[Subcool]

I could use some advice. I'll try to keep this brief so no one has to read an essay.

My X axis is 48", runs on a pair of Hiwin rails and bearings, it has a .75" x 8 pitch double helix ACME screw for .25" per revolution. It has a plastic nut with a preload spring. I assume it's a nice screw given that is has Hiwin bearings, but I don't know.

I need to replace the bearings and I planned to upgrade the screw at the same time.

My thought was to pull the ACME screw and install a DFU2005 from Limo bearing.com

So, whatcha think? Is this an upgrade, lateral move, or step backwards?

I plan to use this machine to drag a diamond through some soft metals. Eventually I'll install a router for wood and plastic.

Please let me know what other information I can provide. Thanks!!!

[peteeng]

Hi Sub - Going from the leadscrew to the ballscrew has a couple of considerations. 1) Your lead is D19 and you plan to go to D20 so no big difference there. Does the leadscrew vibrate at high speeds? If it does then the D20 will do the same 2) The lead has a pitch of 6mm and the ballscrew will be 5mm so you gain a little bit of force, so no real gain there 3) backlash and accuracy - here's the big gain. If you are doing fine work and the leadscrew has play or backlash and you are getting fuzzy engravings then the ballscrew will remove this as the nut is preloaded so has zero backlash. Check out the accuracy grade of the ballscrew you are considering and the preload specification. Check these are what you need for the type of work your doing.... Good Luck Peter