A critical step in designing any mechanical linear motion system is to understand the environmental conditions under which the system will operate. Key design considerations include: temperature, dust and dirt levels, chemical exposure, washdown processes, vibration and shock load, radiation, as well as any other pertinent environmental factors that may be encountered. Make sure to document these key factors prior to material selection. Capture actual data and study fault codes of prior products to ensure that you are working with facts rather than opinions. Use what application expertise is available from your supply chain to select suitable linear motion components (in terms of materials, coatings, lubricants and so on). Next, develop a robust test validation plan, including both durability and environmental testing, in order to ensure that the materials you have chosen will provide the life and serviceability you expect. Also consider using highly accelerated life testing (HALT), which provides progressively more severe environmental stresses, building to a level significantly beyond what the equipment will see in service. HALT is usually conducted during the development phase to weed out design problems and marginal components.
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