In order to get the best performance and life out of your linear bearings, proper lubrication is key.
A lubricant formulated for rolling friction should be used with linear bearings. In applications where operating speeds are low and loads are light, linear bearings can be used without lubrication at a greatly reduced life. However, it is never recommended to operate linear bearings without lubrication. To protect the highly polished bearing surfaces from corrosion and wear, a lubricant is required.
Where linear speeds are high, a light oil should be used and provision for re-lubrication should be made to avoid operating the bearings dry. For typical applications, a medium-to- heavy oil has good surface adhesion and affords greater bearing protection. Linear bearings 2 inches in diameter and above may use high pressure lithium grease such as Shell Alvania #2 for moderate speed applications. Lubricants containing additives such as molydisulfide or graphite should not be used.
Some customers have made their own ball screw supports, usually paired on either side of the ball nut in pairs of 2, 4 or 6, to reduce the unsupported distance, essentially quadrupling the critical speed for each pair used. Depending on the application, they can even allow you to select a smaller diameter ball screw, without compromising performance.