6 steps help you make perfect ball screw maintenance

Ball screws are essential components in many precision machinery and automation systems, playing a critical role in translating rotational motion into linear motion with high accuracy and efficiency. Proper maintenance of ball screws is crucial to ensure their longevity and reliable performance. Regular and thorough maintenance helps prevent issues such as wear, misalignment, and contamination, which can lead to decreased performance, increased downtime, and costly repairs.

The primary components of a ball screw system include the screw shaft, the ball nut, and the recirculating balls that enable smooth movement. Over time, these components can experience wear due to factors such as load, speed, and operating environment. Therefore, a structured maintenance routine is essential to address these issues and maintain optimal functionality.

 

1. Inspection and Cleaning:

Regular inspection is the first step in ball screw maintenance. The ball screw assembly should be checked for signs of wear, damage, or contamination. Look for any unusual noises, vibrations, or play in the system, as these can indicate problems. The ball screw and nut should be cleaned periodically to remove debris, dust, and any contaminants that might interfere with smooth operation. Use a lint-free cloth and a suitable solvent to clean these parts, avoiding any abrasive materials that could damage the surface.

2. Lubrication:

Proper lubrication is critical to the longevity of ball screws. Lubricants reduce friction and wear between the moving parts, ensuring smooth operation and preventing overheating. It is essential to use the correct type and amount of lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer. There are generally two types of lubrication: grease and oil. Grease is often used for slower speeds and heavier loads, while oil is suitable for high-speed applications. Ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed and that excess lubricant is wiped away to prevent accumulation of dirt and debris.

3. Alignment and Adjustment:

Ball screws must be correctly aligned to function properly. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear, decreased accuracy, and even system failure. Check the alignment of the ball screw relative to its supporting bearings and other components. Adjustments may be necessary to correct any misalignment. Ensure that the bearings and support structures are properly adjusted and secure to maintain accurate and smooth movement.

4. Checking for Wear and Damage:

Over time, ball screws can experience wear on the raceways and balls due to constant motion and load. Inspect the screw shaft and nut for signs of wear, such as pitting, scoring, or surface degradation. Any significant wear or damage should be addressed promptly. Minor wear might be managed through adjustments and lubrication, but severe damage could require replacement of the affected components.

5. Monitoring and Record Keeping:

Implement a monitoring system to track the performance of the ball screw and its maintenance history. Record keeping helps in identifying patterns or recurring issues, allowing for proactive maintenance and timely replacements. Regular monitoring of parameters such as temperature, load, and operational performance can help in early detection of potential problems.

6. Professional Servicing:

While regular maintenance tasks can be performed in-house, more complex issues may require professional servicing. Specialized technicians can provide in-depth inspections, precision alignments, and repairs that might be beyond the capabilities of routine maintenance.
Areswin Precision Machinery Company is professional Ball screw Supplier, can supply TBI ball screw. THK ball screw, GTEN ball screw, NSK ball screw. Areswin can machining the screw base on clients drawing.Please check more information:Ball screws Suppliers & Manufacturers in China-ARESWIN (aresmotion.com)
In conclusion, ball screw maintenance is an ongoing process that involves regular inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment. By adhering to a structured maintenance routine, you can extend the lifespan of your ball screws, enhance system performance, and prevent unexpected failures. Investing time and resources in proper maintenance will ultimately lead to improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and lower overall operational costs.

trapezoidal lead screw

Trapezoidal Lead Screw Introduction and 12 Applications


 trapezoidal lead screw

What is trapezoidal lead screw
A trapezoidal lead screw, also known as an Acme screw or an Acme thread, is a specific type of lead screw that uses a trapezoidal thread form.
This thread form is characterized by a 30-degree angle on the leading edge of the thread, which provides a combination of sharp edges for cutting and a flat surface for bearing. The trapezoidal shape allows for efficient transmission of power and smooth movement, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
The key features of a trapezoidal lead screw include:

Thread Profile: The trapezoidal thread has a flattened top and bottom with sloped sides, which distinguishes it from the V-thread commonly found in bolts and fasteners. This design allows for greater load-bearing capacity and reduces the risk of wedging, which can occur with V-threads under heavy loads.

Efficiency: While not as efficient as a ball screw, a trapezoidal lead screw is more efficient than a square or V-thread lead screw. It provides a good balance between efficiency and cost, making it a popular choice for many applications.

