Grease for linear motion systems
Caution
- Some of the items are scheduled to be discontinued as of end of March in 2023. The manufacturer keep the items produced but they are not available with Misumi.
There are not the replacement items and the plan to resumption of sale. Please check the quotation and order screen for details.
Product Description
Grease for lubricating linear motion systems.
[Features]
· Long life grease: Excellent oxidation stability for long life due to differences from ordinary metal soap base grease
· Wide temperature range grease maintains good lubricity in the: -45°C to +160°C temperature range
· Low starting torque values at low temperatures.
· Excellent water resistance: Less effect from water infiltration.
· Excellent mechanical stability.
· Resists softening even in long time use, and has excellent mechanical stability
Product Specification
| Grease Name | AFA | AFB-LF | AFC | AFE-CA | AFF | AFG | AFJ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Properties | Low sliding | Versatile type | For fretting corrosion resistance | For clean environments | For clean environments | For ball screw heat generation countermeasures | For wide speed range | |
| Base Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | Refined Mineral Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | Refined Mineral Oil | |
| Thickener | Urea-based | Lithium Type | Urea-based | Urea-based | Lithium Type | Urea-based | Urea-based | |
| Features | Low sliding | Good | - | - | - | - | Good | Good |
| Micro-vibration | Good | - | Good | - | Good | Good | Good | |
| High load | - | Good | - | - | - | - | Good | |
| Low dust generation (clean environment) | - | - | - | Excellent | Good | - | - | |
| Water resistance | Good | Good | - | - | - | Good | - | |
| Machine Stability | - | Good | Good | Good | Good | - | Good | |
| Bellows Cartridge Color | Transparent | Light green | Transparent | White | Navy Blue | Light green | Yellow | |
| Cap color | White | Yellow | Orange | White | White | Orange | Blue | |
Specifications Table
Grease Capacity
| Grease Name | AFA | AFB-LF | AFC | AFE-CA | AFF | AFG | AFJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity lineup* | 70 g 400 g 16 kg | 70 g 400 g 16 kg | 70 g 400 g 16 kg | 70 g 400 g 16 kg | 70 g 400 g 16 kg | 70 g 400 g 16 kg | 70 g 400 g 16 kg |
*The 70 g and 400 g types are available in bellows cartridges. The 16 kg type is available in an 18-liter square can.
Usage Example
Lubrication method
Lubrication methods for linear motion systems include manual lubrication using a grease gun or manual pump, forced lubrication using an automatic pump, and lubrication by oil bath.
In addition, to perform lubrication efficiently, it is necessary to mount grease fittings and piping fittings according to the mounting orientation.
(If the product is installed in a position other than horizontal, be sure to contact THK regarding the installation position and the locations on each LM block where the grease fittings and piping fittings will be mounted.)
Manual lubrication method
The most common method is to use a grease gun to periodically apply grease through the grease fitting installed on the linear motion system. (Fig.-1)
Fig.-1 Lubrication using a grease gun
Forced lubrication and lubrication method
This method uses an automatic pump to forcibly supply a fixed amount of lubricant at regular intervals. (Fig. 2)
Lubrication design, such as piping, is required, but there is no risk of lubrication failure due to forgetting to replenish.
Please make sure to check for lubricant discharge at the end of the lubrication piping (the lubrication port mounting section of each linear motion system product) before use.
Figure 2: Forced Greasing and Lubrication Methods
Usage Examples
Grease Lubrication
The lubrication interval varies depending on the usage conditions and operating environment. For normal use, supply grease as a reference every 100 km (3 to 6 months).
Supply the same type of grease through the grease fitting or lubrication hole provided on the linear motion system.
If different types of grease are mixed and used, it may affect performance, so please be careful.
| Lubricant | Type | Product Name |
|---|---|---|
| Grease | Lithium Type grease Urea Type grease Calcium Type grease | Shell Alvania Grease S (Showa Shell Sekiyu) Daphne Eponex Grease (Idemitsu Kosan) "equivalent product" |
*The recommended grease may vary depending on usage conditions and environment.
