How To Determine Whether Lubricant Needs To Be Added To A Servo Electric Cylinder

I. Observe Abnormal Operating Signals (Most Intuitive Warning of Insufficient Lubrication)

1. Abnormal noise: Fine frictional sounds such as "hissing", "rustling" or sharp scraping noises occur during operation. Normal smooth operation produces low, steady sound, while dry friction leads to sharper and louder noise.

2. Increased resistance, stuttering and crawling: Jerking movement at low speed travel; increased servo current, overload alarms and obvious torque rise for identical motions.

3. Position accuracy drift: Deteriorated repeat positioning accuracy and drifting position points. After eliminating home position and servo parameter issues, insufficient screw lubrication shall be prioritized as a suspect cause.

4. Excessive temperature rise: Obvious overheating of the cylinder body and screw area compared with normal operating conditions.

II. Visual Inspection by Opening the Cover (Applicable for units with inspection ports or exposed extended screws)

· Screw thread grooves are dry and whitish with no visible oil film → Grease replenishment is required.

· Grease turns black, caked, hardened, mixed with substantial metallic powder, or whitish emulsified (water ingress) → Do not simply top up grease; old grease should preferably be cleaned before applying new grease.

· Grease is evenly distributed, glossy and soft, forming a thin adhering layer on threads → Lubrication status is normal; no refilling needed.

III. Time / Travel Distance / Operating/Hour/Based Preventive Maintenance

· Light-load, intermittent operation in clean environment: Replenish grease every 6 months / 50 km travel distance / 2000 operating hours.

· High-frequency, continuous 24-hour operation, heavy-load conditions or dusty & humid environments: Shorten maintenance interval to every 1-3 months or within 500 operating hours.

· New unit: First grease replenishment is recommended after 300 operating hours (running-in phase).

Tips for Lubricating the Screw and Nut Assembly

Fully extend the electric cylinder to its full stroke, pause the motor and cut off power supply. Remove the screw plug at the grease filling port on the cylinder barrel, then inject grease using a dedicated grease gun. Refit the screw plug upon completion of filling. Restore power and run the cylinder through 2-3 full-stroke cycles.