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How accurate should THK ball screws be?

Publish Time：

2021-09-06

As we all know, THK ball screws have numerous parameters. How accurate should they be? Let's discuss this with the Dalian THK bearing editor!

For every part, whether in production or before production, trial production is needed. Before trial production, design is crucial. Even more so for a Japanese THK ball screw, which is a major component in large machine tools and precision machinery.

Each different model of THK ball screw has different parameters. However, the main reference parameters are common, such as outer diameter, inner diameter, lead, number of threads, thread angle, etc. These determine the quality of a complete ball screw set and its suitability for the machine and work efficiency.

In manufacturing, many material factors need consideration. Unlike linear guides, in some special cases, it acts as a support component and the point of force application. The chosen material must withstand pressure and be extremely strong. Although the materials used in THK ball screws are similar, the requirement is wear resistance.

Because its function is to convert linear motion into rotary motion, friction between the spindle and the screw is frequent. Without precise manufacturing parameters, this conversion cannot be achieved. Accuracy requires both material and parameters.

The precision parameters of the THK ball screw directly affect the processed parts. Generally, if the precision calculation meets the requirements, it's acceptable. Ball screws are also divided into several precision grades, selected according to customer requirements. Common precision grades are C5 and C7. C5 is ground, C7 is cold-rolled, and C5 has better precision than C7.

In the design of equipment, the support method for the THK ball screw usually chooses "fixed-support" or "fixed-fixed." The "fixed-support" method is relatively easy to assemble, has good rigidity, and high precision, mainly used in environments with medium speed, large stroke, and heavy load. The "fixed-fixed" support method is relatively difficult to assemble, but has good rigidity and high precision, often used in high-speed, large-stroke, and heavy-load environments.

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