SEARCH
Contact Us

Introduction

A worldwide manufacturer of automotive components was experiencing significant unplanned downtime due to the failure of the Ball Screws in the Machining Center. This had a major effect on the manufacturing output resulting in increased costs and reduced machine reliability. 6 month was the average life of the Ball Screws. NSK analyzed three of the failed Ball Screws to determinate the main reason for the failures. NSK's Technical Department developed a special design to improve the technical characteristics, especially the high-performance sealing design. Two Ball Screws were installed in the most critical points in the plant. The product testing was successful. Reduced machine downtime and a major increase in ball screw life were achieved.

Key Facts

  • Machine center with very arduous working conditions
  • Failure of Ball Screws due to high loading and agressive environment
  • NSK Solution: High-performance seals and high-speed/high-load Ball Screws
  • Nut design Ball Screws to maintain better stiffness and improved quality
  • Increased lifetime by 6 times
  • Reduction in production downtime and material costs
  • Machining Centre
  • Ball Screw with High-performance X1 Seal Design

Value Proposals

  • Plant survey including inspection of  the machines environment and working conditions 
  • NSK analyzed three Ball Screws to observe the running paths and lubrication conditions
  • NSK Technical Department designed a special Ball Screw that could be assembled without any change from  the customer

Product Features

  • High-performance seal design to work in a harsh environments
  • Decrease in the operating temperature and wear (precision and preload)
  • Increase of operating life, due to the greater load capacity and the lower preload
  • Reduction of the torque required, due to a lower degree of preload, with a corresponding reduction of the energy consumption of the machine
  • Reduced maintenance with K1 lubrication system 
  • Longer grease life 
  • Optimum lubrication even with high loads and harsh operating conditions
  • No contamination of cutting/cooling liquid with grease

Cost Saving Breakdown

Before Cost p.a. NSK Solution Cost p.a.
Costs for Ball Screws x 2 machines $8,980 Costs for Ball Screws x 2 machines $4,276
Production costs: 6 hours/stop x 12 stops x 360 pieces/hour x $10.85/piece $277,095 No failures in 36 months $0
4 hours for each Ball Screw x $54.28/hour x 14 changes $2,993 4 hours for each Ball Screw x $54.28/hour x 2 changes $427
Total Costs $289,068 $4,703

Reference:SS-E-7028

Consent

NSK uses third-party services that help us to improve our web site and show you more interesting content. In order to use these services, we need your consent. This can be revoked at any time. More information can be found here Link to privacy policy.