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Wipers
+ Differential Roller Screws
+ Ballscrews
+ Internal Recirculation
+ High Speed Line
FAQ

What are wipers for?

Wipers protect the nut from dirt accumulation and build up the lubrication film as the nut travels along the screw. The type of wiper to be used depends on the operating conditions. Cost is also a consideration, as is the necessary increase in friction and operating temperatures.

Wiper
Wiper execution Material
Lubrication

Effectiveness
on dust
Grease Oil Hard particles swarf, chips
or similar
Labyrith seals Synthetic
+
+
-
o
Finger wipers Synthetic
+
+
+
+
Felt wipers Felt
+
o
++
o
Combination wipers  
+
+
++
++
no wipers  
-
o
--
-

Wiper execution Material Costs Friction Torque increased temp. operation
Labyrith seals Synthetic
o
o
+
Finger wipers Synthetic
-
-
+
Felt wipers Felt
o
-
-
Combination wipers  
-
-
o
no wipers  
++
++
++


++ good fitting + fitting o conditional fitting - less fitting -- not fitting

Remarks

  • Felt wipers
    Experience tells us that felt wipers are highly recommended in areas where fine debris e.g. grinding chips, is present. They are also necessary to realize a maintainance free life-long lubrication. Due to their tendency to become brittle when in contact with water, their use has to be reviewed carefully. They are not suitable for temperatures above 70° C, or in cleanroom environment.
  • Finger wipers
    Finger wipers have been designed for use in harsh environments, where felt wipers cannot be used due to increased friction, or where water is present. They are suitable in temperatures from -20° C to + 100 ° C.
  • Labyrith seals
    Labyrinth seals are most often used (standard wipers). They are recommended in relatively clean environment, for example if the ballscrew is protected by boots. Acceptable temperature range is from -20° C to +100 ° C.
  • Combination wipers
    They consist of felt wipers with an additional finger wiper. The finger wiper, installed in front of the felt, removes dirt, and the felt wiper provides an optimum lubrication film.
  • Nuts without wiper
    Ballscrews should be used without wipers only if lubrication is possible, for example through a central oil supply, and if the ballscrew is well protected from contamination.

Felt and finger wipers can be compared with wiper seals in ball bearings. Labyrinth seals have a gap of approx. 0.3 mm at the screw O.D. and ball tracks, similar to non-contacting seals in ball bearings.

Felt or finger wipers are available for ballscrews with a nominal diamter of 16 mm and above. Smaller ballscrews normally have labyrinth seals.

All wipers are also available in left hand execution.

For normal operating conditions wipers are made of plastic material that will resist all lubricants. For use in extreme operating environments wipers will be made of special materials like PTFE or PEEK.