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

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.

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.