Modeling analysis and experimental study for the friction of a ball screw

•A new systematic creep analysis model to calculate the friction of ball screw was proposed.•The friction between the balls had been considered in theoretical model.•The parameters of ball screw have a nonlinear relationship with friction.•The spin ratio could create friction independent of other parameters.•The slipping item of Heathcote became the main factor on friction operating at high speed.

This paper aims to develop a new systematic creep analysis model to calculate the friction of a ball screw. In order to investigate the friction behavior better, a proper transformed coordinate system was established. Through the creep analysis and the principle of force balance, the creep parameters can be easily obtained, such as the vertical creep ratio, the horizontal creep ratio and the spin ratio acting on three contact areas. Based on roll contact theory, the ball screw friction can be predicted more accurately. The effectiveness of the creep analysis model is verified through experiments. Furthermore, the influence of the creep parameters on the ball screw friction and friction distribution will be discussed. The study not only provides a new perspective and approach for the study of ball screw friction, but also provides the theory basis for reasonably reducing the friction and improving the mechanical efficiency of a ball screw.