THK Ball Screw User manual

Instruction Manual
No. 1030-T34668
Ball Screw
THK Linear Motion System
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Table of Contents
i
Ball Screw
1. Introduction 1-1
1-1 Foreword 1-1
1-2 About This Manual 1-1
1-3 Applying This Product  1-2
1-4 Product Support 1-2
1-5 Product Information and THK Information 1-2
2. Precautions on Use 2-1
2-1 Safety Related Warning Displays  2-1
2-2 Handling  2-1
2-3 Precautions on Use  2-2
2-4 Lubrication  2-3
2-5 Storage  2-3
2-6 Disposal  2-3
3. Mounting Procedure 3-1
3-1 Assembling the Support Unit  3-1
3-2 Checking Accuracy and Fully Fastening  3-1
3-3 Installing onto Table and Base 3-2
3-4 Connection with the Motor  3-2
4. Lubrication 4-1
4-1 Lubrication Interval  4-1
4-2 Sealing Method  4-3
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1-1
1. Introduction
Ball Screw
1.
Introduction
1-1 Foreword
Thank you for purchasing this THK product. This manual describes the precautions on use,
assembly method, and lubrication method that apply to a Ball Screw.
1-2 About This Manual
1-2-1 Intended Audience
Persons in charge of product mounting design, installation, wiring, and maintenance, and
persons actually using the product.
1-2-2 Using This Manual
This manual describes the correct handling of this product and precautions on its use.
For maximum product performance and long-term use, read this manual carefully and
understand its contents so that you use this product safely and properly.
When printing this manual for reading, store it in a place where the intended audience can read it
when necessary.
1-2-3 Notice and Attention
z
Do not handle or use this product in any way other than as described in this manual.
z
No part of this manual may be duplicated, reproduced, or loaned without permission.
z
Due to a continuing process of product improvement, information contained herein is subject to
change without notice.
z
Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. If, however,
you notice an error or have a concern, notify THK.
z
The diagrams contained herein are representative examples and may vary from the actual
product.
z
THK will not be liable for the effects resulting from the use of this manual for any reason
whatsoever.
z
This manual also applies to special products, but content specified on the Delivery Specification
Diagram takes priority.
*Special products are products that differ from standard products listed in the catalog, in material
and/or specifications.
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1-2
1. Introduction
Ball Screw
1-3 Applying This Product
zDo not use this product for equipment or systems used in life-threatening situations.
zConsult THK beforehand when considering using this product for special applications such as
in passenger vehicles or in medical, aviation and space, nuclear power, or electrical power
equipment or systems.
zThis product was manufactured under strict quality control, but this does not completely rule
out product failure. When using this product in equipment where failure of this product could
cause a severe accident or damage, install a safety device or backup device to prevent the
occurrence of severe accidents or damage.
1-4 Product Support
Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. If, however,
you have a concern, notify THK.
1-5 Product Information and THK Information
For the latest product information and company information, we recommend that you regularly
access and view the THK website.
zWebsite URL: https://www.thk.com/eng/
zTechnical support site URL: https://tech.thk.com/
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2-1
2. Precautions
2.
Precautions on Use
Ball Screw
2-1 Safety Related Warning Displays
This manual uses the following safety related warning displays. Descriptions containing safety
related warning displays are serious and must be followed.
Warning "A matter which, if mishandled, could result in
death or serious injury."
Caution "A matter which, if mishandled, could result in
physical injury or material damage."
"Prohibited (never do this)"
"Required (always do this)"
2-2 Handling
CAUTION
Handle with care
zPlease use at least two people to move any product weighing 20 kg or more, or use a dolly or
other conveyance. Failure to do so could cause injury or damage the product.
Do not disassemble
zDo not disassemble the parts. This could impair the product's functions.
Falling objects
zTilting the screw shaft and the Ball Screw nut may cause them to fall by their own weight.
zTake care not to drop or strike the Ball Screw. This could cause injury and damage the
product. If the product is dropped or impacted, functionality may be reduced even if there is
no surface damage.
Handle with care
zWhen assembling, be sure not to remove the Ball Screw nut from the Ball Screw shaft.
zWhen handling the product, wear safety gloves and safety boots, etc., as appropriate to
ensure safety.
2.
Precautions on Use
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2-2
2. Precautions
2.
Precautions on Use
Ball Screw
2-3 Precautions on Use
CAUTION
Prevent dust
zPrevent foreign materials, such as cutting chips or coolant, from entering the product. Failure
to do so could damage the product.
zPrevent foreign materials, such as cutting chips, coolant, corrosive solvents or water from
getting in the product by using a bellows or cover when the product is used in an environment
where such a thing is likely.
zIf foreign materials such as cutting chips adhere to the product, clean the product and then
replenish the lubricant.
z
contact for rolling elements, resulting in fretting. Therefore, be sure to use a type of grease
with high fretting resistance properties. We recommend periodically rotating the Ball Screw

