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.
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