July Insider: A Guide to Maintaining NTN Linear Guides

Maintaining Linear Guides (also known as linear rails or linear motion guides) is essential for ensuring smooth, accurate, and long-lasting performance in machinery and automation systems. We’ve pulled together some key tech tips to help you better maintain them effectively:

1. Regular Cleaning

• Remove debris: Dust, chips, and other contaminants can cause wear and reduce precision.
• Use lint-free cloths and appropriate solvents to clean the rails and blocks.
• Avoid high-pressure air unless it is filtered, as it can push debris into seals.

2. Proper Lubrication

• Use the correct lubricant: Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications (oil or grease).
• Lubricate regularly: Frequency depends on usage, environment, and load.
• Automatic lubrication systems can be used for high-duty applications.

3. Inspection and Monitoring

• Check for wear: Look for scoring, pitting, or uneven wear on rails and blocks.
• Listen for noise: Unusual sounds during movement can indicate misalignment or contamination.
• Measure preload and backlash periodically to ensure precision.

4. Alignment Checks

• Misalignment can cause uneven wear and reduce lifespan.
• Use dial indicators or laser alignment tools to verify straightness and parallelism.
• Re-align during machine servicing or after any impact.

5. Environmental Control

• Protect from contaminants: Use bellows, covers, extra wipers, and scrapers.
• Control temperature: Excessive heat can degrade lubrication and cause expansion.
• Avoid moisture: Prevent rust and corrosion with proper sealing and humidity control. If moisture is present, use plated rails and runner blocks

6. Use Quality Components

• Use OEM parts for replacements.
• Ensure compatibility of blocks and rails if mixing brands.  Most manufacturers are not compatible with each other. (Can’t mix and match runner blocks and rails from one manufacturer to another)

7. Maintenance Schedule

• Create a preventive maintenance plan based on operating hours and conditions.
• Keep a log of inspections, lubrication, and replacements.
• If you replace the blocks, do this only twice. After replacing the blocks twice, it is recommended to replace the rail at the next replacement. The rail will wear and change the preload and accuracy of the block

Need help choosing the right NTN linear guide?
Our Automation team is here to assist you in selecting the best solution for your application. You can also explore options using our 3D Linear Modeling Tool.

For personalized support, contact us at [email protected] or call 847-298-7500 ext. 21300.

Your maintenance partners,

NTN