Blog

Linear guides have a wide range of applications. They are the "backbone" and "blood vessels" of modern industrial equipment and precision machinery. Their core mission is to provide high-precision, high-rigidity, and high-efficiency linear motion.   I. Core Application Areas 1. CNC Machine Tools - The "Main Field" This is the most classic and important application area for linear guides. They directly determine the machining accuracy and speed of machine tools. Purpose: Controls the movement of key components such as the turret, spindle, and worktable. Specific Equipment: Machining centers, CNC milling machines, lathes, grinders, EDM machines, etc. Function: Enables precise positioning and rapid movement of tools or workpieces in the X, Y, and Z axes, completing the cutting of complex parts.   2. Industrial Robots - "Flexible Joints" Purpose: Serves as the robot's seventh axis (ground rail), extending the robot's travel distance and operating range. Used in linear motion joints within robot arms, they enable precise and smooth extension and retraction. Function: Provides reliable basic linear motion for robots, widely used in robotic workstations for handling, welding, painting, assembly, and other tasks.   3. Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment - "King of Precision"   Purpose: Positioning and moving precision components such as chips, wafers, and circuit boards.   Specific Equipment: Semiconductor lithography machines, chip packaging machines, surface mount (SMT) machines, wire bonders, wafer probers, and LCD panel handling equipment.   Function: Achieving ultra-high-speed, ultra-precision positioning at the micron and even nanometer scales is crucial for the production of chips and electronic components.   4. Precision Measuring Instruments - "Fiery Eyes"   Purpose: Moving sensors or probes to scan and measure workpieces.   Specific Equipment: Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), Image Measuring Machines, and Laser Scanners.   Function: Providing an extremely stable and precise reference motion track for the measuring head. Any slightest wobble will directly affect the measurement results, thus requiring the highest precision from linear guides.   5. Medical Equipment - "Lifeguards"   Purpose: Moving diagnostic or therapeutic components. Specific equipment: CT machines, MRI scanners, linear accelerators (radiotherapy equipment), surgical robots, and automated biochemical analyzers. Purpose: Achieve precise patient movement or precise positioning of treatment equipment, requiring smooth, quiet, and reliable operation.   II. Other Common Applications Automated production lines: Linear motion units in material handling, automated assembly lines, and logistics sorting systems. Laser processing equipment: Guides the movement of laser heads in laser cutting and laser welding machines. Printing equipment: Reciprocating motion of print heads in digital printers and large-format printers. Aerospace: Used as simulation test platforms for components such as aircraft wings and missile servos. Everyday items: Even high-end office furniture (such as height-adjustable desks) and smart home devices can be found in them.   To summarize its core applications: Its ultimate purpose is to ensure that a component on a device is fast, stable, accurate, and able to withstand loads. If you are interested in linear guides, please leave your information and I will contact you in time.

Robotic arms are playing an increasingly important role in industrial automation, medical surgery, and even space exploration. They can perform complex tasks such as welding, painting, handling, precision assembly, and even minimally invasive surgery. While we marvel at the precision, high speed, and heavy-load capacity of robotic arms, a key component plays a crucial role: the ball screw. It converts rotary motion into precise linear motion.   A ball screw is a mechanical transmission element primarily composed of a lead screw, nut, balls, and an inverter.   Lead screw: A shaft with a precise helical groove.   Nut: A component with matching helical grooves inside that mates with the lead screw.   Balls: Interposed between the helical grooves of the lead screw and nut, they act as an intermediary.   How it works: When a servo motor drives the lead screw, the balls circulate within the grooves, pushing the nut for precise linear motion along the lead screw axis. This "rolling friction" is the source of its high performance.   Ball screws offer irreplaceable advantages in the design of robot joints (especially linear joints) and end effectors:   1. High Precision and Positioning Accuracy   Ball screws are manufactured with extremely precise technology, resulting in extremely low lead errors. This means that a specific rotation of the motor produces an extremely precise linear displacement of the nut. This is crucial for robots that must repeatedly reach the same position for tasks such as chip picking and precision dispensing.   2. High Efficiency   Due to their rolling friction design, ball screws can achieve transmission efficiencies exceeding 90%.   More Energy Efficient: Less energy is wasted as heat during transmission.   Easier Control: High efficiency means lower backlash and improved reversibility, resulting in faster system response and more precise control.   3. High Rigidity and Load Capacity   The point contact between the ball and the groove allows them to withstand significant axial loads. This allows robot arms using ball screws to lift heavier workpieces or maintain extreme stability during tasks such as milling and grinding, resisting machining reaction forces and preventing vibration and deflection.   4. Long Life and High Reliability Rolling friction causes much less wear than sliding friction. With proper selection, lubrication, and maintenance, ball screws offer an exceptionally long service life, ensuring industrial robots can meet the demanding demands of 24/7 continuous production while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.   Ball screws are already widely used in arm robots, such as:   Industrial robot joint actuation, end effectors for high-grip grasping, and SCARA robots for Z-axis lifting, widely used in assembly and handling.   Despite their significant advantages, ball screw applications also face certain challenges:   Cost: Manufacturing costs are higher than those of ordinary sliding screws.   Noise: Some noise is still generated even at high speeds.   Maintenance: Regular lubrication is required, and they are sensitive to dust and debris, typically requiring protective covers.   As robotics advance towards higher speeds, higher precision, and greater intelligence, ball screw technology will continue to innovate.

