Linear Bearing Maintenance
Linear bearings or linear slides are constructed to provide free movement in a single direction. From ball bearing slides to compound slides, there are various types of linear bearings in the market for multiple uses.Â
One of the best linear bearings manufacturers in the market is Bosch-Rexroth, their products are said to require the minimum effort in maintenance. However, all bearings need some regular support in order to avoid equipment failures. While the cost of linear bearings is low, the cost of an unplanned downtime can be thousands of dollars per hour.
This article will detail multiple ways in which you can ensure that your linear bearings remain in optimum conditions to function effectively.
4 Ways To Maintain Linear Bearings
1. The first step to take is to have a good qualified team workers
It is vital to train employees and workers to be able to spot potential bearing failure before it occurs so that timely repairs and replacements can be made. This also includes knowing when and how many times the bearings require lubrication and stock up on bearings accordingly. Being able to spot when the equipment is most likely to break down allows companies to save thousands of dollars that may have otherwise been needed to start the machine back up again.
2. Manage a maintenance scheduleÂ
A schedule for maintenance, repairs, and replacement of the bearings is an essential measure to avoid unplanned downtime and save thousands of dollar per hour. This includes knowing when to spend some dollars to replace the bearings if they are damaged beyond a certain point.
Preventative maintenance also saves significant amounts of revenue, giving back a much better ROI when compared with those that do not practice regular maintenance of their bearings.
3. Reduce the risk of failure by ensuring regular inspections
Another way of making sure you avoid equipment failure at inopportune times is to perform regular inspections on the bearings, and what’s more, is that this is very easy to do. By only running a finger down the shaft and rail can tell you whether the bearings require lubrication, for example.
Other things to keep notice of are the presence of metal fragments in the outer race or rail, which can impede work, as well as for any atypical noises or vibrations.
4. Properly selected bearing for your application
Lastly, to improve the overall performance and longevity of the bearings, companies should go the extra mile and ensure the bearings are correctly measured for the specific application. To do so, one may speak to an expert engineer, or search the web for research on the various specifications for bearings depending on their usage.
In conclusion, the good operation and performance of linear bearings is critical for any industrial company. If you want to avoid risks and reduce unwanted costs, it is so important to follow these 4 steps.Â
SP-Spareparts team can support you with your linear motion maintenance, with our qualified R&D team, and our product portfolio from main linear technology manufacturers, Bosch Rexroth, INA, NSK…
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