Linear guides and ball screws are two types of motion transmission components commonly used in mechanical systems. They have some differences in structure and function. 1. Structural differences: - Linear guide rail: Linear guide rail system usually consists of guide rail and guide rail slider. The guide rail is a linear guide rail that has high hardness and precision and can provide stable linear motion. The guide rail slider slides on the guide rail to achieve smooth linear motion. - Ball screw: The ball screw system consists of a screw and a ball nut. The screw is a helical rod-shaped element with threads on its surface. The ball nut is a part that fits on the screw and contains a set of balls inside. As the screw rotates, the balls push the ball nut in linear motion along the screw. 2. Functional differences: - Linear guide rail: Linear guide rail system has high stiffness, high precision and high repeatability of positioning accuracy, and can provide smooth and accurate linear motion. It is suitable for applications requiring high speed, high precision, high load and long stroke, such as machine tools, automation equipment and CNC systems. - Ball screw: The ball screw system achieves linear transmission through the motion friction between the balls and the screw. It has the characteristics of high efficiency, high stiffness and high precision, and is suitable for applications requiring high-precision linear motion, such as laser printers, robots, lifting platforms and CNC machine tools. In general, linear guides are more suitable for linear motion applications that require high stiffness and high precision, while ball screws are suitable for linear transmission applications that require high precision. The choice of transmission method should be determined based on specific application requirements. View our products to find the model that suits you. We support customization. If you are interested, please contact us, WhatsApp/Wechat +86 17372250019 Leo Zhang.

This article details the core role, technology selection, key parameters, installation and maintenance, and common problems of ball screws in welding robots, providing precise information tailored to the specific needs of welding conditions. I. Core Functions and Applications In welding robots, the ball screw is the core actuator of the linear motion chain, primarily used for: Parameters Recommended values ​​for welding robots Selection Guide Accuracy level C3-C5 Repeatability directly determines weld offset; C3 grade ground lead screws can achieve ±0.01mm positioning accuracy; C5 grade lead screws are available for heavy-duty spot welding applications. Preload level Intermediate preloading (P2-P3) Eliminate backlash, improve rigidity, and suppress positioning errors caused by welding vibration; avoid excessive preload leading to temperature rise and reduced service life. Lead and Diameter Small lead (5-10mm) is used for high-precision fine-tuning; large lead (16-25mm) is used for high-speed displacement. The smaller the lead, the higher the positioning accuracy; the larger the diameter, the stronger the load-bearing and impact resistance. II. Installation and Protection Points Installation Standards: Use a two-end fixed or one-end fixed and one-end supported installation method to ensure the parallelism between the screw and the guide rail is ≤0.02mm/1000mm; avoid misalignment that could cause the screw to bear additional bending moment and accelerate wear. Spatting Prevention and Cooling: Install a slag baffle/protective cover (stainless steel) to cover the screw and nut, preventing direct contact with welding slag; for the screw near the welding torch, a cooling jacket can be installed to control the screw temperature ≤80℃, preventing thermal deformation from affecting accuracy. Electromagnetic Interference Prevention: When connecting the screw to the servo motor, use shielded cables to avoid electromagnetic interference from welding current that could cause servo system jitter. III. Maintenance and Care Standards Regular Lubrication: Check the grease level daily before starting the machine; replenish high-temperature grease weekly; clean the lead screw surface and replace the grease monthly (in dusty/splattered conditions, shorten this to every two weeks). Sealing Inspection: Check the dust cover and scraper ring weekly for damage. If welding slag is present, clean it promptly to prevent seal failure. Accuracy Testing: Check the lead screw's backlash and positioning accuracy monthly. If the backlash > 0.02mm, readjust the preload or replace the lead screw. Emergency Handling: If the lead screw jams, stop the machine immediately, clean the welding slag, and check the nut and lead screw for damage. Forced operation is strictly prohibited.