THK Ball Spline User manual

Instruction Manual
No. 1030-T34669
Ball Spline
THK Linear Motion System
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Table of Contents
i
Ball Spline
1. Introduction 1-1
1-1 Foreword 1-1
1-2 About This Manual 1-1
1-3 Applying This Product  1-2
1-4 Product Support 1-2
1-5 Product Information and THK Information 1-2
2. Precautions on Use 2-1
2-1 Safety Related Warning Displays  2-1
2-2 Handling  2-1
2-3 Precautions on Use  2-2
2-4 Lubrication  2-3
2-5 Storage  2-3
2-6 Disposal  2-3
3. Assembly 3-1
3-1 Mounting the Spline  3-1
3-2 Installing the Spline Nut  3-3
3-3 Installing the Spline Shaft 3-4
4. Lubrication 4-1
4-1 Lubrication Interval  4-1
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1-1
Ball Spline
1. Introduction
1.
Introduction
1-1 Foreword
Thank you for purchasing this THK product. This manual describes the precautions on use,
assembly method, and lubrication method that apply to a Ball Spline.
1-2 About This Manual
1-2-1 Intended Audience
Persons in charge of product mounting design, installation, wiring, and maintenance, and
persons actually using the product.
1-2-2 Using This Manual
This manual describes the correct handling of this product and precautions on its use.
For maximum product performance and long-term use, read this manual carefully and
understand its contents so that you use this product safely and properly.
When printing this manual for reading, store it in a place where the intended audience can read it
when necessary.
1-2-3 Notice and Attention
zDo not handle or use this product in any way other than as described in this manual.
zNo part of this manual may be duplicated, reproduced, or loaned without permission.
zDue to a continuing process of product improvement, information contained herein is subject
to change without notice.
zEfforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. If,
however, you notice an error or have a concern, notify THK.
zThe diagrams contained herein are representative examples and may vary from the actual
product.
zTHK will not be liable for the effects resulting from the use of this manual for any reason
whatsoever.
zThis manual also applies to special products, but content specified on the Delivery
 
*Special products are products that differ from standard products listed in the catalog, in

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1-2
Ball Spline
1. Introduction
1-3 Applying This Product
zDo not use this product for equipment or systems used in life-threatening situations.
zConsult THK beforehand when considering using this product for special applications such as
in passenger vehicles or in medical, aviation and space, nuclear power, or electrical power
equipment or systems.
zThis product was manufactured under strict quality control, but this does not completely rule
out product failure. When using this product in equipment where failure of this product could
cause a severe accident or damage, install a safety device or backup device to prevent the
occurrence of severe accidents or damage.
1-4 Product Support
󰀨
you have a concern, notify THK.
1-5 Product Information and THK Information
For the latest product information and company information, we recommend that you regularly
access and view the THK website.
zWebsite URL: https://www.thk.com/eng/
zTechnical support site URL: https://tech.thk.com/
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2-1
2. Precautions
Ball Spline
2.
Precautions on Use
2-1 Safety Related Warning Displays
This manual uses the following safety related warning displays. Descriptions containing safety
related warning displays are serious and must be followed. The Ball Spline is a precision part, to
be handled with care based on the following information.
Warning "A matter which, if mishandled, could result in
death or serious injury."
Caution "A matter which, if mishandled, could result
in physical injury or material damage."
"Prohibited (never do this)"
"Required (always do this)"
2-2 Handling
CAUTION
Handle with care
zPlease use at least two people to move any product weighing 20 kg or more, or use a dolly or
other conveyance. Failure to do so could cause injury or damage the product.
Do not disassemble
zDo not disassemble the parts. This could impair the product's functions.
Falling objects
zTilting a spline nut or spline shaft may cause them to fall by their own weight.
zTake care not to drop or strike the Ball Spline. This could cause injury or damage the product.
If the product receives an impact, it could impair the product's functions, even if the product
looks intact.
Handle with care
zWhen assembling, be sure not to remove the spline nut from the spline shaft.
zWhen handling the product, wear safety gloves and safety boots, etc., as appropriate to
ensure safety.
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2-2
2. Precautions
2.
Precautions on Use
Ball Spline
2-3 Precautions on Use
CAUTION
Prevent dust
zPrevent foreign materials, such as cutting chips or coolant, from entering the product. Failure
to do so could damage the product.
zPrevent foreign materials, such as cutting chips, coolant, corrosive solvents or water from
getting in the product by using a bellows or cover when the product is used in an environment
where such a thing is likely.
zIf foreign materials such as cutting chips adhere to the product, clean the product and then
replenish the lubricant.
zSmall strokes can inhibit the formation of an oil film between the raceway and the area of
contact for rolling elements, resulting in fretting. Therefore, be sure to use a type of grease
with high fretting resistance properties. We recommend periodically adding stroke movement
for approximately the spline nut length to help ensure that an oil film forms between the
raceway and the rolling elements.
Maximum temperature
80°C
Max
zDo not use this product if the external temperature exceeds 80 °C. If used in excess of this
temperature, there is a risk that the resin and rubber parts may deform or become damaged
(except the heat-resistant type).
Handle with care
zDo not forcibly drive a pin, key, or other positioning parts into the product. This could create
indentations on the raceway and impair the product's functions.
zIf the spline shaft supporting portion and the spline nut become misaligned or tilted, it may
substantially shorten the service life. Therefore, be sure to pay sufficient attention to the
components that are to be mounted and to the mounting accuracy.
zInserting the spline nut onto the spline shaft while the rolling elements are removed may
cause early damage.
zWhen installing the spline shaft into the spline nut, identify the matching marks on the spline
shaft and the spline nut, and then insert the shaft straight while checking relative positioning.
󰀨
with a seal or given a preload, apply a lubricant to the outer surface of the spline shaft.
zWhen installing the spline nut into the housing, do not hit the side plate, end cap, or seal;
gently insert it using a jig.
zA lack of rigidity and accuracy of mounting components may cause the bearing load to

