11/09/2025
In CNC machines, the ball screw is a critical component responsible for precise linear motion. Proper lubrication and high-quality coolant are essential to protect the ball screw from wear and corrosion.
• Less lubrication: When lubrication is insufficient, the protective oil film on the ball screw surface becomes weak or disappears. Without this thin layer, the exposed metal is more vulnerable to oxidation and rust formation. Additionally, friction increases, which generates heat and accelerates surface damage, making the screw more susceptible to corrosion.
• Coolant quality: CNC coolant not only cools and flushes chips away but also provides a protective layer against rust. If the coolant is of poor quality, contaminated, or not maintained at the correct concentration, its anti-corrosion properties decline. This allows moisture and impurities (such as dissolved salts or bacteria) to directly attack the ball screw surface, promoting rust.
In summary, inadequate lubrication and low-quality coolant reduce the protective barriers on the ball screw, exposing it to moisture, oxygen, and contaminants. Over time, this leads to rust growth, which can affect precision, shorten machine life, and cause costly breakdowns.