If you are using laser cutters in your production facility that boasts an X-axis ball screw, you likely already know how important it is that the implement is perfectly maintained. If the ball screw is not properly tightened or aligned, it can throw off the entire laser-cutting process. Plus, the units often have to be replaced or refurbished after long periods of use. 

Many business owners assume that they can handle the adjustments, refurbishing, replacements, or realignments of these implements on their own, but it is a better idea to trust a professional for help. Take a quick look at some of the reasons you may need a professional when you need help with an X-axis ball screw on your laser-cutting equipment. 

If you fix only the ball screw, the accuracy can still be out of alignment. 

One of the biggest problems with working on an out-of-alignment ball screw is that just adjusting the ball screw itself may not always realign the X-axis of the unit. The whole process of alignment has to be an all-inclusive effort. In other words, the slightest adjustment to the ball screw will mean having to make an adjustment to the X-axis of the unit in order to achieve the proper alignment overall. The Y-axis is fixed and stable on one side of the machine, so it will not need any adjustment or attention. However, if the ball screw has become damaged to an extent that it could affect the Y-axis, this too will need to be adjusted. 

The alignment or refurbishing process can take several hours to complete. 

Most professionals who work on things like Cincinnati X-axis ball screws will tell you that it can take an entire production shift to get the work done. If it takes this long for professionals to complete the work who have plenty of knowledge and experience, you can pretty much count on it being a long process for anyone who has little experience. If you do not want to risk having a laser cutter out of service for a really long time, it is best to trust the work to professionals. 

Overall, work that needs to be done to laser cutting machines and equipment can get really complicated, especially when it comes to an X-axis ball screw. Reach out to an industrial equipment supplier for more information about replacement units or how to get in touch with a repair professional.