Product category:
Packaging, Conveyors and Materials Transfer
News Release from: Danaher Motion | Subject: SL system
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 17 March 2003
Ball screws break 20,000 hour operation
barrier
Danaher Motion, manufacturers of Thomson linear motion products, have designed a new form of self lubricating ball screw which has been successfully tested for over 20,000 hours continuous operation
Traditionally ball screws have been lubricated by using grease or oil, which is replenished on a regular basis The new Thomson "SL system" acts in a fundamentally different and more efficient way
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 22 Oct 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Long stroke, low-noise linear actuator
As industry focuses on the working environment Danaher Motion have launched a new and improved Movopart range that has a very low operational noise profile, with a claimed increased in product life
Electro-mechanical actuation: the safe alternative
Pneumatics and hydraulics have done the job of linear actuation in a huge range of applications for years: with tougher legislation plus efficiency demands, electro-mechanical solutions are now best
The bearing track is directly lubricated by transferring a thin film of oil from a patented solid oil-filled polymer matrix.
The liquid lubricant suspended in the fully enclosed polymer matrix "bleeds" lubricant onto the bearing track through a network of capillaries.
This polymer "sponge" is a highly efficient method of lubricating the bearing track over an extended period and represents a significant technical break-through for Thomson.
Most grease used in ball screw lubrication contains approximately 35% oil suspended in a thickening agent.
The Thomson "SL system" is contained within the entire ball nut housing and contains 70% of oil in the much larger reservoir.
Conventional ball screw lubrication systems require oil replenishment every 800/1000 hours.
Due to the larger oil capacity and the unique design of the Thomson "SL system" this period can be extended ten-fold.
Temperature and transfer speeds during operation are unaffected when using the "SL system" and are therefore comparable to conventionally lubricated ball screws.
Maximum operating temperatures are -10 to +100C with a maximum speed of 120,000Dn.
Benefits to the customer are not only the reduction in environmental pollution (both noise and particulates) as virtually no lubricant is lost, but also reduced maintenance and extended product life.
Protection against contaminates can be further enhanced by using the Thomson felt scraper seal.
Replacement of the "SL system" after 20,000 hours of operation is a simple operation.
Downtime is kept to a minimum ensuring that the product makes to positive contribution to reducing manufacturing costs and increases productivity - two principals which are enduring aims of the Thomson product design team.
• Danaher Motion: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