Ordinary linear guides often rust in humid environments, affecting their operation. This article introduces a new corrosion-resistant and "water-proof" guide rail solution to protect high-humidity workshops such as cleaning and aquaculture. Hidden dangers of humid environments - the humidity in cleaning equipment and aquatic product processing workshops exceeds 75%, and they are often exposed to coolants and water. Ordinary guide rails will rust within 1 month, and the rust will cause the slider to jam. Maintenance requires rust removal and replacement of accessories, resulting in high monthly maintenance costs.   The guide rails are made of 304 stainless steel (highly corrosion-resistant) with a multi-layer chrome-plated anti-rust coating. They have passed the salt spray test (500 hours) and show no signs of rust. Even with long-term contact with water and coolant, they can remain smooth and rust-free, making them suitable for humid and water-prone environments.   If you have any needs, leave a message and send me a private message to obtain the corrosion-resistant linear guide sample book. Engineers recommend materials based on ambient humidity and contact liquid type!

Pre-installation Preparation 1. Tools and Materials Mounting Platform/Equipment Base: A pre-machined mounting surface. Hex Wrench: Matches the guide rail bolts; preferably with torque display. Dial Indicator/Dial Marker: With magnetic base for precision measurement. Level: Precision grade; for initial leveling. Marble Platform or Precision Straightedge: As a straightness reference. Lin-free Cloth, High-purity Alcohol, or Acetone: For cleaning. Gloves: To prevent sweat from corroding the guide rails. Screwdriver or Pry Bar: For moving the slide.   2. Cleaning Procedure Clean Mounting Surfaces: Thoroughly wipe the guide rail mounting surfaces, threaded holes, and positioning reference surfaces on the equipment base with a lint-free cloth dampened with alcohol or acetone. Ensure there is no oil, dust, burrs, or old sealant residue. Clean Guide Rails: Do not remove the original packaging of the guide rails until just before installation. After removing the guide rail, gently wipe the bottom and sides (mounting surfaces) of the guide rail with a cleaning agent. Do not wipe the raceway surface or the slider! The oil filling hole on the slider is usually sealed; be careful not to contaminate the inside during cleaning. Inspection: Touch all mounting surfaces to check for scratches and burrs. If there are minor burrs, gently polish them with an oilstone. Installation Steps (Taking a pair of guide rails as an example)   Step 1: Install the first guide rail (reference guide rail) This is the most crucial step, as its accuracy determines the accuracy of the entire system. Place the guide rail: Gently place the first guide rail (usually the longer one as the reference) on the mounting surface. Pre-tighten all mounting bolts by hand, but do not tighten them completely; ensure the bolts can be turned easily. Correct straightness (optional but recommended): Place the dial indicator head against the side (finished surface) of the guide rail.  Slowly move the dial indicator base along the length of the guide rail and observe the dial indicator reading. Adjust the readings by gently tapping the side of the guide rail (using a plastic or brass hammer) until the variation is within acceptable limits (e.g., ±0.01mm). This step ensures the straightness of the individual guide rails. Initial Fixing: Starting with the bolt in the middle of the guide rail, tighten the bolts diagonally to approximately 70% of the rated torque. This prevents the guide rail from deforming due to uneven stress. Final Tightening: Again, tighten all bolts diagonally to 100% of the rated torque. Step Two: Install the Second Guide Rail (Driven Guide Rail) The goal is to ensure the parallelism of the two guide rails. Place the Second Guide Rail and Slides: Place the second guide rail on the mounting surface and pre-install the bolts. Simultaneously, install the two sliders (slides) onto the two guide rails respectively. Connecting the Slides: Use the machine's worktable or a precision connecting plate to connect the two slides. This forms a single unit. Correcting Parallelism: This is the most crucial step. Place the dial indicator head against the side of the second guide rail. Slowly push the worktable/connecting plate back and forth, causing the slide to move the entire measuring system along the reference guide rail. The change in the dial indicator reading reflects the parallelism error between the two guide rails. Adjust by gently tapping the second guide rail until the dial indicator reading changes to the required accuracy (e.g., ±0.01mm). Secure the second guide rail: Once the parallelism is adjusted, hold the second guide rail in place, then loosen the connection between one of the slides and the worktable/connecting plate. This is to release internal stress caused by forced alignment. Tighten all mounting bolts of the second guide rail diagonally to the rated torque. Step 3: Final Inspection and Lubrication Final Accuracy Confirmation: Push the worktable again and check the parallelism with the dial indicator to confirm that the accuracy has not changed after tightening the bolts. Running Test: Manually push the worktable, moving it throughout its entire stroke. The operation should feel smooth and fluid, without any sticking, unusual noises, or inconsistent pressure. Adding Grease/Oil: Remove the grease fitting seal from the slider end. Use the specified grease or oil, applying it through the grease gun until the old and new grease slightly overflow from the edge of the seal. Install the dust cap (if applicable). Precautions and Common Mistakes   **Do Not Strik:** Never strike the guide rail, slider, or ball screw directly with a hammer. Use a plastic or brass hammer for fine-tuning. **Do Not Disassemble the Slider:** The slider is a precision component. If it slides off the guide rail, the balls may fall out, causing permanent loss of precision or functional damage. Never separate the slider from the guide rail unless absolutely necessary. **Incorrect Bolt Tightening Sequence:** Tightening bolts directly from one end to the other will cause the guide rail to twist, creating internal stress and severely affecting straightness and parallelism. Inadequate cleaning: Even tiny dust particles entering the raceway can act like "grinding sand," drastically accelerating the wear of the guide rails and sliders, leading to premature failure. Ignoring stress relief: Failing to loosen the connection of one side of the slide when installing the second guide rail will put the entire system in a pre-stressed state, increasing resistance during operation, generating heat and noise, and reducing lifespan.

