Precision Ball Splines
44Pages

Precision Ball Splines Robust Rotary and Linear Motion Integration for High-Precision Applications

Multi-Motion Performance and Stability As automation spreads farther and wider into the industrial sector, the need for flexible solutions that address multi-axis motion exponentially grows. Thomson precision ball splines meet the demands of this trend by offering nearly frictionfree linear and rotary motion integrated on a single shaft. Merging Motions Thanks to a design that incorporates one or more linear grooves that guide balls along the shaft, Thomson precision ball splines provide a low-friction path and enable transmission of torsional loads. Their unique ability to integrate rotary...

Precision Ball Splines Nut Options To best accommodate your application requirements, two different nut options are available for Thomson precision ball splines. This spline nut features a straight cylindrical shape and uses a key to mount it to the housing. While the nut includes a keyway and separate key, a matching keyway must be bored into the housing or block to that will be mounted on the nut. As this spline nut only requires a rough bore and mounting holes drilled and tapped to secure the flange, it is much easier to install. End Machining Options Depending on your shape...

A Look Inside Precision Ball Splines The design of Thomson precision ball splines enables nearly friction-free motion by restricting physical contact to tangential points of rolling balls guided by spline shaft grooves and the raceways within a nut. This rotary guidance is then augmented by adding one or more linear grooves, or splines, along the shaft, which facilitate front-to-back movements. These grooves provide a low-friction linear path while simultaneously enabling transmission torsional loads. This design concept is ideal for applications that must account for high speed, vibration,...

Precision Ball Splines Technology and Feature Comparison Thomson Precision Ball Splines Thomson Linear Bearings & Guides Fewer Components to Achieve Locational Movement Larger List of Components and Assemblies Easy Rotational Capacity Less Cost Due to Fewer Components Higher Cost Due to Larger List of Components Easier Integration Complex Integration (Several Motors) Precise and Faster Movements Precise but Slower Movements Design Considerations Thomson Precision Ball Splines Thomson Linear Bearings & Guides Load Capacity Rotational Moment Loads (Static) Type Applications Rotational &...

Applications Robotics Faster movement and accurate positioning result in significant reductions in production time, which is critical for mass machining environments. Thomson precision ball splines simplify these systems by providing both linear and rotary motion on one shaft. Their robust capacity supplies a reliable option for tool holding in robotic applications such as CNC machining. Packaging Thomson precision ball splines simplify XYZ movement into linear and rotary motion, thereby reducing the number of parts and complexity required for picking up an item and placing it in another...

Precision Ball Splines Rotating Drum for Paper Mill The high load capacity of Thomson precision ball splines provides the required rigidity when they are challenged by heavy objects. In addition, the nut design helps lock the rotational movement when the application is at rest. Machine Automation The accuracy of Thomson precision ball splines makes them ideal for many machine automation applications. For example, on a honing machine, precision is critical in maintaining a steady combination of rotary and linear motion.

Ordering Keys Spline Nut and Shaft Assemblies 1 1. Spline Nut SPLA = Ball Spline Assembly 3. Nut Flange Type F = Flanged R = Round 7. Preload PO = No Preload 8. Number of Spline Nuts1 10. Spline Surface Treatment S = Standard 11. Machining CTL = Cut To Length SM = Standard Machining 9. Nut Surface Treatment S = Standard 5. Accuracy Grade N = Normal 12. Overall Length2 Length in millimeters, example: 500.00 equals 500 mm 6. Spline Shaft Type S = Solid 1. Maximum of 5 spline nuts per assembly. 2. Maximum length of 500 mm for diameters 6 and 8 mm, maximum length of 3000 mm for all other...

Precision Ball Splines Sizing & Selection Guidelines Steps • Length / Stroke • Applied Torque and Load • Type of Mounting • Running Speed • Working Temperature • Number of Spline Nuts 2. Calculate Equivalent Bending Moment and Torque • Use bending moment equations in Table 1. (page 18) 3. Select Appropriate Spline Shaft Size • To define minimum shaft section modulus, use Equations 1-4. (pages 10-11) • To select spline shaft size, use Table 2. (page 19) • To calculate twist angle, use Equation 5 and Table 2 (pages 11 and 19), or use charts on pages 12-15. 4. Check for Torsional Rigidity...

Spline Shaft Strength As the spline shaft has been designed to absorb radial load and torque during operation, its strength must be taken into consideration when precision ball splines perform under extreme loading or torque. Bending Load Applied on the Ball Spline The maximum bending moment (M) can be attributed to multi-factor such as the end fixity methods, length of spline shaft, load capacity, etc. Equation (1) helps the user obtain the ideal length of spline shaft in order to be the reference of obtaining the ideal strength of ball spline. M : Bending moment (N.mm) : Shaft permissible...

Precision Ball Splines Bending Moment and Twisting Moment Applied Simultaneously on the Spline Shaft To calculate the figure for both bending (M) and twisting moments (T) applied on the spline shaft via equation (3) and (4), get the equivalent bending moment (Me) and equivalent twisting moment (Te). Adopt the greater value from equations (3) and (4) to determine the ideal spline shaft length. Equivalent Bending Moment Equivalent Twisting Moment Rigidity of the Spline Shaft The rigidity of the spline shaft is expressed in torsion angle caused by twisting moment. The twisting angle should be...