How to Prepare a Ball Screw RFQ When You Only Have Old Part Photos

Quick answer

Old part photos can start an RFQ, but they must be paired with diameter, lead, overall length, thread length, end dimensions, nut direction, and mounting hole positions. Photos help identify structure; dimensions decide quotation and machining feasibility. Missing either side leaves too much guesswork.

You can start an RFQ with only old part photos

Repair buyers often do not have a complete drawing. They may only have old part photos, machine photos, or a removed ball screw. Photos help the supplier understand the structure, but photos cannot replace dimensions. The RFQ still needs diameter, lead, overall length, and thread length, plus nut information.

Take an overall photo and both end details first

The first photo should show the full screw, including nut position, both ends, and any visible bending or damage. Then take both end details: bearing journals, shoulders, lock threads, keyways, retaining grooves, and the coupling end.

Put a readable measuring reference in the photo

Place a ruler or caliper in the frame for diameter, lead, end shoulders, hole distance, and nut shape. Blurry photos, angled photos, or photos without scale are only useful for first review and should not be used as machining evidence.

Add installation and application context

If the machine is still on site, add the support model or installation dimensions, axis position, machine model, travel, load, and quantity. Also photograph nut shape, flange direction, and mounting hole positions because these decide whether the new part can fit the old mount.

Old-photo RFQ checklist

Overall photo, both end details, and front and side views of the nut.
Diameter, lead, overall length, and thread length, plus measurable end lengths.
Support model or installation dimensions, coupling end size, and machine use.
Nut shape, flange direction, and mounting hole positions, preferably photos with a ruler or caliper.

FAQ

**If the old part photos are clear, are measurements still needed?**

Yes. Clear photos help identify the structure, but diameter, lead, end lengths, and hole distance must be measured; otherwise the new part may look similar but fail at installation dimensions.

Next step

Turn this guide into an RFQ

When the specification direction is clear, send the details below together with quantity, lead time, and packing requirements.

Include these details

Old-part overall length, thread length, diameter, lead, and nut style.
Full old-part photos, both end details, nut flange, and mounting-hole photos.
Machine use, whether it is a like-for-like replacement, quantity, and lead time.

Send old-part photo RFQ View custom ball screw service