How to Maintain Ball Screw & Linear Guide Rail of Laser Cutter

How to Maintain Ball Screw & Linear Guide Rail of Laser Cutter

Linear guide and ball screw are the core components of laser die-cutting machines. They directly determine the transmission speed and accuracy of laser die cutter. They are the most expensive mechanical components which can be replaced in the equipment. Effective maintenance not only ensures the accuracy and speed of equipment but also prolongs the lifespan of the equipment.In order to ensure laser cutters with high accuracy, that means they are required with high guiding precision and good motion stability.

The laser cutting machine releases a large amount of corrosive dust and smoke when it working. This smoke and dust are deposited on the surface of the linear guide &ball screw for a long time, which will greatly affect the precision of the equipment. And it will form corrosion spots on the surface of the linear guide and ball screw to shorten the service life of the equipment.

In order to guarantee machine work stably and ensure the quality of the products, it is necessary to carefully carry out the daily maintenance of the guide rail and linear axes.

Recommendation: Clean the linear guide& ball screws every half month under turn off condition.Requires materials: clean cotton cloth, lubricating oil (linear guide rail uses Great Wall 68# rail oil, ball screw uses Great Wall grease)Maintenance of linear guide: Wipe with a clean cotton cloth until it is bright and dust-free, plus a bit lubricant (recommend to use Great Wall 68# rail oil, or sewing machine oil instead), let the laser cutter run back and forth several times for lubricant evenly distribute.

Attentions:
1) Keep the guide rail and surrounding clean, even if the invisible dust enters the guide rail, it will increase the wear, vibration and noise of the guide rail.

2) The guide rail should be carefully used during installation. Strong stamping is not allowed. It is not allowed to hit the rail directly with a hammer.

3) Guide rails use appropriate and accurate installation tools, use special tools as much as possible, and avoid using cloth and short fibers as much as possible.

4) In order to prevent the corrosion of the guide rail, when taking the guide directly by hand, wash the sweat on the hand and apply it with high-quality mineral oil before handling. In the rainy season and summer, pay more attention to rust prevention.

5) Because the linear guide is a precision part, it is required to be quite prudent when use. If it is used improperly, the expected performance effect cannot be achieved, and the guide rail is easily damaged. However, under certain special operating conditions, the guide rail can achieve a longer life than conventional calculations. For example, linear guides are used under light load conditions, or when the rolling surfaces (tracks and rolling elements) are effectively separated by the lubricating film and to prevent damage to the surface of the rails caused by contaminants.