Automated Burnishing Machine

Design, fabricate, and test automated method to burnish lead screw threads. This device should be able to burnish lead screw threads automatically with minimal user input and be able to achieve repeatability in thread backlash and torque to a finite amount.

Return to contents

Background
Lead screws are used to operate the windage and elevation adjustments on riflescopes they are manually burnished to achieve minimal backlash. This fitment is a critical part of the riflescope's performance. This is a time consuming process involves manually running the lead screw in and out of the mating part until proper fitment is achieved. This has to be done for each mated set of parts. Being able to substantially reduce burnishing time would leave machine shop resources available for other projects on the Nightforce manufacturing floor.

Return to contents

Project Description


Nightforce optics prides themselves on their precision, reliability and feel of their rifle scopes. All of which rely on lead screws for precision adjustments. The elevation and windage adjustments are done by turning the dials on the top and sides of the scope. The dials contain a lead screw screw and bucket assembly to make the adjustments. Currently a manufacturing process of the lead screws is done manually. A hand finished Nightforce turret is well known for the its feel and accuracy. Team M-Rad's goal from the University of Idaho is to design and build a machine that will replicate the manual process that produces a quintessential Nightforce lead screw. The device will need to be user friendly, and possess the ability to measure torque and linear backlash of the final product. The end result will allow one manufacturer to simultaneously work on multiple lead screws at once while maintaining Nightforce precision and reliability.

Return to contents

Project Goal
To design and prototype automated burnishing device which is simple to operate, adjustable to different turret models and capable of burnishing to a specified torque and backlash.

Return to contents �

Deliverable
The expected result is a proof of concept machine capable of successfully burnishing in a variety of lead screws to the agreed upon spec. The design should show a repeatable result and be able to output data regarding the burnishing operation.

Return to contents

Final prototype
Return to contents

Team Members
Return to contents

Document Archive
[[Media:M-Rad Meeting Minutes Fall 16.pdf | Fall 16]]
 * Meeting Minutes

[[Media:MRAD Preliminary Design Review.pdf |Design Review]]
 * Presentations


 * Other Project Docs

Return to contents