In the productivity-driven packaging industry, there are many possible sources of downtime. You can eliminate many of them by selecting failure-resistant linear motion components such as robust linear guides and positioning tables. These parts integrate design features that can prevent premature failure due to poor lubrication practices or contamination.
At the same time, however, these guides and tables still have to meet the necessary accuracy, precision and load requirements—all of which are on the upswing in packaging applications. To maximize the lifecycle of these linear motion components, there are three features you should look for:
- Self-lubrication. Inadequate lubrication is one of the main causes of premature linear guide failure, which can bring packaging lines to a dead stop.
- Contamination reduction. Packaging applications are highly sensitive to contamination, which has vast implications for productivity. Entire packaging lines can be brought to a halt if contaminants make their way into linear guides.
- Clearance. With some clearance between the rail and rolling elements, linear guides need less linear forces to move the slider at a given speed, benefitting fast-moving packaging machines.
Selecting linear bearings that self-lubricate, fight contamination and offer some clearance will solve many downtime problems by keeping your linear motion axes running smoothly for the long haul.
