Datasheet

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MINIRAIL Product Overview
7.2.12 Lubrication
General
Choice of lubricant is an important consideration and must therefore be defined
during the development phase of the machine or application. From experience,
choosing the lubricant after the design is finalized leads to significant difficulties
later on. A carefully thought out lubrication concept is therefore a feature of a
state-of-the-art and well-planned design.
Parameters to be taken into account in selecting the lubricant include:
• Operating conditions (Speed, acceleration, stroke, load, installation
orientation)
• External influences (Temperature, aggressive media or radiation,
contamination, humidity, vacuum, cleanroom)
• Relubrication (Period of time, amount, compatibility)
• Compatibility (With other lubricants, with corrosion protection and
with integrated materials such as plastic)
Technical and economic considerations determine the lubricant used.
The guideways should be kept free of cutting oils or water-soluble coolants and
lubricants as they thin or wash off the lubricant. In addition, coolants tend to
become sticky as they dry out. Lubricants with solid additives are not suitable.
Long-term lubrication
The long-term lubrication LUBE-S from SCHNEEBERGER is covered in chapter 8.1.
Custom lubricants
Specific lubricants are used for specific purposes. For example lubricants for use
in vacuums, cleanrooms, for high or low temperatures, for high speeds or
high-frequency strokes. SCHNEEBERGER can supply the guideways with the
appropriate lubricant for all of these applications.
Additional important information about lubricants is available in chapter 16.3.3.