Self-Locking: Like other lead screws, trapezoidal lead screws can be designed to be self-locking, meaning they can hold a load in place without the need for a brake. This is due to the higher friction between the screw and the nut, which prevents the nut from rotating back when the load is stationary.

Durability: The trapezoidal thread form is robust and can handle heavy loads without deforming. It is also relatively easy to manufacture, which contributes to its durability and longevity.

 trapezoidal lead screw supplier
Applications: Trapezoidal lead screws are used in various applications, including linear actuators, vises, presses, and adjustment mechanisms. They are commonly found in machine tools, positioning systems, and anywhere a robust and reliable linear motion mechanism is required.

 

 

Some of the common applications include:
1.Machine Tools: Trapezoidal lead screws are used in various machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and drill presses for positioning and moving the work-piece or the cutting tool with high accuracy.
2. Linear Actuators: These screws are often used in linear actuators, which convert rotary motion into linear motion. They are used in a variety of automated systems, including industrial robots, automotive manufacturing equipment, and agricultural machinery.
3. Adjustment Mechanisms: Trapezoidal lead screws are employed in mechanisms that require precise adjustment, such as camera tripods, optical equipment, and precision measuring instruments.
4.Vises and Clamps: They are used in the construction of vises and clamps to provide strong gripping force and precise movement for holding workpieces in place during machining or assembly operations.
5.Valve Actuators: In piping systems, trapezoidal lead screws can be used to precisely control the position of valves for regulating flow.
6. Elevators and Lifts: Some elevator and lift systems use trapezoidal lead screws to raise and lower the cab, especially in smaller or specialized applications.
7. Automotive Applications: They can be found in automotive equipment, such as jacks and suspension systems, where linear motion is necessary. 8. Aerospace and Defense: Trapezoidal lead screws are used in the positioning systems of satellites, radar systems, and other defense equipment.
9. Medical Equipment: In medical devices, these screws can be used for positioning in surgical robots, adjusting hospital beds, and in other precision medical instruments.
10. 3D Printers and CNC Machines: Trapezoidal lead screws are often used in the construction of 3D printers and CNC machines to move the print head or cutting tool along the X, Y, and Z axes.
11. Solar Tracking Systems: They can be used to adjust the angle of solar panels to track the sun’s position and maximize energy production.
12. Packaging Machinery: In the packaging industry, these screws are used for tasks such as adjusting the size of packaging containers and controlling the feed rates of packaging materials. The trapezoidal lead screw’s ability to provide precise, self-locking linear motion, along with its durability and efficiency, makes it a preferred choice for many mechanical applications that require reliable and accurate positioning.
Areswin is  the lead screw supplier, Can supply the lead screw diameter from 6mm to 20mm, the material is stainless and with copper nut.

Areswin provide all kinds of type lead screw for clients,without lifting a finger, the clients will get the lead screw they need.
Please contact us for more information:Contact Us – ARESWIN (aresmotion.com)

solid shaft hollow shaft

Linear Shafts

What is a linear shaft?

The linear shaft is an automated transmission part that guides the sliding bearing and enables it to perform linear motion. The necessary conditions for the realization of these linear motion systems are: simple design; best execution capabilities; low maintenance costs; use of strictly selected strong and durable materials; accurate outer diameter dimensions; high-frequency heat treatment; true Roundness; straightness and surface treatment, etc.

The most commonly used optical shaft is the chrome-plated linear shafts.

solid shaft hollow shaft

How to Choose the Linear Shafts?

 

You can the linear shaft base on the types. It can be divided into three types: chrome-plated linear shaft, chrome-plated linear flexible shaft and chrome-plated hollow shaft.

 

(1) Chrome-plated linear shaft: Chrome-plated linear shaft is plated with a layer of hard chromium on the basis of ordinary linear optical axis, also known as bearing rod. It can be applied to rust-prone environments or bad environments. This shaft is widely used. For industrial robots, the moving part of the automatic sliding system device. The hardness is around 60.

 

(2) Chrome-plated linear flexible shaft: Chrome-plated linear flexible shaft can be directly used for precision piston rods and some self-lubricating bearings due to its thick chromium plating layer. Because of its moderate hardness, it is used in many fields. The hardness is around 30-40.

 

(3) Chrome-plated hollow shaft: Due to its hollow structural characteristics, the chrome-plated hollow shaft reduces the weight to a great extent and simplifies the structure. Its interior is suitable for penetrating measurement wires, compressing air, and adding lubricating oil. Or for a robotic arm.

