What to Consider When Selecting a Linear Guide Lubricant for Vacuum & Cleanroom Environments
Linear guides are often used in cleanroom manufacturing and vacuum environments to facilitate linear X and Y motion in a horizontal or vertical plane. These components must operate reliably to improve yields and prevent costly downtime. How do Nye’s lubricants benefit linear guide applications?
Reduce Friction & Wear
Linear guides are in constant motion and therefore their components must be protected against friction and wear to extend the life of the system.
Control Torque
Linear guides are often used to automate manufacturing processes and torque must be carefully controlled to ensure the system operates with precision. Lubricants reduce starting and running torque by reducing friction between rolling and sliding surfaces.
Minimize Contamination
In cleanroom environments, each material sourced, including lubricants, must be carefully selected to minimize the risk of particle contamination or outgassing. When a lubricant outgasses it releases condensable material that can contaminate wafers, processing equipment, and other sensitive components. Our NyeTorr® lubricants for semiconductor and cleanroom environments are tested per ASTM E595 to determine the percent of lubricant outgassed under vacuum conditions.
Lubricants for Linear Guide Components
Guide Rails
The guide rail must be able to move side-to-side with a smooth, controlled motion. A NyeTorr® product will reduce friction and wear, while also inhibiting corrosion to ensure long operating life. These products are recommended for use in vacuum environments, as they exhibit low outgassing.
Nye Products: NyeTorr® 5200 & NyeTorr® 6300
Ball Screws
A ball screw will facilitate precise, shifting movements in the linear guide system. The addition of a NyeTorr® product will reduce friction and allow metal components to slide
Nye Products: NyeTorr® 5200 & NyeTorr® 6300
Lead Screws
A lead screw requires greater torque in the linear guide application, leading to higher friction levels and higher operating temperatures.
Nye Products: NyeTorr® 5300XP & NyeTorr® 5350
| Greases | Temperature Range |
Friction & Wear ASTM D5707 |
Outgassing ASTM E595 |
Low Temp Torque ASTM D1478 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYETORR 5200 | -45 to 150 °C | CoF = 0.114 Wear Scar = 0.44 mm |
TML=0.068 wt% CVCM=0.007 wt% | Start = 221 g.cm 10 min = 274 g.cm |
| NYETORR 6300 | -65 to 250 °C | CoF = 0.11 Wear Scar = 0.68 mm |
TML=0.036 wt% CVCM=0.006 wt% | Start = 221 g.cm 10 min = 125 g.cm |
| NYETORR 5300XP | -65 to 200 °C | CoF = 0.113 Wear Scar = 0.58mm |
TML=0.075 wt% CVCM=0.018 wt% | Start = 207 g.cm 10 min = 121 g.cm |
| NYETORR 5350 | -55 to 250 °C | COF = 0.14 Wear Scar = 0.652 mm |
TML=0.757 wt% CVCM=0.451 wt% | Start = 221 g.cm 10 min = 118 g.cm |
CoF= Coefficient of Friction
TML= Total Mass Loss
CVCM= Collected Volatile Condensable Materials
