Mechanical and Electrical Power Losses in Feed Drive Systems Driven by Ball Screw

Abstract

This paper investigates the mechanical and electrical power losses in the feed drive systems driven by an AC servo motor and a ball-screw. The electric power consumption of the servo motor has been measured for several velocities and loads and the efficiency map has been drawn. The velocity dependent power consumption of each component; bearings, ball-screw nut, and linear guides has also been identified. Four ball-screws differing for the lead and the preload have been tested. Finally it is clarified that the total power consumption of the system is determined as a balance of the mechanical and electrical power losses.