Longer Lasting Lubrication From THK¡¯s QZ Lubrication System

THK¡¯s QZ lubrication system meets the requirements for long term, maintenance free operation of linear motion guides. Incorporating a unique fibre net and baffle system, the new QZ Lubrication System provides a cost effective alternative to traditional lubrication methods and can be used in conjunction with the company¡¯s range of Caged Ballä LM Guides®, SHS, SNR, SSR, SRS and SHW as well as the standard LM Guide HSR. With conventional linear motion guides, the standard rule of thumb is to re-lubricate every 100km of travel. The addition of the new QZ Lubrication System, however, enables this period to be extended to as much as 26,000km* of travel, significantly reducing downtime for maintenance and improving system durability. (*continuing tests) In addition, the QZ Lubrication System is particularly useful if access to the linear motion guide for lubrication is restricted by the design of the system in which it is installed. Mounted to the ends of the LM Guide block, the QZ Lubrication System uses a high density fibrous lubricating element and baffle plate to supply a controlled thin film of oil to the guide rail. This serves a dual purpose, in that as well as lubrication being applied directly to the tracks, it is also picked up by the recirculating ball bearing system in the block, during travel. The application of the oil, via internal flow control, helps to eliminate the problem of excess lubrication, and so contributes a cleaner operating and working environment, and as no excess oil is wasted, makes it an environmentally friendly design. Additionally, these factors also help to minimise oil usage for a given application, compared to manual lubrication procedures, contributing to cost savings and further reducing wastage. Designed to maintain consistent levels of lubrication in a wide range of applications, the new QZ Lubrication System will help to ensure machine reliability and performance, over the full range of loads, while eliminating the requirement for otherwise time consuming and costly lubrication procedures, such as forced centralised oiling or greasing by hand. The QZ Lubrication System is suitable for use with most types of lubrication oil.