Hipp Miniature Ball Screws - Lubrication
Lubrication Instructions for Ball Screws
General Information
Correct lubrication is important for ball screws in order to reach the expected operating hours, to prevent overheating and to ensure smooth and quiet operation. Regular lubrication is essential to ensure functionality and longevity of the ball screw.
Lubrication should be carried out according to usage and regularly monitored and adjusted to requirements. Due to continual movement of the spindle shaft, grease is lost and must be re-applied at regular intervals.
Recommendation
We generally recommend central lubrication. Should this not be possible, manual lubrication is necessary.
Installation Notes
The installation of ball screws requires specialist knowledge and measuring equipment. Due to the low friction of ball screws, it is not normally possible to feel misalignment when turning by hand.
- Radial or eccentric forces must be taken up by external guides
- Ball screw drives can absorb only axial forces
Important
In order to avoid damage to the ball screws, limit switches and end stops must be installed in the machine. Ball screws should be protected against dirt and kept clean.
Operating Temperature
The regular operating temperature for ball screws should be between -20°C and +80°C.
Short-term variations from this norm are possible but each case should be checked.
Grease Lubrication
Unless otherwise specified by the client, initial lubrication will be with STABURAGS NBU 12/300 grease.
Relubrication Intervals
It is not sufficient to grease just once in the lifetime of a ball screw due to loss of grease.
Recommended Frequency
Add grease after approximately 2 months as appropriate to the volume lost via the wipers. Under normal operating conditions, it is sufficient to add grease every 200 to 300 hours.
Lubrication Method
- Nut lubrication: Lubricate with a grease gun via the grease nipple
- Spindle lubrication: Apply the grease evenly to the spindle using a fine brush
We recommend that you regularly monitor the quality and quantity of the remaining grease.
Oil Lubrication
Do not use more oil than what has been lost via the wipers when lubricating. We recommend circulating oil lubrication.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Oil viscosity | 25 to 100 mm²/s at 100°C |
| Lubrication method | Circulating oil lubrication (recommended) |
Note
If your circulating oil lubrication uses oil mist, please be sure to use ball screw nuts without wipers.
Relubrication & Maintenance
Relubricate only with a grease of the same specification. All ball screws and bearings must be visually checked for contamination and damage. Any contamination or damage must be resolved before lubrication.
Cleaning
Should significant contamination or damage be observed, measures should be taken to prevent it in future. Dried grease or larger quantities of dirt can be removed with:
- Paraffin
- Petroleum ether
- A thin oil
Clean the spindle with a clean, lint-free cloth. Re-oil / re-grease immediately after cleaning to prevent corrosion.
Lubricant Selection
The choice of lubricant depends primarily on the operating temperature and various factors:
- Amount of load
- Oscillation
- Vibration
- Short-stroke applications
In addition, there may be special demands such as:
| Special Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Aggressive mediums | Use in connection with strong or aggressively impacting mediums |
| Cleanroom | Special lubrication requirements for cleanroom environments |
| Vacuum | Lubrication requirements for vacuum conditions |
| Food industry | Lubricants compliant with food safety standards |
Technical Support
If in doubt, contact your lubricant supplier in order to guarantee optimum lubrication. Lubrication instructions and data sheets regarding greases / oils used can be obtained from our technical team.