Areswin Precision Machinery Company can produce high quality linear shaft. Theshaft can be processed according to customer drawings.

Our shaft is made of G6 precision high-quality carbon steel, and the linear shaft is mirror polished. We can use a grinder to cut the shaft to ensure the accuracy of the linear shaft. The surface of the linear shaft is chrome plated and electroplated.

We can process various optical shafts from 3mm to 150mm and length 6000mm.

Please check more linear shaft content on the website:

bsh ballscrew supplier

Maintenance the ball screw: make ball screw have best performance

Maintenance the ball screw regularly

Ball screws are an essential component in many mechanical systems, and proper maintenance is critical to ensure their continued operation and longevity. Regular maintenance can help prevent premature wear and tear, reduce the risk of failure, and minimize downtime, which can save significant costs over time.

the stability of ball screw

Steps to maintenance the ball screw

The first step in ball screw maintenance is to keep the ball screw clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can cause significant damage to the ball screw, reducing its performance and lifespan. Regularly cleaning the ball screw with a soft, dry cloth or brush can help remove any buildup and prevent damage from occurring. If necessary, a mild detergent and water can also be used to clean the ball screw.

Next, it is important to lubricate the ball screw regularly. Lubrication helps reduce friction and wear, allowing the ball screw to operate smoothly and efficiently. Depending on the application and usage, different types of lubricants may be recommended, including oil, grease, or a combination of both. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate lubrication type and frequency.

Then,Regular inspections are also essential to maintaining a ball screw. During an inspection, look for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment, such as cracks, chips, or unusual noise or vibration. If any issues are identified, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Finally,Proper storage is also critical for ball screw maintenance. When not in use, store the ball screw in a dry, clean, and temperature-controlled environment to prevent corrosion and damage.

Choose a ball screw

In addition to regular maintenance, it is also essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper installation and usage of the ball screw. Improper installation or usage can make the ball screw have good performance. For the ball screw manufacturer choose,we suggest TBI band and GTEN brand (Made in Taiwan),which have  most popular ball screw type can meet most uses. Meanwhile. TBI and GTEN ball screw price is cheaper and quality is reliable.

Areswin Precision Machinery Company is supplier of  TBI and GTEN Ball screw if you need please contact us. We supply the ball screw to the wordwide and can machining the screw base on the clents drawing and can provide the technique support and after sell service.

The Ball Screw Must Maintain Stability When Moving At Low Speeds

As we all know, mechanical motion is different from human beings. In the case of high mechanical performance, high-speed and effective motion is relatively easy to achieve. However, if it is in low-speed motion, because of the reaction degree of the machine itself and the composition characteristics of the mechanical parts, it will cause crawling at low speeds, and in this case there will be a phenomenon of insufficient precision. The ball screw must maintain stability in low-speed motion conditions to be able to meet the needs of various production environments, so the following two aspects should also be paid attention to:

1. Low-speed movement maintains stability

In the process of low-speed movement, it is very easy to crawl. In this case, the stability of the low-speed movement and the degree of lubrication between the guide rails must be considered. In proper low-speed movement, maintaining a certain friction force can make it easier to control the speed and effectively improve the accuracy.

  2. The rigidity of the guide rail

Whether the guide rail will affect the accuracy under the external force, this must be considered. If the rigidity of the guide rail is not enough, it will directly affect the balance force, making it impossible to maintain linear motion efficiently. In order to make up for the rigidity of the guide rail, it is possible to appropriately consider increasing the size of the guide rail or other methods to increase the rigidity of the auxiliary guide rail.

The stability of the ball screw in the low-speed process is actually a way to ensure its accuracy. In the low-speed process, it is necessary to ensure that the rigidity of the guide rail can meet the requirements of that environment. In addition, during low-speed motion, proper consideration of the amount of lubricating oil used can effectively assist in increasing the accuracy and accuracy, so that the entire low-speed process will not affect the precision of the product.

the stability of ball screw

Do ball screws need lubrication?

Yes!

Ball Screws should never be run without lubrication!

  • Ball screw assemblies require proper lubrication to ensure long life and smooth operation.
  • Running without lubrication may reduce the life by 90% or more!
  • Ball screws and nuts ship with a rust preventative. It is not sufficient lubrication.

Lubricants are often taken for granted, but the right choice for each application ensures a ball screw that performs properly for its calculated life. Both oil and grease provide corrosion protection, but lubricant choice depends on evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each in the given application.  The specific type of lubrication for a Ball Screw depends on various factors.

