Precision Automated Measurement of Ball Screw Dimensions

Precision Measurement of Ball Screws

Application Overview

The precision of ball screws directly affects the positioning accuracy and machining stability of CNC machine tools during high-speed and high-load operations. As a critical component in precision transmission systems, each dimensional parameter of a ball screw must meet strict consistency and accuracy standards to ensure transmission efficiency and repeatability.

Traditionally, ball screw inspection relies on contact-type lab instruments such as length gauges and micrometers. These tools can only measure basic dimensions such as outer diameter, pitch diameter, root diameter, and lead, and depend heavily on operator experience. Full, rapid, and comprehensive measurement has been difficult to achieve on the shop floor.

Now, with the implementation of the TIMI Centering-Type Telecentric Imaging Measurement System, manufacturers can not only automate the measurement of these dimensions, but also perform high-resolution analysis of ball groove profile deviations, enabling precise grading of ball screw precision and significantly enhancing quality control within smart manufacturing environments.

Inspection Challenges

• Traditional contact measurement tools can only measure basic diameters and lead, and cannot analyze groove profiles
• Variations in ball groove profiles directly affect performance but are difficult to quantify using conventional tools
• Manual measurements are time-consuming, have low repeatability, and lack data traceability
• Grading of ball screw precision levels requires high-resolution geometric analysis, which traditional tools cannot provide
• Inspection equipment is typically located in laboratories and cannot support inline or high-volume inspection needs

Solution

The TIMI Centering-Type Telecentric Imaging System is purpose-built for ball screw measurement, offering fast, automated inspection of complete dimensional data and groove profiles. It provides manufacturers with a powerful solution for quality control, grading, and data management.

• Automatic measurement of outer diameter, pitch diameter, root diameter, and lead
• High-resolution analysis of groove shape and micro deviations
• Automatic classification of ball screw precision grade based on actual measurements
• Non-contact inspection prevents surface damage or tool wear
• Suitable for inline full inspection or near-line quality control stations

• Replaces traditional lab-based sampling with high-efficiency automated measurement
• Accurately distinguishes ball screw grades, ensuring product consistency and quality control
• Enables traceable inspection records and quality reports to support audits and certifications
• Increases inspection speed and yield, while reducing labor dependency
• Fully compatible with smart factory systems and Industry 4.0 integration