How to Increase the Service Life of Linear Screws?

How to Increase the Service Life of Linear Screws?

Even if the linear screw is used in the correct state, it will deteriorate and cannot be used after a period of time. The time from the beginning of use to the end of unusability is the life of the ball screw linear, which is generally divided into two types: a. Fatigue life: when peeling occurs. b. Precision life: when the precision deteriorates due to wear.
Linear screws are widely used in various types of machinery and automation equipment, especially in situations where linear motion is required.

1. Common Problems of Linear Screws:

  • Wear

Long-term use causes wear of the screw, nut and ball, affecting the transmission accuracy and efficiency.

  • Stuck

The screw or lead screw may be stuck due to impurities entering, poor lubrication, etc.

  • Increased return error

That is, a large deviation occurs during reverse motion, which is usually caused by factors such as wear.

  • Abnormal noise

If an abnormal sound occurs, it may be caused by component damage or poor fit.

  • Screw bending and deformation

Excessive load or impact may cause the screw to deform, affecting normal operation.

  • Seal failure

Dust, debris, etc. can easily enter the inside of the screw, causing a series of problems.

  • Lubrication system failure

Such as insufficient oil supply, oil circuit blockage, etc., resulting in poor lubrication.

2. Measures

In order to improve the service life of the linear screw, the following series of measures can be taken.

  • Correct material selection

Choose screw materials suitable for the working environment and load requirements. High-strength, wear-resistant materials can effectively extend the service life.

  • Reasonable design

Reasonable design according to specific application requirements, including the selection of parameters such as pitch, diameter, stroke, etc., to ensure the load-bearing capacity and stability of the screw during operation.

  • Regular lubrication

Use appropriate lubricants to reduce wear and friction. Regularly check and replenish lubricating oil or grease, maintain good lubrication between the screw and the nut, and choose a suitable lubrication method (such as grease, oil, etc.).

How to Increase the Service Life of Linear Screws?

How to Increase the Service Life of Linear Screws?

  • Keep clean

Clean the screw and guide rails regularly to prevent the accumulation of impurities, dust and dirt, which will cause wear and jamming.

  • Control the working environment

Monitor the temperature, humidity and corrosive gases/liquids in the working environment, avoid working in harsh environments, and use sealing devices to protect the screw when necessary.

  • Uniform force

Avoid overload and impact load to ensure uniform load distribution. During installation and commissioning, ensure alignment to reduce unnecessary axial and radial loads.

  • Regular inspection

Perform regular maintenance and inspections, including measuring wear, detecting clearance and running smoothness, etc., to detect problems and make adjustments in time.

  • Optimize installation

Ensure that the linear screw is installed accurately without twisting and bending. Centering tools can be used to ensure accuracy and match according to specification requirements.

  • Appropriate running speed

Avoid running too fast, especially under heavy loads, as running too fast will increase wear.

  • Use appropriate transmission methods

If possible, consider using a smoother transmission method, such as a servo motor, to reduce instantaneous loads and impacts.

  • Avoid dry friction

Ensure good lubrication and avoid dry friction, which will cause significant wear and damage.

3. Simple Tips

  • Appearance inspection

Carefully check whether there are scratches, rust, bumps and damage on the surface of the linear screw.

  • Lubrication condition inspection

Observe whether the distribution of lubricating oil or grease is uniform and whether there is oil shortage. If the color of the lubricant turns black or the viscosity decreases, it may indicate that the lubricant has aged or worn and needs to be replaced with a new lubricant.

  • Movement smoothness inspection

Manually turn the screw or drive it to move, and feel whether there is any jamming or unsmoothness.

  • Noise inspection

Listen for abnormal noise during operation, which may indicate a fault. If you hear abnormal noise during work, such as hissing or friction from the bearing, it may be a sign of poor lubrication and you need to check the lubrication immediately.

  • Accuracy inspection

Use special detection tools or compare with standard parts to check whether the positioning accuracy and repeatability of the screw have changed.

  • Clearance inspection

Check whether there is an abnormal gap between the screw and nut.

  • Connection inspection

Check the parts connected to the linear screw, such as the bearing seat, coupling, etc., to ensure that the connection is tight and not loose.

  • Temperature check

Use your hand to touch or use a temperature measuring instrument to check whether the temperature of the screw after operation is abnormally high. If the temperature of the bearing is too high during operation, it may be caused by insufficient lubrication. You need to increase the amount of lubricant or replace the lubricant.

  • Cleanliness check

Check whether there is too much dust, debris, etc. accumulated around the screw.

  • Thread check

Check whether the thread of the screw is complete and whether there is any damage.

Summary

Following these suggestions and combining them with actual application scenarios can effectively increase the service life of the linear screw, reduce the failure rate, and improve the overall performance and stability of the equipment.

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