Maximum temperature
80°C
Max
zDo not use this product if the external temperature exceeds 80 °C. If used in excess of this
temperature, there is a risk that the resin and rubber parts may deform or become damaged
(except the heat-resistant type).
Handle with care
zDo not forcibly drive a pin, key, or other positioning parts into the product. This could create
indentations on the raceway and impair the product's functions.
zIf misalignment or tilting occurs with the Ball Screw shaft supporting portion and the Ball
Screw nut, it may substantially shorten the service life. Pay attention to the components to be
mounted and to the mounting accuracy.
zDo not exceed the permissible rotational speed when using the product. Doing so may cause
the product to become damaged or result in an accident. Please keep the rotational speed

zDo not allow the Ball Screw nut to overshoot. The product may malfunction if any of the balls
fall out, the circulation components become damaged, or indentations form on the ball
raceway. Continuing to use the product under these circumstances may lead to premature
wear or damage to the circulation components.
zWhen using the Ball Screw, be sure to use guide elements such as an LM guide or ball spline.
This is one of the primary reasons why products become damaged.
zA lack of rigidity and accuracy of mounting components may cause the bearing load to

the rigidity and accuracy of the housing and base, and the strength of the securing bolts.
Falling objects
zIf any of the rolling elements fall from the Ball Screw nut, discontinue use and contact THK.
zIf the unit will be positioned vertically, install safety equipment or take other measures to
prevent it from falling over. There is a chance the Ball Screw nut may fall under its own
weight.
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2-3
2. Precautions
2.
Precautions on Use
Ball Screw
2-4 Lubrication
CAUTION
Check lubricant
zThoroughly remove anti-rust oil and feed lubricant before using the product.
zDo not mix different lubricants. Even grease containing the same type of thickening agent
may, if mixed, interact in an adverse manner due to disparate additives or other ingredients.
zWhen using the product in locations subject to constant vibrations or in special environments
such as in clean rooms, vacuums and under low/high temperatures, be sure to use a lubricant

