Ball screws are an ideal component for converting rotary motion into linear motion and vice versa.
If a ball screw is severely rusted, it is recommended to discontinue its use. Continued operation will compromise positioning accuracy, and in high-speed, heavy-load working conditions, it may even lead to accidents.
Rusting is primarily caused by metal corrosion, which stems from a combination of internal and external factors. The main contributing factors are summarized as follows:
① The chemical composition and structural properties of the metal material itself;
② The surface finish of the metal (corrosion caused by oxygen concentration difference cells);
③ The composition and pH value of the solution in contact with the metal surface;
④ Ambient temperature and humidity;
⑤ Various environmental media in contact with the metal surface.
Rust Prevention and Treatment Methods for Ball Screws
I. Surface Pre-treatment of Rust-proof Workpieces
Surface cleaning: The appropriate cleaning method must be selected according to the surface properties of the rust-proof workpieces and the actual working conditions. The commonly used methods include solvent cleaning, chemical cleaning and mechanical cleaning.
Surface drying: After thorough cleaning, the surface can be dried with filtered dry compressed air, or in a dryer at a temperature of 120~170℃, and can also be wiped dry with a clean gauze.
II. Anti-rust Oil Coating
Dipping method: Small-sized components are immersed in anti-rust oil and grease, allowing a layer of anti-rust oil and grease to adhere to their surfaces. The thickness of the oil film can be controlled by adjusting the temperature or viscosity of the anti-rust oil and grease.
Spraying method: Large-sized rust-proof workpieces cannot be oiled by dipping. Spraying is generally carried out in a clean air environment with filtered compressed air at a pressure of approximately 0.7 MPa. This method is applicable for solvent-diluted anti-rust oil or thin-film anti-rust oil, with complete fire prevention and labor protection measures in place without exception.
Brushing method: This method is applied to outdoor construction equipment or products with special shapes that are not suitable for dipping or spraying. When brushing anti-rust oil on ball screws, care should be taken to avoid oil accumulation and missing coating.
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