Main functions and maintenance methods of Linear Guide Rail

‌‌1.What is Linear Guide Rail?

Linear Guide Rail is an important component used in mechanical design to support and guide moving parts to make reciprocating linear motion in a given direction. It consists of guide rails, sliders, rolling elements and retainers. Through the infinite rolling cycle of balls between the sliders and guide rails, high-speed and high-precision linear motion under high loads is achieved.

2.Operating principle of Linear Guide Rail

The operating principle of Linear Guide Rail is mainly based on rolling guidance, and low-friction linear motion is achieved through the rolling of steel balls between the sliders and guide rails. Specifically, Linear Guide Rail consists of slide rails, sliders, balls, ball retainers and ball return grooves. There are many balls installed between the sliders and the guide rails. These balls perform infinite rolling cycles when the sliders move, thereby converting sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing the friction coefficient and improving motion efficiency and precision.

3.Main functions of Linear Guide Rail

1.Load bearing and guiding: Linear Guide Rail plays a role of load bearing and guiding in mechanical design, supporting and guiding moving parts to make reciprocating linear motion in a given direction. It can achieve high-precision linear motion under high load.

2.Improve positioning accuracy: Since Linear Guide Rail adopts rolling friction, the friction coefficient is low, and the difference between dynamic friction and static friction is small, the bed will not slip during operation, and the positioning accuracy of micron level can be achieved.

3.Reduce wear: Traditional sliding guides will cause wear and affect accuracy due to oil film backflow and insufficient lubrication. The rolling guide of Linear Guide Rail has very little wear, and the machine can maintain accuracy for a long time.

4.Suitable for high-speed movement: Linear Guide Rail has low friction, and only a small amount of power is needed to make the bed run, which is especially suitable for occasions with frequent reciprocating operation. At the same time, it is suitable for high-speed operation because the heat generated by its friction is small.

‌5.Bear multi-directional loads‌: The special structural design of Linear Guide Rail enables it to bear loads in the upper, lower, left and right directions at the same time. Compared with traditional sliding guides, it has a stronger lateral load bearing capacity in the direction of parallel contact surfaces‌.

‌6.Easy assembly and interchangeability‌: The assembly of Linear Guide Rail is simple. You only need to mill or grind the assembly surface of the guide rail on the bed, and fix the guide rail and slider to the machine with a specific torque according to the recommended steps. In addition, Linear Guide Rail is interchangeable, and the slider or guide rail can be replaced separately, so that the machine can regain high-precision guidance‌.

‌4.Maintenance method of Linear Guide Rail

1.Daily cleaning‌: Regularly use a clean cotton cloth or a soft brush to remove impurities such as dust, chips and oil on the surface of the linear guide. Avoid using rough materials when cleaning to avoid scratching the surface of the guide rail. You can use a mild detergent with a cleaning cloth to wipe it, but be careful that the detergent cannot contain corrosive ingredients such as strong acids and alkalis. After cleaning, it should be wiped dry in time to prevent moisture residue from causing rust on the guide rail‌.

‌2.Lubrication and maintenance: Good lubrication is essential for the normal operation and service life of Linear Guide Rail. Select appropriate lubricants, such as lubricating oil or grease, according to the use environment and working conditions, and ensure that the lubricant is evenly applied to the sliding surface of the guide rail. Check the state of the lubricant regularly, replenish and replace the lubricant in time to prevent the lubricant from deteriorating or contaminating.

3.Prevent overload and impact: Overload and sudden impact loading should be avoided when using Linear Guide Rail. Overload will cause the wear of the guide rail to increase, reduce its accuracy and service life. When designing and using the system of linear guide rails, the load should be reasonably arranged according to the load-bearing capacity and working requirements of the guide rails, and necessary buffering and shock-absorbing measures should be taken.

‌4.Regular inspection and adjustment: Regularly inspect the Linear Guide Rail, including the flatness, straightness and clearance of the guide rail. Professional measuring tools can be used for detection, such as level, laser interferometer, etc. If deviation or wear of the guide rail is found, it should be adjusted or the relevant parts replaced in time. At the same time, check whether the fixing bolts and connectors of the guide rail are loose. If they are loose, tighten them in time.

‌5.Storage precautions‌: If the Linear Guide Rail needs to be stored for a long time, appropriate protective measures should be taken. Wipe the surface of the guide rail clean, apply a layer of anti-rust oil or lubricant, and wrap it with plastic film or oil paper. The storage environment should be kept dry and ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The status of the guide rail should be checked regularly during storage, and any abnormalities should be handled in time.