2024-05-14

What are the key points for selecting ball screw bearings?

Selecting the right ball screw bearing is crucial for ensuring the efficient and stable operation of precision machinery in fields such as precision machining. Here's a detailed analysis of the key points to consider when selecting ball screw bearings to help you choose the best partner for your machine tools.

Ball Screw Bearings

Load Determines Diameter:

Firstly, determine the diameter of the ball screw bearing based on the actual load of the machine tool. By examining the performance parameters of the motor, such as its output torque, and considering the efficiency of any gear reducers if present, you can calculate the required thrust for your application. Then, refer to the load parameters (dynamic load) in the ball screw bearing samples to select the appropriate nominal diameter.

Matching Speed with Lead:

Matching the motor speed with the lead of the ball screw bearing is a critical step in the selection process. Calculate the required lead of the screw bearing based on the desired linear velocity. Multiply the motor speed (adjusted for any gear reduction) by the lead of the ball screw bearing to obtain the linear velocity. Ensure that this value is greater than or equal to the required velocity to meet the operational demands of the machine tool.

Consideration of Length and Stroke:

The selection of the length of the ball screw bearing requires consideration of factors such as working stroke, nut length, safety margin, installation length, connection length, and allowances. To obtain an accurate total length, these factors need to be comprehensively assessed and calculated. Additionally, if the machine tool is equipped with protective devices such as bellows, consider the expansion ratio of these protective covers.

Precision Requirements and Selection:

The precision of the ball screw bearing significantly impacts the machining quality of the machine tool. Generally, for conventional machinery, precision grades below C7 can be selected, while CNC machine tools are recommended to choose C5 grade (corresponding to domestic standards of P5~P4 and P4~P3 grades). When selecting, refer to the manufacturer's samples to obtain accurate precision parameters.

Nut Form and Installation Conditions:

There are various forms of nuts for ball screw bearings, each with slightly different dimensions. When selecting, consider factors such as installation conditions and dimensional structures comprehensively. It is advisable to choose commonly used nut forms for ease of maintenance and replacement in the future.

Price, Delivery Time, and Manufacturer Strength:

When selecting ball screw bearings, also pay attention to factors such as product price, delivery time, and the manufacturer's strength. Some manufacturers may not produce all the models listed in their samples or may not accept small orders. Therefore, before selection, communicate with the manufacturer to understand the actual production situation and delivery time of the product to avoid delays in project progress.

Installation Method and Support Structure:

The installation methods for ball screw bearings include various forms such as end mounting. When selecting, consider the actual structure and installation conditions of the machine tool comprehensively. Additionally, to ensure the stable operation of the screw bearing, choose an appropriate support structure (such as bearing seats). When selecting support structures, prioritize 7000 or 3000 series bearings as they mainly bear axial forces, effectively avoiding adverse effects of radial forces on the screw bearing.

Consideration of Guide Components and Installation Capability:

To ensure the stable operation of ball screw bearings, it's essential to select suitable guide components. It's recommended to choose ball linear guides that are compatible with the ball screw bearings as guide components. Alternatively, the combination of linear shafts and linear bearings is also an economically viable option. When selecting, consider the installation capability and compatibility with the machine tool.

In summary, selecting the right ball screw bearings is crucial for the efficient and stable operation of machine tools. During the selection process, factors such as load, speed, length, precision, nut form, price, delivery time, installation method, guide components, and support structures need to be comprehensively considered. With this guide, you'll be able to choose the best ball screw bearing partner for your machine tools.


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