4-1
4. Lubrication
Ball Spline
4.
Lubrication
A good quality lubricant is required when using Ball Splines. Usage with no lubrication may
increase wear on the rolling elements and shorten the service life.
A lubricant has the following effects.
(1) Minimizes friction in moving elements to prevent seizure and reduce wear.
(2) Forms an oil film on the raceway to decrease stress acting on the surface and extend rolling
fatigue life.
(3) Covers the metal surface in an oil film to prevent rust formation.
To optimize Ball Spline functions, provide lubrication appropriate to the usage conditions.
To prevent foreign material from entering the spline nut and the lubricant from leaking, special
synthetic resin seals with high wear resistance are available for the Ball Spline.
Spline nuts with seals (Seal for Both Ends Type UU, and Seal for One End) are sealed with
lithium soap-based grease No. 2. If using at high speed or with a long stroke, replenish grease of
the same type through the greasing hole on the spline nut after running in.
Afterward, replenish grease of the same type as necessary according to the usage conditions.
The greasing interval differs depending on the usage conditions. Under normal conditions,
replenish (or replace) roughly every 100 km of travel distance (three to six months).
For a Ball Spline model type without a seal, apply grease to the interior of the spline nut or to the
raceway of the spline shaft.
4-1
Lubrication Interval
4-1-1
Grease Lubrication
How often grease should be replenished varies depending on the usage conditions and
environment. We recommend greasing the system approximately every 100 km traveled (three
to six months). Final greasing interval/amount should be set at an actual machine.
Normally, relubricate using the same grease type and through the lubrication hole or grease
nipple provided on the Ball Spline. Mixing different types of grease may deteriorate the system’s
performance due to increased consistency or other such factor.
Lubricant
Type
Brand name
Grease
Lithium-Based Grease
Urea-Based Grease
Calcium-Based Grease
AFA Grease
(THK)
AFB-LF Grease
(THK)
AFC Grease
(THK)
AFE-CA Grease
(THK)
AFF Grease
(THK)
AFG Grease
(THK)
AFJ Grease
(THK)
L100 Grease
(THK)
L450 Grease
(THK)
L500 Grease
(THK)
L700 Grease
(THK)
Alvania Grease S No.2 (Showa Shell Sekiyu)
Eponex Grease No.2 (Idemitsu Kosan)
or equivalent
*The recommended grease will vary according to the usage conditions and environment.
www.thk.ru
тел. +7(499) 703-39-86
