Nook Industries implements laser lead checking machine to advance higher accuracy precision ball screws.

Cleveland, OH-Nook Industries has recently expanded its precision rolled ball screw quality verification & validation process measuring capabilities by implementing an advanced and customized Laser Lead Checking machine.

This precision instrument’s purpose is to verify the lead accuracy of precision ball screws and offer clients detailed data of screw specifications based on accurate measurements. The machine is over 12 feet long, mounted on a massive granite block to reduce vibration, and has the capability to measure the accuracy of precision ball screws.

Nook’s Precision Screw Group manufactures SRT ball screws which are manufactured to +/- .004 inch per foot lead error, XPR ball screws are manufactured to a tolerance of +/- .001 inch per foot lead error, and Nook SGT product offers a lead error tolerance of +/-.0005 inch per foot.

The Laser Lead Checking machine has a more accurate level of measurement than hand-held gages, magnetic strips, or glass scale checking devices as it leverages a laser beam which detects linear displacement. The screw’s lead accuracy is measured by the laser at data points across a manually operated distance of up to 12 feet in order to “map the screw”.

Because temperature, pressure, and humidity may affect the results, sensors are utilized in the process to measure these factors and compensate for them in real time (millionth of an inch). Laser software is also implemented in the process to provide detailed data validation/verification sheets to clients.

Laser Lead Checking Specs

• Granite surface plate.
• Work piece capacity .312 Dia. Min./6.00 Dia. Max x 144” long.
• Precision ground continuous “V” block.
• Air bearing linear slide (manually positioned) to carry test head.
• Control switched/buttons for zeroing and raising/lowering test head.
• Sensor compensation system.
• Laser Scale Software System.

Setting The Standard

Change is the rule in the age of high precision ball screw technology and Nook understands the quality control issues inherent in advanced product and process development. Nook’s Laser Lead Checking machine ensures a superior level of high precision tolerance consistency and quality in the production process.

Whereas the majority of companies that routinely practice laser-based lead inspection are located in Europe and Asia, Nook is one of the few companies in the U.S. that has adopted this type of inspection on their ball screws. Nook’s high standard of inspection closely aligns with the ISO standards.

As customers demand higher quality verification and validation for precision tolerance ball screws, implementation of the Laser Lead Checking machine testing provides them with a higher level process measuring system to assure quality, data, and level of precision.

According to Nook’s Director of Quality, “By establishing this inspection standard, Nook provides lead accuracy assurance to the users of the precision ball screws. We also can eliminate the time and cost considerations of having to conduct this level of advanced testing themselves.”

For more information visit www.nookindustries.com