  • Light loads and high speeds do well with a machine oil or low viscosity grease.
  • Medium loads and speeds do well with NLGI 1 or 2 grease
  • High loads may require a grease with an EP2 additive. The EP is Extreme Pressure and uses special additives to prevent the grease from breaking down under high pressures. This type of grease will give the steel shafts a dull appearance.

Careful monitoring of the application is required to develop a good preventative maintenance schedule. The screws should be kept with a slight film of grease/oil at all times. It should feel slick to the touch but not dripping. You can lubricate the screw by applying grease to the OD of the screw and running the nut back and forth or via the lubrication fitting if the nut has one. DO NOT use any type of dry lubricant (PTFE powder, graphite powder, etc.) with any recirculating ball or roller type of bearing. While these lubricants are good for sliding motion, they do very little to aid rolling friction.

What details should be paid attention to in order to avoid the sliding table module from rusting?

The application of sliding table module has been very common in automation industry, but it may often lead to rusting due to improper use. If rusting, it will affect its positioning accuracy and even greatly affect the service life of linear sliding table module of manipulator. Generally, manufacturers will do anti-rust treatment before the sliding table module leaves the factory, but in order to avoid the sliding table module from rusting, some details should be paid attention to in use:

What should be paid attention to in coupling installation?

Coupling is an important component in enterprise mechanical transmission, which is widely used in the connection between equipment and reducer or motor. The assembly and alignment of the coupling is a very important task with high precision in equipment installation. If the assembly and alignment results are inaccurate, the vibration value of the equipment will exceed the standard, which will seriously threaten the normal operation of the equipment, especially the high-speed equipment. Therefore, special attention should be paid to some details in the process of installing the coupling.

1. In order to avoid wrong operation of the driver, please be sure to cut off the main power supply of the device and make sure it is safe before installing the coupling.

2. Please remove foreign matter, dust, dirty oil, etc. attached to the inner diameter surface of the mounting shaft and coupling. Especially, if there is dirty oil such as grease containing molybdenum disulfide and extreme pressure additives which will greatly affect the friction coefficient, please degrease it thoroughly.

3. When centering, please stick the ruler on the periphery of the body and check with two points that are about 90 apart. The service life of the assembly will be greatly affected according to the different centering accuracy.

4. After installing the coupling, please be sure to add a safety cover. Otherwise, contact with this product during operation may cause injury.

5. Clamping bolts must be tightened with calibrated torque wrench according to the locking torque value of the clamping bolts.

6. During installation, due to improper combination method, the vibration is too large, the operation is not normal, the center is not allowed, and the deflection angle exceeds the load, which will cause damage to the motor, coupling and other parts. Therefore, it is suggested that you should pay attention to the action of precision balance correction in mechanical assembly to improve the service life of the machinery.

What fields can the linear module be used in?

ARESWIN Relying on years of accumulation and precipitation in the industry, linear modules have achieved energy savings in the mold industry, auto parts industry, home appliance industry, kitchenware industry, hardware plumbing equipment, glasses, jewelry, clocks, and medical equipment to achieve energy savings, save labor costs, and improve production efficiency.

1. The medical and pharmaceutical industries can also find traces of linear modules in the marking of medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging. For example, plastic mechanical cover marking, drug delivery inspection, sorting, and packaging have linear modules.

2. The electronic semiconductor industry With the great development of the digital age of innovation in the era of technology, electronic products have entered all aspects of our daily lives. Batteries, IT fields, precision welding, motor welding, sensors, refrigeration accessories welding, light guide plate marking, cables, LCD panel edges, integrated circuit (IC) marking, welding parts laser, soldering is everywhere but linear module applications.

3. Light industry, textile, printing and dyeing industry

The dyeing, spraying, crystal handicraft processing and other industries developed in the high-tech modern daily life textile industry and home furnishing field, applied to motion control can satisfy the people’s pursuit of a comfortable and elegant life, and can feel the new experience brought by excellent quality . The linear module embodies its own advantages.

4. Transportation and logistics industry

Linear modules are used in handling, palletizing, sorting, etc. in the traditional transportation and logistics industry… It can greatly save costs and complete all operations safely and efficiently.

5. Printing industry

The specific processing technology is realized through personalized customization.

6. Machinery, manufacturing and processing industries.

If you need to build a linear module XY,XYZ table, please contact us in time, and we will provide you with a complete set of solutions.