Model number display
Selection Support Information
Selection based on operating environment
| Operating environment and conditions | Lubrication measures | Measures for THK products |
|---|---|---|
| Environment where coolant is splashed | · Please use grease that prevents emulsification by coolant and is resistant to being washed away. · Please use grease with high extreme pressure properties and good rust prevention. *Especially in environments where water-soluble coolant is dispersed, even if you use medium-viscosity lubricating oil, depending on the type of coolant, emulsification or washing with water may significantly reduce lubrication performance and make it difficult to form an adequate oil film. Therefore, please check the compatibility between the coolant and the lubricating oil. · Daphne Super Multi Oil (Idemitsu Kosan) · Mobil Vactra Oil No.2SLC (ExxonMobil) | · If coolant comes into direct contact with THK products, it may have a negative impact on components made of resin, rubber, and similar materials, so caution is required. · Please consider designing equipment so that coolant does not come into direct contact with THK products. (Consideration of cover and bellows) · Please consider various dust-proof options to prevent coolant from entering THK products. |
| High Temperature | · As the temperature increases, grease may separate and lubrication performance may decrease, so caution is required. | · We offer a variety of products designed for high-temperature environments. Please contact THK for more information. |
| Cleanroom | · THK offers grease suitable for cleanroom use. · AFE-CA grease (THK) · AFF grease (THK) | · One cause of dust generation is mutual friction or metal contact between rolling elements. THK offers products with retainers that can greatly reduce mutual friction and metal contact between rolling elements. Furthermore, since the retainer is designed for retaining lubricant, it is a product suitable for use in a clean environment. · Rust preventive oil is applied as standard. If it is not required, please specify in advance. |
| Vacuum environment | · Please use a fluorine-based vacuum lubricant. (The vapor pressure differs depending on the brand.) · When using vacuum grease, the extreme pressure properties are lower compared to general industrial grease, making oil film breakage more likely to occur. Please be sure to reliably supply oil to the rolling surfaces by increasing the lubrication frequency or using other methods, to prevent oil film breakage. *Please note that when using vacuum grease, the starting resistance may be several times higher compared to general-purpose grease. | - In vacuum environments, please be aware that outgassing from resin and rubber materials may lower the vacuum pressure level. · As a corrosion prevention measure, please consider stainless steel products and surface treated products. |
| For high speed motion | · To suppress heat generation caused by the resistance of the lubricant, please use a lubricant with low base oil kinematic viscosity. · THK offers grease products that are excellent for high speed motion. · AFA grease (THK) · AFG grease (THK) · AFJ grease (THK) | · Mutual friction and metal contact between moving parts inside the product can lead to noise generation and early damage. · THK offers products with retainers that excel in high-speed performance and quietness. |
| Environment exposed to contact with water | · Please use grease with excellent water resistance. · Use a lubricant with high extreme pressure properties that is resistant to washout. · Please contact THK regarding lubrication methods related to water. | · Consider designing equipment so that THK products are not exposed to water. (Consider bellows and covers) · As a rust prevention measure, please consider stainless steel products or products with surface treatment. · Please consider various dust-proof options to prevent water from entering the product. |
