Schaeffler integrates sensors and vibration analysis into its linear guidance systems and offers these mechatronic components with automated relubrication. The function is now also available for linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies. Durasense provides each individual linear axis with precisely the level of relubrication it needs based on its loads and requirements. The electronic evaluation system allows up to six carriages to be monitored on each axis. The position of the sensor on the carriage can be freely selected on both the Kuve and Kuse four and six-row linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies and the RUE linear recirculating roller bearing and guideway assemblies and can be placed on the left or right-hand side of either the carriage and to the left or right of the end piece.

Durasense reliably prevents both insufficient lubrication and overgreasing, which extends machines’ operating life and reduces the rate of failure. Durasense also reliably detects relubrication system failures – due to defective lubrication units, leaking hoses or blocked lubricating nipples. Complex monitoring using pressure sensors such as those used in centralized lubricating systems is not required. The system thus protects even heavily interconnected systems against very costly downtimes.

If the key values return to a normal level after the lubricating impulses, the raceways and rolling elements have not been damaged by the contamination.

After linear recirculating ball/roller bearing and guideway assemblies have been in operation for a very long time, material fatigue gradually occurs close to the surface. The sensitive measuring system detects this condition and increases the frequency of the relubricating impulses. The linear axis thus runs smoothly for longer and the product quality remains constant for a longer period of time. pb