The OEM's Guide to Advancing Life Science and Biomedical Equipment with Linear Motion — Part 5: Transport, Installation, Lubrication, and a Roadmap

This series of articles highlights how next-generation linear motion systems can be specified, designed, installed, and maintained to advance life science and biomedical capital equipment manufacturing.

Transport and Installation

The relatively low resistance of linear motion systems to impact loading was discussed earlier. The points of most significant risk naturally occur in three periods:

1. During transport from linear motion supplier to capital equipment tool maker;
2. During the arrival and incorporation of the system into the capital equipment tool; and
3. During transport of the finished equipment- assembly to the process floor and installation.

A reliable, experienced linear motion supplier can significantly decrease the chance of shock damage during the first phase. Supplier experts can ascertain manufacturing space constraints early so they do not design a stage too large or too heavy to assemble in the medical clean room or manufacturing floor easily. They can also plan transport equipment usage (cranes, dollies, etc.) so that the stage can be safely transported from crate to tool, minimizing the risk of injury to onsite personnel and the chance of damaging impacts.

Finally, during installation, the linear motion system or the relevant portion of the tool can be equipped with the necessary passive isolation measures (such as elastomer feet or pads) or active isolation dampers (sensor-adjusted airbag systems) to reduce the chance of excessive shock or vibration during subsequent operations.

Application: In the Clean Room

For the first and second phases, the linear motion supplier should follow best practices in constructing transport crates and bagging systems. One leading supplier envelops the system in two bags; one applied within the nitrogen atmosphere and the second in a cleanroom for transport. They then provide special rigging and carts for delicate transport transfers.

In the third phase, the tool makers' crane may suffice if the system is placed on the tool assembly from above. If a more challenging sideload maneuver is necessary, the supplier provides a specialized chamber crate, which can be bolted to the side of the tool until mounting is accomplished.

Lubrication

Although linear motion systems usually run cycle after cycle without trouble or extra attention, a small amount of regular maintenance is always critical. Here are three keys to effective maintenance: lubrication, lubrication, and lubrication.

Every linear motion system supplier ships their product with a specified re-lubrication service cycle. Yet, human nature being what it is, many problems can be traced to simple failures to follow that recommended cycle. Without necessary lubrication, friction stress mount and eventually cause extremely undesirable events, such as shutdowns or motor burnouts.

Other lubrication issues include premature failure of the bearings resulting in reductions in performance such as straightness, flatness, pitch, roll, and yaw.

Moreover, not all vacuum greases are created equal. Different systems may require different formulations, such as those marketed by Klüber, Barrierta, and Krytox.

Caution: Use only the correct grease on each machine. Take great care never to mix incompatible oils or greases. This includes using different greases when servicing a machine from one cycle to the next. This will change the required viscosity — often resulting in the buildup of a gummy, cement-like material that is the last thing to desire in delicate equipment. Rail failure will usually result if the material also includes particulates from an over-flexed cable, a cable carrier, or elsewhere.

Performance Roadmap

In response to demands from capital equipment manufacturers, linear motion equipment makers are continually working to push the envelope in performance. First, ensure that improvements do not inadvertently increase the risk of linear motion failures. A good linear motion supplier will supply a "performance roadmap" highlighting system elements that can be designed for current requirements and with the performance capacity for next-generation use. This commitment is especially critical in manufacturing advanced technology, life science, and biomedical equipment.

Linear motion process systems may not be prominent in most life science and biomedical equipment. But their failure can have severe consequences. Fortunately, proper attention to design, installation, operation, and maintenance can ensure linear motion systems play a vital role in the continuing critical — and perhaps even life-saving — successful operation of the most advanced life science and biomedical equipment.

Discover how next-generation linear motion systems can advance life science and biomedical capital equipment manufacturing capabilities and ensure against failures. Get the complete exclusive guide for OEMs now.