result of the inclusion of features like specially developed ball groove geometry. Additionally, the NH/NS series offers up to 30% more dynamic load rating over previous generation products, helping to deliver 100% more fatigue life in a significantly more compact and lightweight format. Machine designers can specify surface treatments that include Duralloy® and Raydent to ensure even more durability, while stainless steel versions are also available for use in environments that are potentially corrosive.
Amongst the OEMs benefiting from the use of NH series linear guides is a leading manufacturer of blow moulding machines. The company had received complaints about the poor service life (of just 12 months) exhibited by its previous linear guides, which are used to move the mould platens. Thanks to the higher load capacity and long service life of NH series guides, the company has experienced a significant reduction in the wear susceptibility of its clamping units. In addition, the unique four-row groove design allowed the carriage to better absorb shock loads, something the previous units couldn‘t. The entire range of blow moulding machines has since been equipped with NH linear guides.
Elsewhere, repeated failures of linear guides were being experienced by an established European manufacturer of high-speed SMT (surface mount technology) pick and place machines. Attributable to (mis)alignment issues, the problem was again resolved by adopting NH series linear guides, which are purpose-designed for high-speed applications and offer a high degree of self-alignment. Several thousand installations later, NH linear guides are proving to have a long lifespan in this application with no issues reported.
Retrofit projects at end users are proving equally popular, says NSK. The companhy points to a manufacturer of sheet metal assemblies that recently sought a solution to overcome short lifespan issues with the drive and guide elements on its automated welding systems. Due to the presence of weld spatter and fumes, NSK recommended coated NH series linear guides in combination with protectors and K1 maintenance-free lubrication units. The weld systems have now been in operation for over three years without any failures, which thus far equates to 10 times more service life than was being achieved previously in this environment.
Designed for applications requiring accurate, smooth and even linear motion, NH/NS series linear guides are also being used in medical imaging and healthcare equipment, measuring machines, laboratory equipment and packaging machinery to name just a few examples. Service life in these applications can be boosted further, says NSK, by its recently introduced K1-L maintenance-free lubrication unit, which is attached to both ends of the linear guide slider. Effective lubrication remains essential in maintaining guide performance over extended periods, and the K1-L has been designed to provide a continuous supply of fresh oil to the rail ball grooves. Compared with the previous-generation K1 unit, the K1-L offers 1.8 times more lubrication life, 20% less dynamic friction of the slider, and also features a newly developed protective casing to help maintain structural integrity and further impede the entry/release of dust and other particle contaminants.
Aside from long service life, NSK outlines further benefits it sees of NH/NS series guides: they include high productivity (traverse speeds of 150 to 300 m/min), low noise output (3dB less than previous generation) and standard accuracy that exceeds conventional alternatives. NSK confirms that it can provide high levels of product service thanks to well-maintained stock levels: the company´s central warehouse holds the entire range of standard-size NH/NS series linear guides to ensure that partners and customers benefit from rapid delivery. In addition, the manufacturer can produce custom solutions to suit special requirements, including specific lengths.
As a further option, NSK offers machine builders access to a handy online tool where they can create bespoke linear guides in a fast and easy-to-use format. The NSK Click!Speedy linear guide design tool is capable of producing bespoke items based on specifications such as type, size, length, seals, lubricant and lubrication unit. In each case, the part number, data sheet, PDF drawing and CAD data of the customised linear guide are made available by download link or e-mail.
By providing application details, NSK can quickly calculate the required size of NH/NS series linear guide, along with its expected service life, price and delivery time too.