Causes of Ball Screw Noise In industrial automation and machinery manufacturing, ball screws are widely used due to their high precision and efficiency. However, many users find abnormal noise from their ball screws during long-term use, affecting the stability and lifespan of the equipment. This article will analyze the common causes of noise in ball screws and provide practical suggestions for maintenance and upkeep. Improper Ball Replacement Leads to Noise Original ball screws have uniformly sized balls inside the nut and are sealed with lubricating oil, making them very quiet under normal conditions. However, as time goes on, the balls wear out and need to be replaced. If the newly installed balls are of a different size than the originals, it will cause uneven load on the nut, resulting in greater noise. In this case, the balls cannot achieve a good fit, causing abnormal noise during operation and potentially accelerating component wear. Therefore, when replacing balls, it is essential to select balls of the same specifications as the originals and ensure proper cleaning and lubrication during installation. Slack Fit and Increased Clearance After prolonged operation, wear may cause clearance between the nut and TBI screw in the ball screw assembly. This slack fit will cause vibration during operation, resulting in noise. Clearance not only affects transmission accuracy but also leads to mechanical resonance, exacerbating noise problems. Regularly checking the tightness of the nut and screw, and properly adjusting the preload, are important measures to reduce this type of noise. Surface Peeling and Abnormal Friction After prolonged load bearing, the ball surface may peel off, or damage may occur to the screw shaft on the cutting surface. Both of these will affect the smooth operation of the balls on the track. Damaged areas increase frictional resistance, causing abnormal vibration between the nut and shaft, producing noise. If peeling or abnormal friction is found, the machine should be stopped immediately for inspection and replacement of damaged parts. Maintaining a smooth track and adequate lubrication is key to extending equipment life and reducing noise. Emphasis on Daily Maintenance Many noise problems are caused by neglecting daily maintenance. Regular cleaning and adding appropriate lubricating oil can effectively reduce the frequency of wear and abnormal noise.Furthermore, equipment maintenance records should be established to document each overhaul and parts replacement, enabling the tracing of root causes and improving troubleshooting efficiency. Only by adhering to scientific management and meticulous maintenance can the long-term quiet and stable operation of ball screws be guaranteed. Scientific Analysis Facilitates Precise Solutions Faced with various noise phenomena generated by ball screws, one should not panic blindly, but rather investigate item by item based on the actual operating conditions. From ball specifications and clearance to surface condition, every detail can become a breakthrough point for solving the problem. Through scientific analysis and standardized operation, not only can potential noise hazards be effectively eliminated, but the overall performance of the machinery can also be improved, providing a more efficient and reliable guarantee for the production line. This is also an indispensable part of modern machinery management. For more information about ball screw informations, Please contact us www.chunxinauto.com！

Ball screw selection often involves overlooked details that affect both equipment performance and lifespan. This article reveals three common misconceptions and tips for avoiding these pitfalls, teaching you how to choose the right screw and avoid common mistakes.   Ball screws are frequently used in high-precision transmission and control applications, but many users fall into several common traps when selecting them.   Misconception 1: Focusing only on accuracy precision, ignoring load   Users unfamiliar with ball screws often prioritize accuracy grade while neglecting the actual load requirements in operation. For example, a high-precision C3-grade ball screw used in heavy-duty equipment may fail quickly due to its inability to withstand heavy loads. In a real-world case, a manufacturer's C3-grade ball screw failed after only one month under heavy-duty conditions. Misconception 2: Larger lead means faster speed   Many users believe that a larger lead means faster speed. In reality, the lead must be matched to the motor speed. Setting the lead too large not only limits speed improvement but also easily leads to problems such as vibration and inaccurate positioning. Myth 3: The Operating Components of a Ball Screw   If the installation environment of a ball screw is dusty or humid without protective measures, the lifespan of the ball screw will be significantly reduced. In harsh environments, without effective sealing and lubrication, the lifespan of the ball screw can be reduced by more than half.   Summary:   When purchasing ball screws, it is essential to compare the following five core parameters: - Screw diameter - Lead - Accuracy class - Rated load - Maximum speed   It is recommended to create a selection comparison table, comparing each parameter one by one, and comprehensively considering actual working conditions to ensure a worry-free selection.