Ball Screw problem

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12th Jun 2016, 02:12 PM
Sterob

Ball Screw problem

I bought a X6-1500GT cnc router 2 years ago and have recently developed a problem with the y axis ball screw.
I is free in one direction but it binds in the other direction.
I have ordered a new one but will pull the old one down to try and find the cause of the problem.
Has anyone come across this sort of problem before?
Steve
13th Jun 2016, 02:44 PM
RayG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterob

I bought a X6-1500GT cnc router 2 years ago and have recently developed a problem with the y axis ball screw.
I is free in one direction but it binds in the other direction.
I have ordered a new one but will pull the old one down to try and find the cause of the problem.
Has anyone come across this sort of problem before?
Steve

Is it the ball screw or is the mounting? if it only binds one way it might be the mounting at one end.

Ray
13th Jun 2016, 02:47 PM
Sterob

Its the Ball Screw. I pulled it out of the machine.
13th Jun 2016, 03:09 PM
RayG

Only at one spot, or does it bind in all positions along the length?

Ray
13th Jun 2016, 05:10 PM
Sterob

It appears to be binding along the whole length as the stepper motor looses steps along the whole length.
Its too hard to wind the ball nut, by hand, for the whole 700 mm...lol
Steve
13th Jun 2016, 05:32 PM
RayG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterob

It appears to be binding along the whole length as the stepper motor looses steps along the whole length.
Its too hard to wind the ball nut, by hand, for the whole 700 mm...lol
Steve

Hi Steve,

Sounds like the balls only like recirculating in one direction, so that might point to the recirc tube. Any signs of damage to the tube?

Ray
13th Jun 2016, 05:52 PM
Sterob

I have not removed the screw nut as i wanted to find a replacement. One is on its way so when I get a chance ( Im on the road atm ) I will pull it down and post some photos.

Weird that the balls only like moving one way. ....maybe some swarf has been drawn inside...somehow....
Steve
14th Jun 2016, 05:45 PM
Ryan in Melbour

certainly sounds like something has managed to find its way inside the ball nut.
14th Jun 2016, 09:57 PM
Sterob

3 Attachment(s)

I pulled the nut off today. ( of course, I lost a couple of balls...grrr....I have 46. I guess I am supposed to have 48 ish ...3 rows of balls..)
I cannot really see a problem although I don't know what I'm looking at. No swarf or bits of metal came out.
It seems a bit dodgy inside the nut but maybe that's how they are supposed to be...lol

I think its going to be a nightmare trying to get them back in...even with a mag lamp......
The balls are 3.18 mm ( 1/8" , so I can get some more. )

Attachment 362788 Attachment 362789 Attachment 362790
15th Jun 2016, 01:00 AM
RayG

I wouldn't bother putting them back... it's a bit hard to see but that thread looks pretty bad. It should be a smooth track all the way through.

Ray
20th Jun 2016, 09:45 PM
Sterob

2 Attachment(s)

My new Ball Screw arrived today.
Good news...Its the right one.....lol
The nut itself looks a little different, so maybe they have changed it for a better design.

The screws appear to have the same finish so I guess the old screw may be ok for a spare, if I need it.

Attachment 362866 Attachment 362867

Now to find the time to re-install it and ensure it runs smoothly.

Steve
22nd Jun 2016, 09:24 PM
rcaffin

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayG

I wouldn't bother putting them back... it's a bit hard to see but that thread looks pretty bad. It should be a smooth track all the way through.

That thread was smashed! Replace!!!
Cheers
Roger
22nd Jun 2016, 09:51 PM
Sterob

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcaffin

That thread was smashed! Replace!!!
Cheers
Roger

Yep...I'm onto it....lol