Linear bearings (linear bearing blocks, linear guide blocks, guide rail carriage, linear guide sliders, bearing trucks) and guides are essential components in various industrial applications, providing smooth and precise linear motion for machinery and equipment with minimal friction. Linear bearings need careful care and maintenance to improve the efficiency and service life of machines, thereby determining your profits. In this article, we’ll introduce how to maintain the linear bearing block. 

Regular maintenance when we use the linear bearing block and guide rail:

1. Regular cleaning: Remove dust, and dirt from the surface rail and block, ensuring the flatness and smoothness of the guide surface.

2. Lubrication and protection: Lubricate and protect the guide and blocks regularly in order to reduce friction and wear. When lubricating, please remove the rust first, and pay attention to avoid applying it excessively. Do not use lubricants containing impurities.

We have grease lubrication and oil lubrication two types, here we need to note the:

Some block scraper blades have excellent performance in scraping and sealing effects, grease lubrication cannot cannot enter the inside of the block and, therefore cannot reach its lubricating function. So we suggest oil lubrication to lubricate the linear bearing block.

If you use oil lubrication the first time, please Fill the internal space of the linear bearing block. next time, please remember oil lubrication voluum= guide rail width/150 

3. Adjust Preload

The preload of the linear bearing block refers to the contact pressure between the rolling elements and the guide rail. Proper preload ensures that the linear bearing block maintains stable contact and precise guidance during moving. However, excessive preload increases friction and wear, insufficient preload can lead to vibration and looseness. Therefore, regularly the preload is key to maintaining the stable performance of the linear bearings.

4. Avoiding collisions: Be careful to avoid collisions and impacts during the movement of machinery to prevent damage to the guide surface and block surface.

5. Check screws: Regularly inspect whether the screws of the guide block are loose. If loose screws are found, tighten them promptly.

Once the guide rail or linear bearing block doesn’t work or is damaged, it is recommended to replace or repair it immediately to avoid delay in your production schedule.

If the original linear bearing block is discontinued how should be choose a replacement for your machine?

Interchangeable linear bearing block: that is"standard size linear bearing block,  If you cannot find a replacement in the original brand, international famous brands often have interchangeability charts for their sliders. like THK, INA, ABBA, Bosch Rexroth, Hiwin, PMI. You can use other brand linear bearings to replace your original linear bearings.

If cannot find the suitable linear bearing block in the Interchangeability Chart,  you may need to replace both the slider and the guide rail together.

Non-Interchangeable Sliders: For example, customized sliders, once the slider is damaged, you will typically need to replace both the slider and the guide rail as a set.

RicoCNC is a comprehensive company that supplies various brand linear bearing blocks, like THK, INA, ABBA, Bosch Rexroth, Hiwin, etc. If you are looking for them, please feel free to contact us.

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