Posted to News on 27th Sep 2021, 00:00
Big performance from small NSK ball screws
NSK Linear Motion Control says its new high-speed series of miniature large-lead ball screws offers a number of benefits to users, including reduced product takt time, the potential to downsize equipment, and reduced power consumption. Among the applications set to benefit are semiconductor chip mounters and parts aligning equipment.
The performance attributes of the new ball screws, together with a large lead and small diameter, make the products optimal for equipment used in the semiconductor industry, where demands include exceptionally high levels of throughput and chip mounting accuracy.
NSK has successfully reduced the load on motors by making the ball screw shaft diameter as small as possible to reduce inertia, while at the same time increasing the lead through the introduction of new manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, by adopting the company’s end deflector recirculation system, which offers high speed and low noise characteristics, NSK has succeeded in achieving rotational speeds of up to 5000 rpm.
These advanced capabilities are ideal for chip mounters and other such equipment that requires a relatively short stroke, enabling operation at high acceleration/deceleration, as well as traverse speeds exceeding 1.25 m/sec. This speed surpasses the performance of linear motors to ensure the easy reduction of takt time.
The miniature large-lead ball screw, which is part of NSK’s Compact-FA series and available on a short lead time, can also replace small air cylinders as it offers both high-speed and high-precision multipoint positioning. Importantly, the range is environmentally friendly, free from any hazardous substances, thus helping to support the sustainability credentials of NSK customers.
Both 6 and 8 mm shaft diameters are available alongside the largest lead options in its class: 8, 10, 12 and 15 mm. A low-profile nut, which reduces flange and nut heights by up to 33% compared with conventional ball screws, contributes to the downsizing of machines and, in turn, reduces power consumption.
Among the available options is NSK’s K1 lubrication unit, which slowly exudes lubricating oil from its resin component to provide long-term maintenance-free operation.
