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Precision lubrication gives precision results

A THK product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 1, 2004

THK has launched a new version of its QZ lubrication system for its LM guides.

THK has launched a new version of its QZ lubrication system for its LM guides.

The new version of QZ has been designed to extend still further the service life and overall performance of guides in particularly demanding applications and now includes a window for checking lubrication levels and can be replaced without the need to remove the block from the guide rail.

Incorporating a unique fibre net and baffle system that is heavily impregnated with oil, the QZ lubrication system provides a cost effective alternative to traditional methods and can be used in conjunction with the company's range of caged ball linear motion products.

With standard lubrication methods, such as manual grease feed, lubrication must be carried out at regular intervals to prevent an increase in frictional losses that can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, and, as a result, the frequency of maintenance and potentially repair work, which is costly and time consuming and can result in expensive downtime.

The unique design of the QZ lubricator means that the fibre net ensures that the lubricant is applied when and where it is needed via a high density material that acts as an applicator that is in permanent contact with the raceways.

In this way, it compensates for the oil that it lost during use, thereby eliminating the need for regular maintenance.

The use of a QZ lubricator can typically increase the service life of heavy load (18.6kN) carrying linear motion guides by over 50%, and those carrying light to medium loads (up to 10kN) indefinitely.

In addition to cost and time savings, this can also be extremely beneficial in applications where the linear guide may be difficult to access, where even routine maintenance results in costly downtime.

As the lubricant is delivered in the exact required amount to the specific location, its use to replace forced lubrication systems can reduce the annual lubricant consumption by up to 98%, due to its ability to eliminate wastage and enable more effective lubricant use.

The internal flow control also helps to contribute to a cleaner operating and working environment, and as no excess oil is wasted, is environmentally friendly.

Now, the incorporation of the new window allows the lubricant level easily to be manually checked, without having to dismantle the entire unit within the machine.

In addition, the new version has been designed to be easily removed and replaced without the necessity of removing the entire block from the rail.

As a result, routine maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily, with minimal disruption to the workings of the machine.

The QZ lubricator can be used in conjunction with the new THK side laminated contact scraper, which protects the carriage or block assembly from contamination by particulates in any mounting orientation, increasing still further the protection of the guide.

Additional maintenance products include end seals, metal scrapers and laminated contact scrapers, providing complete protection from foreign matter.