zWhen lubricating products that do not feature a grease nipple or oil hole, directly coat the
raceway surfaces with lubricant and perform several warm-up strokes to ensure that the
grease permeates the interior.
zGrease consistency can vary depending on the temperature. Keep in mind that the torque of
󰀨
zFollowing lubrication, there is the possibility that the rotational torque of the Ball Screw may
increase due to the stirring resistance of the grease. Before commencing operations, make
sure to run the unit through several warm-up cycles to ensure that the grease is adequately
integrated and dispersed.
zExcess grease may spatter immediately after lubrication. Wipe off spattered grease as
necessary.
zThe properties of the grease deteriorate over time, thereby degrading the lubricity. It is
necessary to inspect and apply the grease in accordance with the usage frequency.
zHow often grease should be replenished varies depending on the usage conditions and
environment. We recommend greasing the system approximately every 100 km traveled
(three to six months). Final greasing interval/amount should be set at an actual machine.
z󰀩
(because of how it is mounted or the oiling port of the nut), so be sure to give these factors
adequate consideration during design.
zIt is necessary to use a good quality lubricant when using Ball Screws. Usage with no
lubrication may increase wear on the rolling elements and shorten the service life. Table 3-1
shows a guideline for the oil feed amount.
2-5 Storage
Store the Ball Screw horizontally in its original packaging in an indoor location where it is not
exposed to high or low temperatures or high humidity. Please note that if the product has been
kept in storage for an extended period of time, the lubricant inside may have deteriorated. Please
therefore ensure that you replenish the lubricant before re-use.
2-6 Disposal
The product should be disposed of appropriately as industrial waste.
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3-1
3. Mounting Procedure
Ball Screw
3.
Mounting Procedure
3-1 Assembling the Support Unit
(1) 
(2) 
and the hexagon socket set screws.
(3) Attach the supported side bearing to the screw shaft and secure the bearing using the snap
ring, and then mount the assembly on the housing on the supported side.
Note1: Do not disassemble the Support Unit.
Note2: When inserting the screw shaft into the Support Unit, take care not to let the oil seal lip turn
outward.
Note3: When securing the set piece with a hexagon socket set screw, apply an adhesive to the hexagon
socket set screw before tightening it in order to prevent the screw from loosening. If planning
to use the product in a harsh environment, other measures must also be considered to prevent
loosening. Contact THK for details.
Supported Side
Bearing
Snap ring
Fixed Side
Collar
Set piece
Hexagonal socket head set screw
Lock nut
3-2 Checking Accuracy and Fully Fastening
While checking the runout of the Ball Screw shaft end and the clearance in the axial direction

and the supported side Support Unit, in this order.
Move table and adjust for fully smooth
motion Measure runout
Measure clearance
in the axial direction
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3-2
3. Mounting Procedure
3.
Mounting Procedure
Ball Screw
3-3 Installing onto Table and Base
(1) If using a bracket when mounting the Ball Screw nut to the table, insert the nut into the
bracket and temporarily fasten it.
(2)  

