Side scraper ups life of linear guides

A company has developed a new side scraper system for its linear guides, which extends the operating life of the products, particularly in applications where there is a high degree of contamination. THK UK's 'Side Scraper' device, a new version of its existing 'Laminated Contact Scraper', protects the linear guides by removing dirt, oil, liquids and other debris regardless of the mounting configuration. The units are therefore ideal for harsh environments where there are high levels of airborne dust, swarf, shavings or weld spatter that fall on the guide rails. Without side scrapers, these particles can get drawn into the carriage or block assembly causing wear and in the worst case scenario, premature failure of the ball race or ball cage mechanism. The latest scraper system prevents these problems by creating a combined barrier and scraper unit at either end and along the sides of the carriage. The end sections comprise a triple layer scraper assembly, with an inner seal, a composite layer for removing particulate matter and smaller debris, and a metal outer layer to remove larger material. The scraper and seal assemblies perform the same function at the end units and prevent particles entering the carriage or ball cage mechanisms when the guide is mounted vertically or is inverted, or where the operating environment contains a high level of particles suspended in the atmosphere, such as flour mills. THK's scraper unit can be supplied with the company's latest QZ lubrication unit, to extend the life of guides even further. Typical applications include machinery for construction, such as quarrying and cement manufacture, heavy engineering equipment and process manufacturing machines and systems.