Angular Contact Thrust Bearings ( TAC-Series )

Angular Contact ball screw thrust bearings are usually used as preloaded combinations. The standard preload designation in a bearing combination is C10 for metric series. However, Okuma does have thrust bearings specified with special preloads for their application. Care should be taken when trying to substitute or obtain TAC bearings from local distributors.

Construction

Fig. 2-1

The faces of ball screw thrust bearings are precisely ground to achieve a specified preload when the set is axially assembled and tightened. The bore and outside diameters within a set are selectively matched to much less that tolerance class PN7A so that bearings loads are distributed evenly.

1. Thrusting
All TAC bearings as used for ball screws have two different faces known as the FACE and BACK. As shown in Fig. 2-2, the face side of the bearing inner and outer races are offset axially where the inner race is extended compared to the outer race. Also note that the back can be identified by the way the inner race is recessed compared to the outer race. Therefore, the bearing has a diffident thrust direction as indicated by the thrust lines passing through the balls form the face of the inner race to the back of the outer race.

Thrust DU

Stick Out

Back Force
Force Face
Stick Out

Preload
Stick Out of Inner & Outer Races

2. Preload

Fig. 2-2

As mentioned above, preload is obtained by precisely grinding the faces of each race for a specific amount. For example, a 35TAC72B C10 bearing will have 3800 Newton Meters of preload.

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Composition of Bearing Numbers

DB Arangement
NSK 30TAC62DBPN7A

DB Arangement
NTN BNT7206T2DB/GNP4

Fa

Fa
Preload

Fa

Fa
Preload

60 Degree Angular Contact

30 Degree Angular Contact

NSK 30 TAC 62 DB C10 PN7A

Accuracy Symbol Preload Symbol Combination Symbol Outside Diameter (mm) Bearing Type (Contact Angle, 60) Bearing Bore Diameter (mm)

NTN BNT 7 2 06 * T2 DB / GN P4
Tolerance: Preload: Arrangement: Cage: Contact Angle: Bore Diameter: Size: Series: Prefix: ISO class 4 Normal Preload Duplex pair, back to back mounting Plastic cage, nyolin or teflon 30 (blank) 30 mm Angular contact ball bearing High Speed angular contact

Class
The Standard NSK bearing tolerance class is PN7A. It conforms to ISO Class 4 for radial bearings except that a more strigent standard is used for the axial runout of the inner and outer races. In case of universal-combination bearings (SU type), Class PN7B is used. No symbol: P6: P5: P4: ISO class 0........ ISO class 6........ ISO class 5........ ISO class 4........ ( ABEC 1) ( ABEC 3) ( ABEC 5) ( ABEC 7) 2-2
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.PN7A & PN7B

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Preload
Duplex thrust bearings use a matched set of two bearings clamped solidly together on the ball screw shaft. In order to achieve proper preload the thrust bearing lock nut must be tightened with sufficient torque to cause the faces of the two inner races to come together. In that way specified preload is achieved.

Duplex Back-to-Back 25TAC42DB

Fa
Preload

Fa

Fig. 2-3

TAC Bearing Assembly Loaded

Lock Nut
Zero Clearance

Ball Screw

Zero Clearance

Fig. 2-4

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Bearing Combinations
Figures 2-5 and 2-6 show the various bearing combinations and their thrusting designations. The most common configurations Okuma uses for ball screws is the back-to-back DB. However, Tandem DT, Triplex DFD and DBD arrangements are also used. as show in Fig. 2-5 and 2-6. It is important to observe the correct mounting of the set. Bearings marked as DB will only thrust properly when arranged back-to-back. As shown here, a V is marked on the periphery of each set to insure correct installation.

Duplex Arrangements
DF DB DT

Face- to- Face arrangement

Back- to- Back arrangement

Tandem arrangement

Fig. 2-5

Triplex Arrangements
DFD

DTD

DBD

Fig. 2-6

2-4
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Other Combinations
Universal ground types are designated as SU or DU sets, can be assembled in any of the basic configurations ( DF, DB, DT ), or used alone. Tolerance Class PN7B is specified to reduce the bore and outside diameter variations within any resulting set. A V mark is sometimes scribed to indicate proper preloading direction. Okuma does not recommend using DU or SU sets due to required bearing preloads for any given axis, unless they are supplied by them. If standard SU sets are used, resulting axis backlash, (lost Motion) may be greater than normal. If a DU or SU set is used, proper configuration must still be observed, otherwise positioning accuracy, lost motion, and performance will be greatly affected.

