How to Photograph Ball Screw Nut Flange and Mounting Holes

Photograph the nut shape separately

Many replacement problems come from the nut shape, not the screw thread itself. Take a front view, side view, and angled top view of the nut so the supplier can see the flange, oil hole, mounting face, and nut length.

Flange direction must match the machine mount

The same screw diameter and lead may still fail if the flange direction is different. The photo should show which side of the nut has the flange, nut direction, whether the mounting face points toward the motor side, and whether dust protection or a special boss exists.

Mounting hole positions need a square photo

Photograph mounting hole positions perpendicular to the flange face and keep all holes in frame. Hole distance, hole diameter, counterbore, or threaded hole positions should be clear. If center height can be measured, state the center height and reference surface.

Use photos with a ruler or caliper

Use photos with a ruler or caliper for hole distance, outer diameter, flange thickness, and nut length. Do not cover the hole edge or mounting face, and keep caliper readings readable so the supplier does not estimate by photo scale.

Nut photo RFQ checklist

Front view, side view, angled top view of the nut, plus one full screw photo.
Flange direction, mounting face direction, oil hole position, and dust protection.
Mounting hole positions, hole distance, hole diameter, counterbore, or threaded hole details.
Center height, nut length, flange thickness, and nut housing space in the machine.

Typical buyer situations

This topic usually appears in distributor stocking, repair replacement, machine retrofit, automation projects, and drawing-based purchasing. If a buyer sends only one model number, the supplier cannot judge the real use, packing risk, or whether machining upgrades are needed.

Details to confirm before quotation

To reduce repeated questions, the RFQ should cover product specification, use case, and delivery expectations together. The following points can be copied into the RFQ form or email.

Purchase purpose: distributor stock, repair replacement, machine project, or sample testing.
Specification: diameter, lead, overall length, thread length, nut type, and quantity.
Machining: cut-to-length, end machining, and whether BK/BF, FK/FF, EK/EF, or other supports must be matched.
Delivery: target quantity, expected lead time, packing, labels, shipping method, and whether shipment photos are required.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is asking only for unit price without application, quantity, or packing details. Another is sending photos without dimensions. This turns quotation into guesswork and can create errors in end machining, nut matching, or long-part shipping.

Next step

If the specification is clear, submit an RFQ directly. If the model or accuracy grade is still uncertain, describe the machine use and old part details so the supplier can recommend a standard part, bar stock, cut-to-length, or end machining route.