When you think of a ball screw assembly, you probably envision a screw shaft with a motor connected to one end. The motor turns the screw, and the ball nut travels along the length of the screw shaft. An alternative setup is to hold the screw shaft stationary and rotate, or drive, the ball nut […]
What’s the difference between dynamic load capacity and static load capacity?
Rolling element linear bearings, such as round shafts and bushings, profiled rail guides, crossed roller slides, and even ball screws, have two load capacity specifications — dynamic load capacity and static load capacity — which are based on different operating parameters and performance criteria and are independent of each other. To accurately size and select a […]
When should you lubricate a lead screw?
It’s expected that a ball screw, with metal-on-metal rolling contact between the balls and the raceways, will require periodic lubrication with either grease or oil. One of the advantages that lead screws have over ball screws is that they can often operate without lubrication — eliminating maintenance and the potential hazards that come with using […]
How to calculate the effect of preload on ball screw axial deflection
In a recent post, we looked at the methods for inducing preload in a ball screw assembly and the effects it has on performance. One of those effects is that preload reduces axial deflection (displacement) and increases rigidity. But preload also increases the applied load on the screw assembly and reduces life. To determine the […]
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission now offers Super Stainless roller chain for power transmission
Challenging automation and motion applications need tough chain — such as Super Stainless roller chain. In the past, design engineers had to choose between the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and the strength of carbon steel. Now U.S. Tsubaki offers a single chain that offers both corrosion resistance and strength. With its Super Stainless chain, […]
How does a rack and roller pinion work?
A rack and roller pinion system is a variation on the traditional rack and pinion that replaces the toothed pinion (gear) with a cage-type pinion that incorporates bearing-supported rollers. Each roller in the pinion is supported by two needle bearings, which eliminates the sliding friction that occurs in traditional rack and pinion systems. This greatly […]
Ball screw preload: What you need to know
When a linear motion application requires high thrust force and rigidity along with good positioning accuracy, a preloaded ball screw assembly is often the best choice. Manufacturers offer ball screw preload amounts ranging from just 1 or 2 percent for applications where backlash would be detrimental, up to 10 percent or greater for applications that […]
Profitable design of linear motion: Choosing between DIY or turnkey builds
Engineers building linear motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable. By John Brokaw and Kent Martins | Valin Corp. How should designers pick between building linear-motion designs in-house or purchasing pre-engineered assemblies? What is there to consider when determining the best […]
Why use a multi-start ball screw?
The easiest way to get higher speed from a ball screw assembly (within the screw’s critical speed limit, which is based on diameter, length, and end fixity) is to use a higher screw lead. But increasing the lead of the screw has a drawback: as the lead increases, the number of effective turns in the […]
Dynatect expands precision ground ball screw capabilities with new end cap ball return design
Replacing precision ground ball screws on legacy equipment is complicated by the dissolving of original manufacturers and by product customizations. Offering multiple types of ball screw return designs provides the flexibility needed to keep older equipment running. The long life of machine tool equipment has resulted in machine tools which are often older than their […]
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