SU set:

Single bearing in one box. May be installed with any other SU bearing from another box in any combination or direction. LESS ACCURACY. Two matched bearings in one box. May be installed in any combination or direction. BETTER ACCURACY.

DU set:

Universal Sets / Flush Ground Type

DB Configuration DF Configuration

DU / SU
Force
Force
Preload

DU / SU
Force
Force

Back - to - Back

Preload

Fig. 2-7

Face - to - Face

Fig. 2-8 2-5 Machine Tool Systems, Inc.

Ball Screw Thrust Bearings.pub

TAC Bearing Installation

Correct mounting of thrust bearings is essential to proper operation. Care must be taken to ensure that the set is put together in the right configuration. Most all precision thrust bearing sets have a scribed V mark to indicate the correct arrangement. Figure 2-9 shows a 2-bearing set in a DB configuration. This set can only be assemble in this manner to function properly, otherwise they will not load up correctly.

V Mark
Also, the V mark indicates the proper DIRECTION of mounting. With duplex sets the small end of the V should always points toward the BALL SCREW NUT. The lock nut should be against at the large end.

Ball Nut

V Mark

DB
Fig. 2-9

Figure 2-10 shows a triplex, (3-Bearing) set in the DFD configuration. Again, observe the proper mounting arrangement. The V mark may or may not point toward the ball screw nut depending upon the axis and machine involved. Please observe how the old bearings come out during disassembly.

NOTE: Triplex sets are also used on tailstock live quill shafts.

DFD Fig. 2-10

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Run-Out Marks
Precision thrust bearings also have o marks scribed on the faces of the inner and outer races as shown in Fig. 2-11. These circle marks identify the position of maximum run-out in the bearing and great care must be taken during mounting to install the bearings correctly Outer race point of maximum run-out Inner race point of maximum run-out

Fig. 2-11

Installing Bearings with Circle Marks

Why are circle marks important?
When bearings are assembled, the run-out marks are used to minimize the effective runout in the set. If this is not done correctly, bearing life, accuracy, and performance will be greatly affected. Install the bearings on the shaft with circle marks on the inner race in-line with the shaft keyway.

Effect:
When two bearings are assembled where the points of maximum run-out on the inner races are aligned in a radial manner the total effective run-out will be at its lowest amount. If the marks are not aligned properly, then the two bearings will oppose each other causing Wobble which will lead to premature wear. Lock Nut Keyway

Wrong

Fig. 2-12 2-7 Machine Tool Systems, Inc.

Ball Screw Thrust Bearings.pub

Checking TAC Bearing Preload

1. Preload of the TAC bearing set must be checked prior to assembly. This is done by first measuring the depth of the housing bearing bore, Dimension A, Fig. 2-13 2. Next, place the bearing set on the end cap and measure dimension B, Fig. 2-14 The proper difference between dimensions A and B is where B is longer than A by .100 mm ~ .127 mm. ( .004 ~ .005 )

B = ( A +.100 ~ .127 mm )

Measure

Measure

Fig. 2-13

Fig. 2-14 3. If dimension B is more than .2 mm ( .008 ) longer than A, then the face of the cap must be ground. 4. If dimension B is equal to A, or is shorter, then the shoulder must be turned. Grind the cap face if too long Turn the shoulder if too short

Note: The shoulder and Face must be parallel within .005 mm ( .0002 )

Fig. 2-15

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Housing
The bearing housing must be installed on the ball screw shaft prior to installing the TAC bearings. Ensure that the housing is clean and stone the face. Also if there is a ball screw bellows or spring steel cover be sure to install it first. Slip the Housing over the ball screw being careful not to damage the seal when sliding over the ball groves. The housing face should be past the bearing shoulder.

Housing Seal Stone

Fig. 2-16

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Bearing Preperation
Handling and Installation
Improper handling prior to and during installation can easily damage the performance and life of the bearings. It is necessary that certain precautions are taken to prevent such damage. The most important factor to keep in mind when handling bearings is cleanliness. Every effort should be taken to keep them clean.

Lubrication
TAC bearings come carefully packaged with special grease or oil to prevent oxidation. This packing grease will have to be washed from the bearing very carefully. Use a solvent suitable for cleaning bearings which is very clean. However, cleaning the protective lubricant from new bearings should only be done at the last possible moment. Packing each bearing with the proper grease should be done immediately after cleaning. If they are not to be immediately installed, then they must be placed in a clean plastic bag until such time as they are mounted. Bearings should be cleaned, packed, and installed in as close to a clean room environment as possible. Dirty conditions in the bearing installation area can easily lead to contamination and premature failure.

