Schroder PowerBend Professional 3200
Ballscrew Guys called in for service on a Schroder PowerBend Professional 3200 sheet metal folding machine. This CNC folder has servos and ball screws on both the right and left-hand sides. Although we were called in because of issues on the left side motion system, it is vital and important to make sure that both the left and right side ball screws have equal preload and drag torque. This is essential for quality folding performance and safe operation of the machine. If the left and right are not equally balanced, the side you repaired will become dominant, accelerating the wear on the alternate ball screw and ball bearing assembly.
Left side vertical ball screw assembly. Notice the grease fitting. The lubrication preventative maintenance was missed on this assembly. Perhaps from the day the machine was installed. When Ballscrew Guys was called in to service this, we found it heavily greased. Fresh grease. But it was way too late. The ball bearings inside were already growling. To service and refurbish the ball screws on these machines, there is perhaps a full day of machine disassembly. Same for reassembly. Because the left and right ball screws and servos must be timed properly, a CNC technician familiar with Schroder operating and controller systems may be required after ball screw service.