Investigation into the Contact Load and Fatigue Life of the Dual Ball Screw Drive System in a Gantry Machine Tool under Operational Conditions

doi:10.3901/JME.260417

Abstract

Abstract: The fixed gantry machine tool, featuring vertical beam movement, is propelled by a dual ball screw system. A contact load analysis model for the dual ball screw drive system is developed, focusing on the issues of load distribution and fatigue life. This study elucidates the contact load distribution mechanism and analyzes the fatigue life of the system. Initially, a calculation model for the axial load of the dual ball screw drive system is proposed, taking into account the influence of guide rail tolerance and slide position. Subsequently, utilizing Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the radial deformation of the ball screw pair under contact load is analyzed. Furthermore, a contact load distribution model for the dual ball screw drive system under operational conditions is established. The validity of the ball screw contact load distribution model is corroborated through comparison with a finite element model. Building upon these findings, the study reveals the influence mechanism of nut and slide positions on the contact load distribution and fatigue life of the ball screw pair. Additionally, the fatigue life of the dual ball screw drive system under gantry machine tool operational conditions is predicted. These results provide reliable data support and a theoretical foundation for the optimal design and long-term stable operation of the dual ball screw drive system.

Key words: gantry machine tool, ball screw, guide rail tolerance, contact load, fatigue life

CLC Number:

TG156

ZUO Weiliang, CHEN Chuanhai, LIU Zhifeng, YAN Haoming, QI Baobao, GUO Jinyan, ZHANG Yang. Investigation into the Contact Load and Fatigue Life of the Dual Ball Screw Drive System in a Gantry Machine Tool under Operational Conditions[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2026, 62(9): 215-227.

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URL: http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/10.3901/JME.260417

http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/Y2026/V62/I9/215

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