Influence Factors Comparison and Analysis of Axial Contact Stiffness between Single-Nut and Double-Nut Ball Screws

Abstract

Axial contact stiffness increase of ball screws can reduce the vibration and enhance machining precision of CNC machine tool during machining process. On the basis of Hertz contact theory, calculation formula of axial contact stiffness was deduced with consideration of helix angle for 5010 single-nut and double-nut ball screws, influence factors comparison and analysis was carried out, and contrast curve was obtained. The result shows that the axial contact stiffness of preloaded double-nut ball screws is higher than that of single-nut ball screws. Ball number, contact angle and curvature ratio has obvious influence on the axial contact stiffness of double-nut ball screws: ball number increase can enhance the axial contact stiffness; increase of contact angle and curvature ratio can lower the axial contact stiffness. The axial contact stiffness of single-nut and double-nut ball screws does almost not vary with axial force and helix angle. The conclusion provides certain theoretical basis for design and selection of ball screws.