| In the case of food machinery | · It is necessary to consider food-grade grease that is safe for the human body. | · Please consider using a cover or similar measures in case the lubricant is accidentally dispersed. |
| Micro-vibration | · THK offers a selection of grease effective for micro-vibrations. · AFC grease (THK) · AFJ grease (THK) | · This is an environment where the oil film formed at the contact area between the rolling element and the rolling surface is prone to breakage. · By periodically performing an over-stroke, an oil film of lubricant is formed at the contact area between the rolling element and the rolling surface. |
Features
Typical Properties
| Items | AFA Grease | AFB-LF Grease | AFC Grease | AFE-CA Grease | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Properties | Test method | Typical Properties | Test method | Typical Properties | Test method | Typical Properties | Test method | ||
| Thickener | Urea-based | - | Lithium Type | - | Urea-based | - | Urea-based | - | |
| Base Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | - | Refined Mineral Oil | - | Fine Synthetic Oil | - | Fine Synthetic Oil | - | |
| Base oil kinematic viscosity: mm2/s (40°C) | 25 | JIS K 2220 23 | 170 | JIS K 2220 23 | 25 | JIS K 2220 23 | 99 | JIS K 2220 23 | |
| Worked Penetration (25°C ·60W) | 285 | JIS K 2220 7 | 275 | JIS K 2220 7 | 288 | JIS K 2220 7 | 280 | JIS K 2220 7 | |
| Mixing Stability (100,000W) | 329 | JIS K 2220 15 | 345 | JIS K 2220 15 | 341 | JIS K 2220 15 | 310 | JIS K 2220 15 | |
| Dropping Point: °C | 261 | JIS K 2220 8 | 193 | JIS K 2220 8 | 269 | JIS K 2220 8 | 260 | JIS K 2220 8 | |
| Evaporation: mass% (99°C, 22 h) | 0.2 | JIS K 2220 10 | 0.4 | JIS K 2220 10 | 0.2 | JIS K 2220 10 | 0.1 | JIS K 2220 10 | |
| Oil separation: mass% (100°C, 24 h) | 0.5 | JIS K 2220 11 | 0.6 | JIS K 2220 11 | 0.6 | JIS K 2220 11 | 0.1 | JIS K 2220 11 | |
| Copper plate corrosion (Method B, 100°C, 24 h) | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | |
| Low Temperature Torque: mN⋅m (-20°C) | Start | 170 | JIS K 2220 18 | 130 | JIS K 2220 18 | 160 | JIS K 2220 18 | 130 | JIS K 2220 18 |
| Rotating | 70 | 51 | 68 | 76 | |||||
| 4-ball test (weld load): N | 3089 | ASTM D2596 | 3089 | ASTM D2596 | 3089 | ASTM D2596 | 1236 | ASTM D2596 | |
| Operating temperature range: ℃ | -45 to 160 | - | -15 to 100 | - | -54 to 177 | - | -40 to 180 | - | |
| External Color | Brown | - | Tan | - | Brown | - | Light Tan | - | |
| Items | AFF grease | AFG grease | AFJ grease | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Properties | Test method | Typical Properties | Test method | Typical Properties | Test method | ||
| Thickener | Lithium Type | - | Urea-based | - | Urea-based | - | |
| Base Oil | Fine Synthetic Oil | - | Fine Synthetic Oil | - | Refined Mineral Oil | - | |
| Base oil kinematic viscosity: mm2/s (40°C) | 100 | JIS K 2220 23 | 25 | JIS K 2220 23 | 20 | JIS K 2220 23 | |
| Worked Penetration (25°C, 60W) | 315 | JIS K 2220 7 | 285 | JIS K 2220 7 | 325 | JIS K 2220 7 | |
| Worked Stability (100,000 strokes) | 345 | JIS K 2220 15 | 329 | JIS K 2220 15 | 360 | JIS K 2220 15 | |
| Dropping Point: °C | 220 | JIS K 2220 8 | 261 | JIS K 2220 8 | 185 | JIS K 2220 8 | |
| Evaporation Amount: wt% (99°C, 22 h) | 0.7 | JIS K 2220 10 | 0.2 | JIS K 2220 10 | 0.6 | JIS K 2220 10 | |
| Oil Separation: mass% (100°C, 24 h) | 2.6 | JIS K 2220 11 | 0.5 | JIS K 2220 11 | 7.0 | JIS K 2220 11 | |
| Copper plate corrosion (Method B, 100°C, 24 h) | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | Passed | JIS K 2220 9 | |
| Low Temperature Torque: mN⋅m (-20°C) | Start | 220 | JIS K 2220 18 | 170 | JIS K 2220 18 | 38 | JIS K 2220 18 |
| Rotating | 60 | 70 | 13 | ||||
| 4-ball test (weld load): N | 1236 | ASTM D2596 | 3089 | ASTM D2596 | 3089 | ASTM D2596 | |
| Operating temperature range: ℃ | -40 to 120 | - | -45–160 | - | -20 to 120 | - | |
| External Color | Brown | - | Brown | - | Tan | - | |