adjust the table so that it can travel freely.
z
Ball Screw nut and the table or inside the bracket when making the adjustment.
zIf using the table as the reference point, make the adjustment either by using a shim (for a
rectangular type Support Unit), or by securing the clearance between the outer surface of
the nut and the inner surface of the mounting section (for a round type Support Unit).
(3) Press the table toward the table supported side Support Unit to align the axial center. Make
the adjustment by reciprocating the table several times so that the nut travels smoothly
throughout the whole stroke, and temporarily fasten the Support Unit to the base.
Base
Fixed Side Support Unit
Bracket
Table
Supported Side
Support Unit
3-4 Connection with the Motor
(1) Mount the motor bracket to the base.
(2) Connect the motor and the Ball Screw using a coupling.
Note: Make sure the mounting precision is maintained.
(3) Thoroughly run in the system.
Motor
Coupling
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4-1
4. Lubrication
Ball Screw
4.
Lubrication
It is necessary to use a good quality lubricant when using Ball Screws. Usage without lubrication
may increase wear on the rolling elements and shorten the service life.
A lubricant has the following effects.
(1) Minimizes friction in moving elements to prevent seizure and reduce wear.
(2) Forms an oil film on the raceway to decrease stress acting on the surface and extend rolling
fatigue life.
(3) Covers the metal surface in an oil film to prevent rust formation.
To optimize Ball Screw functions, provide lubrication appropriate to the usage conditions.
It is necessary to study the mounting positions of the grease nipple and piping joint according to
the installation direction.
(If the Ball Screw installation direction is other than horizontal use, the lubricant may not reach
the raceway completely. Be sure to let THK know the installation direction and the exact position
in each LM block where the grease nipple or the piping joint will be attached. See the general
catalog for the installation direction of the Ball Screw.)
Even with a Ball Screw with seals, the internal lubricant gradually seeps out during operation.
Therefore, the system needs to be lubricated at an appropriate interval according to the usage
conditions.
4-1 Lubrication Interval
4-1-1 Grease Lubrication
How often grease should be replenished varies depending on the usage conditions and
environment. We recommend greasing the system approximately every 100 km traveled (three
to six months). Final greasing interval/amount should be set at an actual machine.
Normally, relubricate using the same grease type and through the lubrication hole or grease
nipple provided on the Ball Screw. Mixing different types of grease may deteriorate the system’s
performance due to increased consistency or other such factor.
Lubricant Type Brand name
Grease
Lithium-Based Grease
Urea-Based Grease
Calcium-Based Grease
AFA Grease (THK)
AFB-LF Grease (THK)
AFC Grease (THK)
AFE-CA Grease (THK)
AFF Grease (THK)
AFG Grease (THK)
AFJ Grease (THK)
L100 Grease (THK)
L450 Grease (THK)
L500 Grease (THK)
L700 Grease (THK)
Alvania Grease S No.2 (Showa Shell Sekiyu)
Eponex Grease No.2 (Idemitsu Kosan)
or equivalent
*The recommended grease will vary according to the usage conditions and environment.
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4-2
4. Lubrication
4.
Lubrication
Ball Screw
4-1-2 Oil Lubrication
LM systems that require oil lubrication are shipped with only anti-rust oil applied. Please indicate
when ordering.
zThe amount of oil to be applied varies depending on the stroke length. For a long stroke,
increase the lubrication frequency or the amount of oil applied so that an oil film is able to form
in the stroke end of the raceway.
zIn environments where coolant may spatter, the lubricant may become mixed with the coolant.
This could result in the lubricant being emulsified or washed away, causing significantly
degraded lubrication performance. In such locations, apply a lubricant with high viscosity
(kinematic viscosity: approx. 68 cst) and high emulsification resistance, and adjust the
lubrication frequency or the amount of the applied lubricant accordingly.
zFor machine tools and similar devices that are subject to heavy loads, require high rigidity, and
operate at high speed, oil lubrication is recommended.
zMake sure that lubrication oil discharges normally from the ends of the lubrication piping; that
is, the oiling ports that connect to your linear motion system.
Lubricant Type Brand name
Oil Raceway Oil or Turbine Oil
ISOVG32 to 68
Daphne Super Multi Oil (Idemitsu Kosan)
Mobil DTE Oil Series (Exxon Mobil)
Shell Tonna S3 M (Showa Shell Sekiyu)
Mobil Vactra Numbered Series (Exxon Mobil)
Mobil Vactra No. 2 SLC (Exxon Mobil)
or equivalent
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4-3
4. Lubrication
4.
Lubrication
Ball Screw
4-2 Sealing Method
4-2-1 Sealing Method
Turn the shaft 1/2 turn after sealing one shot with a grease gun, and repeat until the specified
amount is sealed in. (Figure 4-1)
*At one shot of 0.7 cm3,
a sealing quantity of
7.0 cm3requires
10 shots
Grease gun
After sealing in the grease, move the nut about three times the full length of the nut to distribute
the grease across the whole nut. (Figure 4-2)
*When the effective screw length is less
than three times the length of the nut,
move it within the available stroke range.
4-2-2 Cautions When Sealing
Caution "A matter which, if mishandled, could result in
physical injury or in only material damage."
(1) Grease will leak from the seal unless the shaft is rotated while sealing, preventing sealing the
specified amount in the nut.
(2) Wipe off any leaked grease, and redo grease sealing, following the sealing directions. Contact
THK for the grease sealing amount.
Figure 4-3 Return Pipe/Seal
[Return pipe portion] [Seal portion]
Figure 4-2 After Sealing Using a Grease Gun
Figure 4-1 Sealing Using a Grease Gun
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Appendix
Revision History
The instruction manual number is on the back cover.
Publication Date Instruction Manual No. Revisions
December 2017 No. 1030-T34668 First edition
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No. 1030-T34668
Inquiries
Website URL: https://www.thk.com/eng/
Technical support site URL: https://tech.thk.com/
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