Applying Grease
Ball screw splines and reduction gears require periodic greasing. Be sure to use the specified grease.
CAUTION
Be careful that the grease does not run out. When grease runs out, scratches and other defects can occur on the slide, not only hindering maximum performance, but also requiring significant time and money to repair.
If grease enters the eyes or mouth or adheres to the skin, take the following measures:
If it enters the eyes
After rinsing the eyes thoroughly with clean water, seek medical attention.
If it enters the mouth
If swallowed, do not force vomiting, and seek medical attention.
If the mouth is contaminated, rinse thoroughly with water.
If adhered to skin
Rinse with water and soap.
| Part | Interval | Grease | Grease Application Procedure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Joint #1 Joint #2 | Reduction gear | When overhaul is performed | - | This can be performed by properly trained service engineers only. For more information, please contact the supplier. |
| Joint #3 | Ball screw spline unit | 100 km (first 50 km) run | AFB* | "Applying grease to the ball screw spline unit" (See below.) |
* Use the grease below.
Product name: THK AFB-LF Grease
Manufacturer: THK Co., LTD.
URL: https://www.thk.com/ (opens new window)
Ball screw spline unit of Joint #3
The recommended interval to perform greasing is when the unit has run 100 km. However, the interval can also be confirmed from the grease state. As shown in the figure, apply grease when the grease turns black or has dried up.
| Normal Grease | Blackened Grease |
|---|---|
 |  |
For the first time only, apply grease after running for 50 km.
KEY POINTS
When using Epson RC+, the recommended interval for applying grease to the ball screw spline unit can be viewed from the [Maintenance] dialog box in Epson RC+.
Applying grease to the ball screw spline unit
| Name | Quantity | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease used | Grease for ball screw splines (AFB grease) | Appropriate amount | - |
| Tools used | Wiping cloth | 1 | For wiping off grease (Spline shaft) |
| Phillips screwdriver | 1 | For removing the clamp band Cleanroom & ESD specifications only |
KEY POINTS
When applying grease, be careful to cover the hand and peripheral equipment so that, if any grease falls on them, it will not affect their performance.
Turn on the Controller.
Lower the shaft to the lower limit in one of the following ways.
KEY POINTS
Make sure that the hand does not interfere with peripheral equipment or other objects.
While pressing down the brake release switch, manually lower the shaft to the lower limit.
KEY POINTS
When pressing the brake release switch, watch for the shaft descending or rotating under the weight of the hand.
Using the Epson RC+ [Tools] - [Robot Manager] - [Jog & Teach] panel, lower the shaft to the lower limit.
Symbol Description a Joint #3 and Joint #4 brake release switch b Arm #2 c Shaft d Arm #1 Turn off the Controller.
Wipe off the old grease on the shaft, and apply new grease.
The grease application area is from the end of the spline nut to the mechanical stop.
Symbol Description a Application area b Mechanical stop c Shaft d Spline nut Grease should be applied to the helical and vertical grooves of the ball screw spline so that the grooves are filled evenly.
Example of grease application
Turn on the Controller.
Start the Robot Manager, and move the shaft to the origin position. Be careful not to hit any peripheral equipment.
After moving to the origin position, perform a reciprocating motion with the shaft. The reciprocating motion is performed from the upper limit to the lower limit using the low-power mode operation program. Perform the motion for about 5 minutes to allow the grease to spread.
Turn on the Controller.
Wipe off any excess grease at the spline nut end and mechanical stop section.
Symbol Description a Spline nut end