A new model for predicting the mechanical efficiency of ball screws based on the empirical equations for the friction torque of rolling bearings

Abstract

Based on the empirical equations for the friction torque of rolling bearings, this article proposes a new model for predicting the friction torque and mechanical efficiency of ball screws. Meanwhile, a novel measuring system is constructed to obtain the mechanical efficiency of ball screws, where both the axial load and rotational speed are stable and adjustable. The experimental results at a rotational speed of 1000 r/min agree well with the theoretical values calculated by the present method, which show that the mechanical efficiency of ball screws increases with increasing axial load. Moreover, the model built in this article is more applicable to a relatively high-speed condition. The new model can be easily used to obtain the friction torque and mechanical efficiency for ball screws, which is essential for improving the performance of ball screws and the computer numerical control machine tools.