Maintenance-free high helix lead screws and lead screw nuts in e-master edge milling machine

Profile

What was needed: A precise and economical motion solution for the drive of the e-master edge milling machine

Requirements: Corrosion-free, maintenance-free and durable components with low wear, simple assembly and high flexibility

Industry: Machine tools

Success for the customer: The high helix lead screws used enable low-friction drive technology, which prevents cost-intensive wear and represents a solution that is up to two thirds more cost-effective than a classic ball screw system.

Esmatec GmbH has been operating successfully in the metalworking industry for many years and is known for its expertise in CNC milling, CNC turning, water jet cutting and laser engraving. In 2014, Esmatec founded the mechanical engineering department focussing on edge milling machines. With the development of the fully automatic e-master, Esmatec offers its customers a reliable, fully automatic edge milling machine for various applications.

During development, the company initially focussed on ball screws as the drive solution for the machine. During assembly, however, it turned out that the technology did not meet the requirements of the machine in terms of price, assembly and flexibility.

Esmatec was looking for a low-maintenance, quiet and efficient solution for the drive that could realise fast movements. It became clear that an alternative to the classic ball screw had to be found. Other key factors were the durability, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the solution.

Esmatec decided to use a dryspin high helix lead screw (DS 16x10) made of stainless steel in conjunction with a flange lead screw nut made of iglidur J to drive the e-master.

The dryspin lead screw technology is specially designed for fast and efficient applications, making it an ideal alternative to recirculating ball screws. Made from stainless steel, the lead screw is one hundred per cent corrosion-free and offers low wear. Thanks to a flat flank angle, it efficiently converts the applied force into a translational movement, while the rounded tooth flank geometry reduces the contact surface between the lead screw and nut. The low-noise and vibration-free design proves itself in the continuous operation of the machine. As a rolled lead screw, the solution not only offers good surface quality, but is also competitively priced.

The flange nuts made from iglidur J complement the lead screw solution perfectly. They score points with their high wear resistance, low coefficient of friction and stability at temperatures of up to 90°C as well as protection against impacts and shocks. Added to this is the integration of the iglidur tribotape liner behind the nut housing, which minimises wear and noise between the nut and the machine room. An "easy chain" energy chain of type E08 also enables a safe cable guidance.

The entire system is maintenance-free - it requires no external lubrication and is insensitive to dust and dirt. The simple installation of the dryspin lead screw technology further simplifies handling. Overall, the costs of the drive solution are reduced by up to two thirds compared to classic recirculating ball screws.