the rigidity and accuracy of the housing and base, and the strength of the securing bolts.
z
pin hole, contact THK.
Falling objects
zIf any of the rolling elements fall from the spline nut, discontinue use and contact THK.
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2-3
2. Precautions
2.
Precautions on Use
Ball Spline
2-4 Lubrication
CAUTION
Check lubricant
zThoroughly remove anti-rust oil and feed lubricant before using the product.
zDo not mix different lubricants. Even grease containing the same type of thickening agent
may, if mixed, interact in an adverse manner due to disparate additives or other ingredients.
zWhen using the product in locations subject to constant vibrations or in special environments
such as in clean rooms, vacuums, and under low or high temperatures, be sure to use a

zWhen lubricating products that do not feature a grease nipple or oil hole, directly coat the
raceway surface with lubricant and perform several warm-up strokes to ensure that the
grease permeates the interior.
zGrease consistency can vary depending on the temperature. Please keep in mind that the
󰀨
zFollowing greasing, the stirring resistance of the grease can cause the Ball Spline to exhibit
increased sliding resistance. Before commencing operation, be sure to run the unit through
several warm-up cycles to ensure that the grease is adequately integrated and dispersed.
zExcess grease may spatter immediately after lubrication. Wipe off spattered grease as
necessary.
zThe properties of the grease deteriorate over time, thereby degrading the lubricity. It is
necessary to inspect and apply the grease in accordance with the usage frequency.
zHow often grease should be replenished varies depending on the usage conditions and
environment. We recommend greasing the system approximately every 100 km traveled
(three to six months). Final greasing interval/amount should be set at an actual machine.
zWhen using oil lubrication, the lubricant may not be distributed throughout the product
depending on the installation direction of the Ball Spline. Contact THK for details.
2-5 Storage
Ball splines should be stored horizontally in their original packaging in an indoor location where
they are not exposed to abnormally high or low temperatures or high humidity. Please note that if
the product has been kept in storage for an extended period of time, the lubricant inside may
have deteriorated. Please therefore ensure that you replenish the lubricant before re-use.
2-6 Disposal
The product should be disposed of appropriately as an industrial waste.
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3-1
3. Assembly
Ball Spline
3. Assembly
3-1 Mounting the Spline
Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 show examples of mounting the spline nut. Although the Ball Spline
does not require a large amount of strength for securing it in the spline shaft direction, do not rely

