Drive a Ballscrew with Sankyo RollerDrive Technology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjj8HTGyOyM

In high-precision automation, backlash is the enemy of accuracy, speed, and repeatability. Any play in the drive mechanism can create motion disturbances, longer settling times, and reduced positioning performance.

That is where Sankyo Automation’s RollerDrive technology stands apart.

Sankyo products are known for their zero-backlash mechanism, delivering smooth, controlled motion with no play in the drive system. When used to drive a ballscrew, this technology allows for precise linear motion and short, accurate positioning cycles.

Why Backlash Matters in Linear Motion

Ballscrews are commonly used in automation systems where rotary motion needs to be converted into linear motion. They are found in machine tools, assembly equipment, inspection systems, semiconductor equipment, packaging machinery, and other high-speed automation applications.

However, even a small amount of backlash in the drive system can impact performance.

Backlash can cause:

• Positioning error

• Vibration during motion

• Longer settling times

• Reduced repeatability

• Motion instability during acceleration and deceleration

  
  

For applications that require fast, accurate positioning, these issues can limit machine performance.

Zero-Backlash Motion with RollerDrive

The Sankyo RollerDrive uses a unique zero-backlash mechanism designed to eliminate play in the drive system. This allows the system to move into position quickly and accurately without the motion disturbances commonly associated with backlash.

When driving a ballscrew, this provides a major advantage: the system can achieve shorter positioning times while maintaining high precision.

Instead of waiting for the axis to settle after movement, RollerDrive technology helps create smoother, more controlled motion from start to stop.

Benefits of Driving a Ballscrew with RollerDrive

Using Sankyo RollerDrive technology to drive a ballscrew provides several important benefits for automation and machine builders.

Precision Linear Motion

The zero-backlash mechanism allows the ballscrew-driven axis to move with a high degree of accuracy. This is especially valuable in applications where the final position must be repeatable and reliable.

Short, Accurate Positioning

Because there is no play in the mechanism, the axis can position quickly without excessive correction or settling time. This helps improve cycle times while maintaining accuracy.

Reduced Motion Disturbance

Backlash can create unwanted movement during acceleration, deceleration, and direction changes. RollerDrive technology helps reduce those disturbances, creating smoother and more stable motion.

Improved Machine Performance

For manufacturers building high-speed automation systems, every fraction of a second matters. Shorter positioning time and stable motion can help improve throughput, quality, and overall equipment performance.

Ideal Applications

A RollerDrive-driven ballscrew can be valuable in applications that require fast, precise linear positioning, including:

• Automated assembly systems

• Pick-and-place equipment

• Inspection and measuring systems

• Machine tool automation

• Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing

• Packaging equipment

• Precision indexing and transfer systems

  
  

Anywhere linear motion needs to be both fast and accurate, backlash-free motion can make a measurable difference.

Built for Precision Automation

Sankyo Automation’s RollerDrive technology is designed for demanding motion control applications where accuracy, rigidity, and repeatability matter. By applying this proven zero-backlash mechanism to ballscrew-driven linear motion, machine builders can create systems that position faster, move smoother, and perform more reliably.

For applications requiring precision linear motion and short, accurate positioning, Sankyo RollerDrive technology provides a powerful solution.