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Mathews Machinery SolutionsMATHEWS MACHINERYSOLUTIONS

Linear Scale, Ballscrew, and Spindle Service

The precision components that decide whether your machine holds size and finish. MMS diagnoses, repairs, and replaces linear scales, ballscrews, and spindles on precision CNC grinders.

When a grinder starts losing repeatability or surface finish, the answer usually lives in one of these three subsystems. A failing linear scale degrades position feedback. A worn ballscrew loses repeatability and backlash spec. A bearing that has started to fault changes runout and finish in ways that look like a control problem until you measure it.

We diagnose with instruments, not assumption. Ballscrew repeatability measured on a laser interferometer or test indicator. Spindle runout measured against published tolerance. Scale signal quality verified against HEIDENHAIN or Fanuc spec.

What we measure on a scale, ballscrew, or spindle visit

Ballscrew backlash, repeatability, and reversal error across the full axis travel.

Spindle runout at the wheel mount, at temperature, against published OEM tolerance.

Linear scale signal amplitude, phase, and noise. Encoder count integrity at speed.

Mounting integrity. A scale or screw that has loosened against the casting produces intermittent error that no electronics replacement will fix.

Scope of work

  • Linear scale diagnostics, repair, and replacement (HEIDENHAIN, Fanuc, others)
  • Ballscrew repeatability and backlash measurement
  • Ballscrew replacement and alignment
  • Spindle runout measurement against OEM tolerance
  • Spindle service and bearing replacement
  • Coupling and drive train alignment
  • Documented before/after measurements

Machines and brands covered

We have hands-on experience on the following platforms (this is not an exhaustive list):

KellenbergerStuderJones & ShipmanHauserUSACHOkamotoPalmarySupertecTschudin

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if it is the scale, the ballscrew, or the spindle?

Symptoms overlap, which is why we measure rather than guess. A ballscrew problem changes repeatability axis-by-axis. A spindle problem changes finish and roundness. A scale problem produces position error or alarms. We bring the instruments and rule the wrong ones out.

Request this service

Tell us the machine and what is happening. We will route it to the right field technician.

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Losing size or finish?

We measure the precision components and tell you exactly which one is the cause.