Automated Burnishing Machine

Scope
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.

Background
Lead screws are used to operate the elevation and windage adjustments on the riflescope and are hand burnished to achieve minimal backlash. This fitment is a critical part of the riflescopes 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

Project Description
Nightforce optics prides themselves on there precision, and reliability and feel of their rifle scopes. All of which rely on precision lead screws for precision adjustments. Currently part of the manufacturing process of Nightforce lead screws is still done by manual labor and is not automated. Hand finished lead screws result in the well known feel and accuracy of a Nightforce turret that automation could not produce. The goal of team M-Rad from the University of Idaho is to design and build a machine that will replicate the manual hand 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.

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.

Document Archive

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