Recommended Lubricant
NSK and NTN bearings should be greased with a lithium soap based grease such as NSK No. 1 or No. 2 grease. These are available from your NSK bearing distributor. However, any high quality EP-No. 2 bearing grease will work if it is lithium soap based.

How Much?
The saying More Grease Is Better cant be further from the truth. Excess grease packing can be as detrimental as not enough. Excessive grease causes increased friction which results in rapid heat generation. This may lead to unexpected failure when operated at high speeds. Since ballscrews rotate at relatively low speeds, there is not a specific amount of grease to pack into each bearing. However a good rule of thumb is to fill each bearing approximately 75 ~ 80% full. The use of protective Nitrail gloves is recommended so not to contaminate the grease with the hands.

Fig. 2-17

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Bearing Installation
After the bearings have been packed with grease, and the shaft has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected for burrs, they are now ready to be mounted to the shaft. As mentioned, the points of maximum run-out and V marks must be aligned with the ball screw properly. The lock nut keyway may be used as a reference guide to insure proper installation as shown in Fig. 2-18. Keyway Reference

Insure shaft is clean and free of burrs.

Fig. 2-18

Proper assembly procedures and tools such as bearing sleeves will avoid damage to the bearings during mounting. When a a bearing is pressed on a shaft, the inner race must be started squarely. A cocked race may score the shaft and damage the bearing. The bearing must not be tapped in place with direct blows on the bearing race. The preferred practice of mounting the bearings is to use a sleeve to tap the bearings on the shaft as seen in figure 2-19. The bearings may also be heated to expand the inner race and pushed up onto the shaft. However, this must be done very quickly or the race will shrink on the shaft before the bearings are seated. If that happens, finish by tapping with a sleeve as illustrated.

Tap Lightly

Fig. 2-19 Bearing Mounting Sleeve

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Installing Lock Nut & Housing

1. Install the spacer collar and lock nut. If the lock nut binds, tap lightly around the outside diameter of the nut to re-form the threads. 2. Fully tighten the nut. The outer races should be trusted at this time. 3. Slowly rotate the bearing set to feel for tight spots, ( ratcheting ). If tight spots are felt then the bearings are not seated on the shoulder properly, or the nut is too tight. 4. Loosen the lock nut and snug it back up. Do not fully tighten at this time.
Lock Nut

Collar

5. Rotate the outer races where the V lines up with the key way. 6. Slide the bearing housing up over the bearings until the face is just flush with the front of the bearings. 7. Torque the lock nut until it is tight. 8. Install the copper set pieces, and set screws and tighten fully. 9. Feel for tight spots in the bearings as before. Bearings should feel stiff but smooth. Bearing / Shaft run-out will have to be adjusted later.

Thick Face

Fig. 2-20

Housing Set Screw

Copper Set Piece

Fig. 2-21

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Installing Bearing Lock Nut Washers

Older lathes use precision lock washers to secure the lock nut instead of set screws. The inner tab must be bent to fit the shaft keyway prior to installing on the shaft. Take care not to tare the edges when bending. 1. 2. 3. First install and tighten the lock nut without the washer. This will seat the bearings. Remove the lock nut. Before installing the lock nut, apply a small amount of grease to the face of the lock nut. This will help prevent damage to the lock washer when the nut is torqued.

Bearing Lock Washer

4. 5.

Install the lock washer and lock nut and torque the nut with a spanner wrench. After tightening the lock nut, the lock washer must be bent down into the slot on the lock nut. The preferred method of bending is illustrated in figures 22, and 23. First start the bend with a screw driver as shown in figure 2-22. A dowel pin is then used to complete the bend with a large pair of Channel Lock pliers. This will make a very smooth bend and avoid tearing the washer.

6. 7.

Dowel Pin Smooth Bend Start Bend With Screw Driver

08 AN

Fig. 2-23

!
CAUTION

Never bend the washer down using a punch and hammer!! Fig. 2-22 2 - 13 Machine Tool Systems, Inc.
Ball Screw Thrust Bearings.pub

Installing Housing End Cap

The end cap was checked and adjusted as necessary prior to this step, however the TAC bearing preload should be re-checked at this time. 1. Install end cap with mounting bolts just snug. 2. With feeler gauges, check preload clearance between the face of the cap and face of the housing. There should be .100 mm ~ .127 mm ( .004 ~ .005 ) clearance. If clearance is not correct, then the end cap will have to be adjusted by grinding or turning its faces as before.

