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