Accidents happen, especially when dealing with heavy equipment and machinery. Ball screws and lead screws get damaged all the time and it is a real pain to decide how to proceed.
Screws can be damaged in a number of ways, the most common of which is misalignment, when the ball nut loads on the screw at an off-centre angle. This eccentric loading causes the ball nut to wear and could cause it to become stuck.
So now what? You have a damaged screw and you can’t proceed until it is fixed. Well, you have 5 options.
Work Around It
Always the least advised option, but you would be surprised how many business owners do it anyway. They might have another machine that does the same job and just increase the output of that, leaving the machine with the broken screw standing idle picking up dust.
In case the screw is damaged by excessive friction, ball bearings can be a great solution. These bearings enable a free movement of the shaft, which helps to reduce the load on the screw. If you are looking to purchase high-quality, strong, and durable ball bearings, you can contact Northwest Bearings Ltd (or a similar supplier). As another solution, you can also add lubricant around the screws to further reduce friction.
Use Carbon Fiber Screws
Instead of trying to reinforce a damaged metal screw with carbon fiber, a more practical approach might be to replace the damaged screw entirely with one made from carbon fiber composite materials. It is quite obvious that you may have this question “What is carbon fiber?” It’s a type of fiber made up of carbon atoms that’s incredibly strong and lightweight, making it a popular choice for various applications. Carbon fiber is also resistant to corrosion and can be recycled.
Carbon fiber screws and lead screws are becoming more common in certain applications because of their unique properties. Although not as rigid as metal screws, carbon fiber screws offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and can withstand harsh environments better. For machinery operating in extreme temperatures, acidic conditions, or situations where weight is crucial, switching to carbon fiber screws may be a viable option when dealing with a damaged conventional metal screw.
Add Lubricant
So, your next solution (and the easiest and cheapest) would be to add lubrication. With problems related to the ball nut, you may find that once you add lubrication, the metal-to-metal wear is reduced, the dirt and debris are cleared away, and the ball paths are cleared.
If this doesn’t work, then it is time to look at another, more substantial approach.
Get it Repaired
Use a rush repair service to get your screw repaired quickly. Typically rush repair services offer a 24-hour emergency reload rush repair service with a 5-day turnaround. Whether the screw needs a factory clean, regrinding, the manufacturing of a new ball nut or the locknut threads repairing, a rush repair service can get it done affordably and swiftly for minimal disruption.
Get it Assembly Cleaned
If the breakdown in the screw has come from a build-up of dirt preventing the ball bearings from freely circulating, it may be worth getting it assembly cleaned. Many rush repair services offer assembly cleaning and evaluations as well as physical inspections to confirm the screw is re-loadable.
Businesses that use ceramics often have issues with screws that are a result of built-up debris. Ceramic dust plays havoc with screws and with a thorough assembly clean, most can be effectively brought back into working order.
Invest in New Equipment
If repairing the screw still does not resolve the issue, consider investing in new machinery from companies like Cyrus Equipment. It might be a wise decision instead of continuously spending money on repairs. This approach can save both time and resources for the business, thus preventing any further disruptions to the production process.
Because of the costly nature of replacing a ball screw, most business owners only do so as a last resort. In cases where the ball screw is damaged but is in the middle of an expensive machine and is therefore inaccessible, it is certainly worth replacing the whole screw. But in cases where the screw is accessible, and the problem is not too severe, it is always recommended to opt for a repair.
