Schaeffler has incorporated special lubricant metering discs on its range of linear recirculating roller bearings and guideway assemblies.

The company claims that this has reduced lubricant consumption by more than 25 per cent compared to conventional designs.




A range of linear recirculating roller bearings and guidance systems are now available with special lubricant metering valves, which are said to provide precise doses of lubricant to the linear guides.

Schaeffler's RUE-E range of roller monorail guidance systems can now be fitted with special lubricant metering valves to ensure that the lubricant is precisely metered under all operating conditions, regardless of the guide's mounting position.

The company uses a patented injection moulding technology to produce the saddle plate, combined with the various connection options for relubrication at the front, rear and side of the carriage end and the special design of the end pieces.

The lubricant is then directed precisely at the rolling elements.

This minimises relubrication quantities, improves the reliability of the guide and is kinder to the environment.

John Loonam, a linear product specialist at Schaeffler UK, said: 'Basically, the O rings in a standard linear guidance system are replaced with the SMDS metering valves.

'A paper seal is placed between the end plate and the lubrication duct, which prevents leakage of the lubricant from the ends, resulting in a reduction of more than 25 per cent in lubricant consumption compared to standard designs.

'Only one valve per side and rolling element loop is required and one lubrication connector per carriage,' he added.

Several years ago, Schaeffler's linear technology specialists developed a relubrication and sealing component kit that contained a metering system for minimising lubricant quantities and various sealing elements.

These provided optimal sealing of the lubricant duct for the standard INA-branded roller monorail guidance systems.

The latest SMDS integrated metering valve option is claimed to offer high reliability with only one lubrication hole per carriage, independent of the roller monorail guidance system's mounting position and operating conditions.

With conventional roller monorail guidance systems, the relubrication duct between the lubrication hole on the linear guide and the rolling elements can become empty, depending on the mounting position and operating conditions.

This means that more lubricant is required during relubrication to ensure reliable operation and because it takes the lubricant longer to reach its desired destination.

With centralised lubrication systems, only one specific dose is provided per impulse, which can be a problem, according to the company.

It can lead to the lubricant arriving late in the rolling elements or, at worst, lubricant starvation.

This problem is exacerbated when the guide is mounted at an angle of 90 degrees, often resulting in insufficient supply of lubricant to the upper rolling element rows.

In extreme cases, this can cause damage to the rolling elements and the raceway, leading to the complete failure of the linear system.

The SMDS metering valves replace the standard O-ring seals.

The company claims that these prevent the lubricant duct from running dry, avoid inadequate lubrication or over-metering and allow precise relubrication with very small quantities.

The linear guides have only one valve per side and function irrespective of mounting position.

Other News:
Schaeffler Offers Lubricant Metering Discs (Pic)
Timken Named Among 100 Most Trustworthy Companies by Forbes
Ball Bearing & Idler Pulley Aftermarket Manufacturing
More Metalcasting Industry Pain
GGB Reopens Poland Sales Office
FBR Urged to Stop Ball Bearings's Import at Scrap Prices
FAG India Reports Fourth Quarter,Full Year 2008 Results
BSA Convention to Feature Interactive Business Program and Analysis