There are two different ways to design a part or component. The most common way is through a process known as forward engineering. In this type of process, the engineer or the design team create a concept for a system and then designs each unique part and component to fit within the system.
The other option and one that is often required in retrofitting old systems or equipment is a process known as reverse engineering. In this process, the engineer has the final part or component and is charged with the task of determining the best way to make it from the final component back to the concept stage.
In older systems and equipment, often a ball nut or a ball nut assembly is present, but it may be damaged or incomplete. In some cases, the ball screw may be present, with the need to create the corresponding ball nut. This is very common for original equipment where the OEM is no longer in business or no longer maintains an inventory of parts for the system.
The Process
To reverse engineer a ball nut, it will be important to work with a company with the engineering capability as well as the precision CNC machining services to provide the necessary part.
In most cases, and with top companies, computer software will be instrumental in completing a CAD/CAM drawing of the ballscrew and the corresponding new ball nut. This software can be used to virtually test the design, ensuring the part produced will be the correct one for the specific ballscrew.
With precision CNC machining, the part produced will be the ideal fit for both the ball screw as well as the application. The added benefit is that the computer file can be saved indefinitely, creating a blueprint for any additional replacement parts required at a later time.
