NSK Ltd.
CSR Division Headquarters
Public Relations Department
NSK Develops Technology to Reduce Machine Tool Quadrant Glitches in Circular Interpolation Motion by Stabilizing Friction in Ball Screws
NSK Ltd. has developed a ball screw technology to significantly reduce quadrant glitches*1 arising during circular interpolation machining operations in machine tools by stabilizing friction when the ball screw reverses the direction of motion. This is the world's first technology of this type for ball screws.
NSK will exhibit this new technology at JIMTOF 2020 Online (The 30th Japan International Machine Tool Fair), to be held from November 16-27, 2020, and plans to bring ball screws incorporating the new technology to market in 2021.
*1:Quadrant Glitches: When machining in a circular interpolation motion (orthogonal with two axes), irregular friction arising when the motion of the ball screw reverses directions causes a deviation from the intended path resulting in a streak or protrusion on the workpiece.
Development Background
In recent years, there is increasing demand for higher accuracy machining and higher finish quality in die machining performed by machine tools such as 5-axis machining centers. This means there is a need for further improvements in machine tool feed performance.
In particular, motion errors called quadrant glitches (reversal spikes), which are caused by variation in friction during reversals in the direction of ball screw motion, leave streaks on the workpiece surface resulting in a lower quality finish.
Remedy via software compensation has attempted to address this issue, however, the frictional variation that occurs when the ball screw reverses direction is difficult to predict and cannot be fully compensated for through software, so more fundamental improvements are needed in ball screw technology.
New Technology
Reduced frictional variation when the ball screw reverses direction of motion
Utilizing in-house proprietary friction control and high-precision evaluation and measurement technologies, NSK developed improvements that significantly reduce the frictional fluctuations that inherently occur in ball screws when the direction of motion is reversed.
Benefits
Contributes to improving machine tool feed performance of and protecting the environment
Significantly reducing quadrant glitches achieves a higher quality finish on the workpiece surface. This shortens the finishing process, ultimately contributing to energy savings and increased machine tool productivity.
Applications
Ideal for die machining, high precision component machining, wire-cut electrical discharge machining (EDM) and any machine tool or machining center performing precision work requiring high-accuracy positioning.
About NSK
NSK began its journey manufacturing the first bearings in Japan in 1916, and has since developed into a global organization researching, designing, and manufacturing Motion & Control™ solutions essential for mobility and industrial applications. NSK is the top supplier of bearings in Japan and is the third largest supplier in the world by market share.
Our responsive products and technologies enhance automotive performance and industrial productivity while reducing energy consumption to unprecedented low levels. In the early 1960s, we set our sights outside Japan and have established over 200 business locations in 30 countries alongside a vast network of joint ventures and partnerships in all corners of the world.
NSK Corporate Philosophy
NSK contributes to a safer, smoother society and helps protect the global environment through its innovative technology integrating Motion & Control. As a truly international enterprise, we are working across national boundaries to improve relationships between people throughout the world.