Note: Both ends of the Ball Spline SLS model with a retainer have a resin end cap.
Hammering or forcefully pressing may cause damage. Be careful not to apply an excessive load.
Straight outer cylinder
Figure 3-1 Example of Mounting the Spline Nut
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3-2
3. Assembly
3.
Assembly
Ball Spline
Model LBG
Model LTR
Flanged Type
Model LBH
Pulley Pulley
Figure 3-2 Example of Mounting the Spline Nut
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3-3
3. Assembly
3.
Assembly
Ball Spline
3-2 Installing the Spline Nut
When installing the spline nut into the housing, do not hit the side plate or the seal; gently insert
it using a jig (Figure 3-3).
di
D-0.5
Figure 3-3 Installing the Spline Nut
Table 3-1 Model LBS Jig Dimensions Unit: mm
Nominal
shaft
diameter
15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 85 100 120 150
di 12.5 16.1 20.3 24.4 32.4 40.1 47.8 55.9 69.3 83.8 103.8 131.8
Table 3-2 Model LT Jig Dimensions Unit: mm
Nominal
shaft
diameter
6 8 10 13 16 20 25 30 40 50 60 80 100
di 5.0 7 8.5 11.5 14.5 18.5 23 28 37.5 46.5 56 75.5 94.5
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3-4
3. Assembly
3.
Assembly
Ball Spline
3-3 Installing the Spline Shaft
When installing the spline shaft into the spline nut, identify the matching marks (Figure 3-4) on
the spline shaft and the spline nut, and then insert the shaft straight while checking their relative
positions.
󰀨
If the spline nut is attached with a seal or given a preload, apply a lubricant to the outer surface
of the spline shaft.
Matching
mark Matching mark
Matching mark
Matching mark
Matching mark
Serial number
Serial number
Figure 3-4 Installing the Spline Shaft
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4-1
4. Lubrication
Ball Spline
4.
Lubrication
A good quality lubricant is required when using Ball Splines. Usage with no lubrication may
increase wear on the rolling elements and shorten the service life.
A lubricant has the following effects.
(1) Minimizes friction in moving elements to prevent seizure and reduce wear.
(2) Forms an oil film on the raceway to decrease stress acting on the surface and extend rolling
fatigue life.
(3) Covers the metal surface in an oil film to prevent rust formation.
To optimize Ball Spline functions, provide lubrication appropriate to the usage conditions.
To prevent foreign material from entering the spline nut and the lubricant from leaking, special
synthetic resin seals with high wear resistance are available for the Ball Spline.
Spline nuts with seals (Seal for Both Ends Type UU, and Seal for One End) are sealed with
lithium soap-based grease No. 2. If using at high speed or with a long stroke, replenish grease of
the same type through the greasing hole on the spline nut after running in.
Afterward, replenish grease of the same type as necessary according to the usage conditions.
The greasing interval differs depending on the usage conditions. Under normal conditions,
replenish (or replace) roughly every 100 km of travel distance (three to six months).
For a Ball Spline model type without a seal, apply grease to the interior of the spline nut or to the
raceway of the spline shaft.
4-1 Lubrication Interval
4-1-1 Grease Lubrication
How often grease should be replenished varies depending on the usage conditions and
environment. We recommend greasing the system approximately every 100 km traveled (three
to six months). Final greasing interval/amount should be set at an actual machine.
Normally, relubricate using the same grease type and through the lubrication hole or grease
nipple provided on the Ball Spline. Mixing different types of grease may deteriorate the system’s
performance due to increased consistency or other such factor.
Lubricant Type Brand name
Grease
Lithium-Based Grease
Urea-Based Grease
Calcium-Based Grease
AFA Grease (THK)
AFB-LF Grease (THK)
AFC Grease (THK)
AFE-CA Grease (THK)
AFF Grease (THK)
AFG Grease (THK)
AFJ Grease (THK)
L100 Grease (THK)
L450 Grease (THK)
L500 Grease (THK)
L700 Grease (THK)
Alvania Grease S No.2 (Showa Shell Sekiyu)
Eponex Grease No.2 (Idemitsu Kosan)
or equivalent
*The recommended grease will vary according to the usage conditions and environment.
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4-2
4. Lubrication
4.
Lubrication
Ball Spline
4-1-2 Oil Lubrication
LM systems that require oil lubrication are shipped with only anti-rust oil applied. Please indicate
when ordering.
zThe amount of oil to be applied varies depending on the stroke length. For a long stroke,
increase the lubrication frequency or the amount of oil applied so that an oil film is able to form
in the stroke end of the raceway.
zIn environments where coolant may spatter, the lubricant may become mixed with the coolant.
This could result in the lubricant being emulsified or washed away, causing significantly
degraded lubrication performance. In such locations, apply a lubricant with high viscosity
(kinematic viscosity: approx. 68 cst) and high emulsification resistance, and adjust the
lubrication frequency or the amount of the applied lubricant accordingly.
zFor machine tools and similar devices that are subject to heavy loads, require high rigidity, and
operate at high speed, oil lubrication is recommended.
zMake sure that lubrication oil discharges normally from the ends of the lubrication piping; that
is, the oiling ports that connect to your linear motion system.
Lubricant Type Brand name
Oil Raceway Oil or Turbine Oil
ISOVG32 to 68
Daphne Super Multi Oil (Idemitsu Kosan)
Mobil DTE Oil Series (Exxon Mobil)
Shell Tonna S3 M (Showa Shell Sekiyu)
Mobil Vactra Numbered Series (Exxon Mobil)
Mobil Vactra No. 2 SLC (Exxon Mobil)
or equivalent
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Appendix
Revision History
The instruction manual number is on the back cover.
Publication Date Instruction Manual No. Revisions
December 2017 No. 1030-T34669 First edition
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No. 1030-T34669
Inquiries
Website URL: https://www.thk.com/eng/
Technical support site URL: https://tech.thk.com/
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