Ball screws are an essential component in various types of machinery and equipment, particularly in industrial applications where precise linear motion is required. They are used to convert rotary motion into linear motion with the help of ball bearings that move along the helical grooves of a threaded shaft. Read More.....
For over 70 years, Dynatect has provided motion control solutions for a wide range of markets. Our ball screws are custom-engineered for both OEM and replacement applications. Not only can Dynatect manufacture new ball screw assemblies, we can also reverse engineer, optimize and repair ball screws from almost any manufacturer. All work is conducted in a modern ISO 9001:2015 certified facility,...
Noll Inc. has been manufacturing precision lead screw parts since 1956, emphasizing precision, quality, & design. Specializing in biological, medical, optics & laser industries, our high accuracy lead & acme lead screws, lead nuts & mounts are precision tailored & finished to your industry’s needs.
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Applications of Ball Screws
Ball screws are used in a wide range of machinery and equipment, including CNC machines, robotics, aerospace applications, medical equipment, and automotive assembly lines. They are essential in applications that require precise positioning and high-speed movement. The use of ball screws has increased over time due to their superior performance, high efficiency, and low friction.
Materials Used in Ball Screws
Ball screws are made of various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, chrome steel, and tungsten carbide. The material used determines the strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. However, regardless of the material used, ball screws are susceptible to damage caused by factors such as friction, contamination, and overloading.
What Material Is Prone to What Type of Damage?
Based on the material used, ball screws are prone to specific types of damage, such as:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel ball screws are highly resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for harsh environments. However, they may be susceptible to damage caused by overloading, as excessive loads can cause plastic deformation and bending of the shaft.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel ball screws are less expensive than stainless steel ball screws and can handle high loads. However, they are prone to corrosion and wear, which can be exacerbated by contamination.
Chrome Steel
Chrome steel ball screws are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are commonly used in industrial machinery and equipment. However, they may be susceptible to damage caused by overloading, which can cause the shaft to bend or snap.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide ball screws are known for their high strength and resistance to wear and tear. They are often used in applications that require high precision and accuracy. However, they may be susceptible to damage caused by contamination, which can cause pitting and corrosion.
Repairing Ball Screws
Ball screw repair involves different methods depending on the type of damage and material used. Some common repair methods include regrinding, reconditioning, and refurbishing. Regrinding is used to repair minor damage to the ball screw by smoothing out the grooves on the shaft. Reconditioning involves replacing worn-out components such as ball bearings, seals, and lubricants. Refurbishing involves restoring the entire ball screw to its original condition, including the shaft and ball bearings. Here’s a breakdown of how each material used in ball screws may be repaired based on the type of damage they suffer:
Stainless Steel
If a stainless steel ball screw is damaged due to overloading or bending, it may require reconditioning or refurbishing, which involves straightening or replacing the shaft. On the other hand, if it’s damaged due to corrosion or contamination, it may require refurbishing or regrinding, which involves cleaning or polishing to remove any surface damage or pitting.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel ball screws may require regrinding or reconditioning to restore their original dimensions if they’re damaged due to wear. If they’re damaged due to corrosion or contamination, they may require refurbishing or reconditioning, which involves cleaning or repolishing to remove any surface damage.
Chrome Steel
Chrome steel ball screws may require refurbishing or reconditioning by replacing the shaft if it’s bent or snapped due to overloading. If it’s damaged due to wear or corrosion, it may require regrinding or reconditioning, which involves polishing, regrinding, or rethreading to restore its surface finish.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide ball screws may require refurbishing or regrinding if they’re damaged due to pitting or corrosion. If they’re damaged due to contamination, they may require reconditioning or refurbishing, which involves cleaning or polishing to remove any surface damage.
In summary, each material used in ball screws may require a different type of repair process depending on the type of damage. Regrinding, reconditioning, and refurbishing are commonly used to repair ball screws made from stainless steel, carbon steel, chrome steel, and tungsten carbide. It’s essential to choose the right repair process for the specific type of damage to ensure that the ball screw can be restored to its original condition and continue to function properly.
Why Repair Ball Screws?
Repairing ball screws is often a more cost-effective option than replacing them entirely. Ball screw replacement is expensive and time-consuming, and it may require additional modifications to the machinery. Repairing ball screws ensures that the machinery or equipment can continue to operate optimally and prevents downtime.
Considerations Regarding Ball Screw Repair
The feasibility of ball screw repair depends on various factors, including the extent of the damage, the material used, and the type of machinery. In some cases, the damage may be too extensive for repair, and replacement may be the only viable option. Additionally, the process of repairing ball screws can be time-consuming and may require specialized equipment, which can add to the cost.
Benefits of Ball Screw Repair
Ball screw repair is crucial in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial equipment. Repairing ball screws offers several benefits, including improved performance and reliability of machinery, increased lifespan of equipment, and reduced maintenance costs. By repairing ball screws, the machinery can continue to function optimally, preventing costly downtime and increasing productivity. Additionally, repairing ball screws reduces the environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste generated.
Are There Ball Screw Repair Companies?
Yes, there are many companies that specialize in ball screw repair and refurbishment. In fact, many manufacturers and industrial maintenance companies often rely on these specialized repair services for their ball screw maintenance needs. Ball screw repair companies typically offer a wide range of services, including inspection, cleaning, regrinding, refurbishing, and replacement of components. They may also offer customized repair solutions for specific types of ball screws, such as those used in aerospace, medical equipment, or high-speed automation machinery.
These companies have specialized equipment, expertise, and experience in repairing and refurbishing ball screws to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications. They may use various repair techniques and technologies, such as laser welding, honing, and grinding, to restore the ball screw to its original condition and extend its lifespan. In general, outsourcing ball screw repair to a specialized repair company is often a more cost-effective and efficient solution than attempting to repair the ball screw in-house, especially for complex or specialized applications.
Choosing the Right Ball Screw Repair Company
To ensure you have the most productive outcome when choosing a ball screw repair service, it is important to compare several businesses using our directory of ball screw repair companies. Each ball screw repair company has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to communicate with them for more information or to request a quote. Review each ball screw repair company using our proprietary website previewer to quickly learn what each business specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple ball screw repair companies with the same form.
