Can linear guides be used in water-rich environments?

As an important part of the automation industry, linear guides are required to be waterproof and dustproof in many cases. Can linear guides do this?

Linear guides can be used in water environments, because when using linear guides, they inevitably come into contact with water (there is also water vapor in the air). Machining centers, lathes, etc. usually need to use water, so The guide oil added to the linear guide rail will decompose when it encounters water, and the oil will flow into the cutting fluid, and the linear guide cutting fluid will be contaminated. At this time, it is very important to solve the water separation performance of the linear guide rail. A common method is to add waterproofing to the linear guide rail. Guards, but we generally do not recommend using linear guides in water-rich environments unless necessary.

The main issues to consider when using linear guides are as follows:

The first is the rust of linear guides. Impure water is corrosive. Although there are stainless steel linear guides, stainless steel cannot completely prevent corrosion. In addition, linear guides often undergo friction movements, and the rolling elements and guide rails must be worn. Where the rails are worn, they are more likely to rust.

Secondly, lubricant must be added in time when the linear guide rail is in use. In order to ensure the speed, accuracy and service life of the slider, special lubricant for the linear guide rail must be added on time and in the right amount. When the linear guide slider moves in the water, the water It will enter the interior of the linear guide block, causing the linear guide slider to expand. In addition, the linear guide rolling elements rotate quickly, which can easily cause damage to the linear guide slider.

Finally, when the linear guide slider is immersed in water, it will be subject to water resistance and impact force. Therefore, before installing the linear guide rail, the impact of water on the movement speed of the linear guide rail must be considered and calculated, as well as the vibration caused by water impact and obstacles.

To sum up, in terms of materials used for linear guide rails, neither stainless steel linear guide rails nor bearing steel linear guide rails can completely prevent rust. The linear guide rails can be protected by adding a waterproof shield to delay the rust of the linear guide rails. Generally, if it is not necessary, we do not recommend the use of linear guides in environments with a lot of water.