The INA Linear Technology sector of Schaeffler Group Industrial has developed a concept which reduces lubricant quantities in roller monorail guidance systems. The integrated valves of the new SMDS lubricant quantity metering disc ensure that the lubricant can be precisely metered under all operating conditions, independent of the guide’s mounting position. This enables minimal relubrication quantities to be applied. The linear guidance system operates reliably with smaller relubrication quantities and at lower costs. At the same time, it is environmentally friendly thanks to a sparing use of resources.


RUE-E roller monorail guidance system with “SMDS” lubricant quantity metering disc.

Comprehensive relubrication and sealing technology
Several years ago now, INA’s linear technology specialists from Homburg developed a relubrication and sealing component kit which contains a metering system for minimal lubricant quantities and various sealing elements. These provide optimal sealing of the lubricant duct for the standard solution of the INA roller monorail guidance system. Due to the special patented injection molding technology of the saddle plate as well as the various connection possibilities for relubrication at the front, rear and the side of the carriage and also due to the special design of the end pieces, the lubricant is exactly directed to the rolling elements – independent of the mounting position.

SMDS permit minimal and precise lubricant doses
The newly developed, optional SMDS with integrated valves now additionally permits minimal lubricant doses to be applied and thus leads to considerably reduced relubrication quantity requirements. Precision metering functions reliably, with only one lubrication hole per carriage, independent of the roller monorail guidance system’s mounting position and irrespective of the operating conditions. Lubricant consumption is significantly reduced and maintenance requirements and costs also drop by a considerable degree.

Solution to a familiar problem
With conventional roller monorail guidance systems, the relubrication duct between the lubrication hole on the linear guide and the rolling elements can run empty, depending on mounting position and operating conditions. This means that more lubricant is required during relubrication to ensure reliable operation and that it takes longer for the lubricant to reach its destination. With central lubricating systems there is the additional problem that only one specific dose is given per impulse. This can lead to belated arrival of the lubricant or even to lubricant starvation. This detrimental effect is further increased when the guide is mounted at an angle of 90° so that the lubricant supply to the upper rolling element rows is often insufficient. In extreme cases this can cause damage to the rolling elements and raceway and as a consequence lead to the complete breakdown of the linear system.

Conclusion
The integrated combination of efficient sealing technology and optional lubrication system components from INA Linear Technology permit optimal lubricant supply and thus reliable operation of the roller monorail guidance system. In addition, the precise metering saves lubricant and costs and thus spares resources and the environment.

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