Lubricating linear bearings & guides!

Step-by-Step instruction on lubricating linear bearings and guides.

Thomson Industries demonstrates in its new educational Tech Tips video how to properly lubricate linear bearings and guides. The video provides step-by-step instructions and is the latest in an ongoing series of short videos from Thomson intended to help design engineers maximise performance, reduce lifecycle costs and extend the life of high precision linear motion technology.

“Any system with moving parts will eventually wear out. But understanding the role of lubrication and characteristics of the lubrication itself can help linear guide users make the most of their automation investment,” said Jeremy Gong, Global Product Line Manager for Linear Bearings & Guides at Thomson.

In the video, Gong steps users through the lubrication process, starting with a method for cleaning and continuing to show best practice on how to maintain a linear guide. Gong explains: “Any motion of the bearings will pick up the applied grease and this will circulate throughout the housing.”

Further, Gong explains how successful lubrication “depends on the quality of the lubricant, which can impact the reliability and reduce evaporation over time.” Also, Gong describes a new lubrication product from Thomson called LinearLube that is designed to slow the evaporation process and extend bearing life.