Ball Screw

A ball screw is a mechanical linear actuator that translates rotational motion into precise linear motion. It consists of a threaded shaft (screw) and a nut with ball bearings that recirculate through the mechanism, reducing friction and enabling high efficiency and accuracy.

Key Components of a Ball Screw

Screw Shaft – A precision-ground threaded rod that rotates to move the nut linearly.
Nut – Contains recirculating ball bearings that roll along the screw threads.
Ball Bearings – Reduce friction and allow smooth motion transfer.
Return System – Guides balls back in a closed loop (recirculation).
End Supports – Bearings or blocks that support the screw shaft.

How It Works

When the screw rotates, the balls roll along the helical grooves.
The nut moves linearly along the screw with minimal friction due to the rolling action of the balls.
The balls are continuously recirculated inside the nut via a return channel.

Advantages of Ball Screws

High Efficiency (90% or more, compared to 20-50% for lead screws)
Low Friction – Reduced wear and heat generation
High Precision & Repeatability – Ideal for CNC machines, robotics, and aerospace
Long Lifespan – Durable with proper lubrication
Smooth Motion – Minimal backlash

Feature	Ball Screw	Lead Screw
Efficiency	High (90%)	Low (20-50%)
Friction	Rolling (low)	Sliding (high)
Precision	Very High	Moderate
Backlash	Adjustable (preload possible)	More inherent backlash
Cost	Higher	Lower
Lifespan	Longer	Shorter

Types of Ball Screws

Rolled Ball Screws – Cost-effective, lower precision (common in industrial uses).
Ground Ball Screws – High precision, used in CNC and aerospace.
Preloaded Ball Screws – Eliminates backlash for critical applications.

Maintenance Tips

Lubrication (grease or oil) to extend lifespan.
Dust Protection (bellows or seals) to prevent contamination.
Regular Inspection for wear or damage.

Visitor Statistics by Year

Year	Unique Visitors	Page Views
2025	9	11

Update Date: 2025-09-15 12:28:37 Update