NSK K1-L Lubrication Unit for NSK Linear Guides

Boosted lubrication capability delivers long-term maintenance-free operation.

NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President & CEO: Toshihiro Uchiyama) released the original groundbreaking NSK K1 lubrication unit in 1996. The product was the first linear guide lubrication solution of its type on the market, and has been relied upon by customers for over 20 years to build long-term maintenance-free machinery and equipment.

Today, the development of smart factory and automation technology is rapidly accelerating, and machinery makers and plant operators alike are aiming to maximize maintenance-free operation to generate the necessary efficiencies to stay competitive. To this end, our newly developed NSK K1-L unit delivers a whole new level of long lasting lubrication. NSK K1-L will be available for order from December 2019.

Development Background

Effective lubrication is essential to maintaining linear guide performance over long periods. Regular maintenance to lubricate linear guides takes time and effort, stopping machinery. NSK K1-L provides lubrication over an extended period of time, reducing the frequency of maintenance required. This can increase uptime and productivity, while reducing maintenance costs at the same time.

The original NSK K1 lubrication unit opened up entirely new possibilities for maintenance-free machinery, and has been widely adopted by customers for decades. The unit is also a highly clean lubrication solution, basically eliminating oil splatter, thereby improving the operating environment.

The newly developed NSK K1-L expands upon the success of the original model, improving lubrication capability for even longer maintenance-free operation and further reduction of maintenance costs - an ideal solution for smart factories and automation. The unit also contributes to preserving the environment by cutting resource and energy consumption through longer service life, lower friction, and reduced usage of lubricating oil.

Features

1. Nearly Double the Service Life - Boosted Lubrication Performance

NSK K1-L is made of a resin material that retains a significant volume of lubricating oil, and gradually seeps the oil during use. This keeps the linear guide lubricated over a long period. NSK K1-L uses a newly developed resin capable of supplying oil for nearly twice as long compared to the original model.

2. Optimized Design Reduces Friction

NSK K1-L has an optimized shape where it contacts the rail, reducing dynamic friction force by about 20% when the slider is moving.

3. Casing for Protection and Enhanced Cleanliness

We also developed a protective casing for NSK K1-L to maintain structural integrity of the unit and further impede entry/ejection of dust and particles.

Benefits

NSK K1-L has enhanced lubrication performance contributing to even longer maintenance-free operation. Reducing dynamic friction force by about 20% when the slider is moving also contributes to energy savings in machinery operation.

Availability

NSK K1-L will initially be made available for NSK's standard lineup of linear guides (NH Series, NS Series), and expanded to other models in turn.