Preload Clearance .100 ~ .127mm ( .004 ~ .005" )

Housing

End Cap

Fig. 2-24

Fig. 2-25 Fig. 2-26 3. If preload clearance is OK, then torque all mounting bolts to 75% of their rated torque as noted in a bolt torque chart for metric class 12.9 bolts.

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Adjusting TAC Bearing Run-Out

After TAC bearing installation, it is necessary to correct for run-out that is produced when the lock nut is tightened. Tightening the lock nut causes uneven load around the face of the bearing race which is due to the thread pitch. Uneven stress on the bearings can be eliminated in the following procedure.
0

Pipe Plug

Procedure
Run-out in the TAC bearings is corrected by rotating the ball screw and locating the point of maximum radial run-out. At this point, the lock nut is lightly taped to relive the stress in the nut. 1. Set up an indicator to indicate the ball screw as shown in Fig. 2-27. 2. Slowly rotate the ball screw and find the point of maximum run-out.
Tap Screw Driver with Hammer. Do not remove End Cap

50

50

Fig. 2-27

3. On newer lathes, the end cap has an access hole above the lock nut. Remove the pipe plug to gain access. 4. Insert a screw driver thru the hole and lightly tap the nut at the closes slot in-line with the high point as shown in figures 28, and 29.
Pipe Plug

Place screw drive blade in slot.

Tighten 5. Continue checking and tapping the nut until the total run-out is below .005 mm (.0004). Fig. 2-28
08 N A

Fig. 2-29

High Point

Tap the lock nut in a clockwise direction only. DO NOT hit straight down, or the bearings may be damaged. 2 - 15 Machine Tool Systems, Inc.
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Support End Radial Bearings

In some cases, support end radial bearings are also marked with a point of maximum run-out . Anytime these circle marks are present, proper orientation is important.

Why Care About Orientation ?

Effects of ignoring proper bearing installation can be illustrated in figure 2-27. When installing the TAC bearings and support end bearings on a ball screw, it is important to align each bearing set with their circle marks in-line with each other at each end of the shaft. In that way the total combined run-out can be kept at a minimum. Use the keyways on the ball screw as a guide to mount the bearings. Align circle marks Point of Maximum Run-Out on the outer race with the top of each housing.
on Inner Race

Unlike Angular Contact Thrust bearings, Radial Ball bearings do not have a scribed V on the outer race.
Mis-Matched Run-Out Marks Mis-Matched Run-Out Marks

Excessive Total Run-Out

TAC Bearing

Ball Nut

Radial Bearings

Matched Run-Out Marks

Minimal Run-Out

Matched Run-Out Marks

Fig. 2-27 1. Install each bearing as shown in figure 2-28. 2. After installing the bearings, secure them with the lock nut and washer. However, do not install the pulley at this time.
Pulley Locknut Woodruff Key Radial Bearings
Keyway 6205LLB Circle Mark

Fig. 2-28

Collar

Collar

LC-Series Fig. 2-29

Lockwasher

Use bearing sleeve to install bearings.

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3. After tightening the locknut and securing it with the lock washer, it is necessary to adjust the shaft run-out as shown previously.

0 + 50 50

Adjust run-out to within .005 mm (.0002) T.I.R.

Fig. 2-30

Tap nut at HIGH point.

4. Continue assembly, check and adjust pulley face run-out as shown in figure 2-31.

Adjust run-out within .020 mm (.0008) T.I.R.

50

0 + 50

Tap nut at HIGH point. Fig. 2-31

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Ball Screws With Couplings

With precision drive couplings it is very important to reduce the amount of run-out at the end of the ball screw to as low a value as possible. Maximum allowable is .005mm ( .0002 ) T.I.R., but try to get it down to .002mm ( .0001 ) T.I.R. if possible.
0 + 50 50

.005mm ( .0002 ) T.I.R. Maximum Run-Out

Motor Coupling

Fig. 2-32
After adjusting the shaft run-out, install the motor with coupling as follows. 1. Install the motor and check to see if the motor shaft will rotate without binding. 2. Indicate the coupling ring at the ball screw end and adjust the total run-out within .010mm ( .0004 ) T.I.R. by tightening each compression ring bolt a little at a time. ( Cross torque each bolt 1/4 turn at a time ). 3. Indicate the coupling ring at the motor end and adjust the run-out as in the same manner. Run-out must not be more than .010 mm or binding will occur.

Indicate Rings Here

Tighten These Bolts

Fig. 2-33

Check Run-Out Above Each Bolt

50

0 + 50 50

0 + 50

Fig. 2-34 2 - 18
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