Ball screw assemblies are made to withstand great pressure as they are the part that helps with the revolutions of a machine. This assembly is meant to be frictionless, allowing for seamless motion. Individuals must carry out Ball screw maintenance to ensure their machinery continues to work safely and effectively. This guide will help individuals learn about the warning signs of ball screw assembly failure so they will know when to seek repairs.
Signs to Look for When Ball Screw Assemblies Begin to Fail
While the ball screw assembly is still in the machine, individuals need to conduct thorough checks for any signs of damage. Should a person notice any of the following signs, they need to seek repair services right away.
- Individuals should first run a power check on the assembly. If there is an overload condition, this likely means the ball screw assembly is near catastrophic failure.
- Check the backlash that occurs between the screw and the nut. If there is too much backlash, the assembly needs repair.
- An individual also needs to check the wipers on either side of the assembly. Checking for signs of wear and tear or missing wipers is important. If the wipers are damaged, this can lead to permanent damages to the entire ball screw assembly.
- Individuals also need to check the exposed screw for any signs of damage. Is there rust, pitting, or chatter marks? These signs all indicate ongoing damage that needs repair.
- Look where the nut travels the most and check for heavy wear in these areas. If these areas have become overly worn, individuals should seek repair or replacement right away.
- Ensure the lubrication system is working effectively. Lubrication is an essential part of the assembly. The assembly cannot work smoothly without proper lubrication or it will begin to break down quickly.
- Individuals also need to check the alignment of the ball screw assembly to ensure it is aligned properly. Check to ensure there is no bend in the screw. Individuals should also check for any wear or alignment issues with the slide.
- If accessible, remove the nut and check it thoroughly for any signs of damage. Individuals should also rotate the nut to see if it feels rough while being turned. Make sure the bolts that hide and secure the nut are tightened.
- Should a person discover steel balls lying on the floor, this means their ball screw assembly is catastrophically damaged. The machine should be shut down immediately. The entire assembly will need to be restored or replaced to ensure its normal function. A machine should never operate when a portion of the assembly is missing.
Seek Professional Repair Right Away
If individuals notice any of the above, they need to seek professionals for repair. Repair services must be carried out when wear and tear damage start to occur. Leaving a ball screw assembly in a state of disrepair will eventually lead to full failure. Seek these services right away to ensure your ball screw assembly is working safely and effectively.
