Types Of Ball Screw
A ball screw is a mechanical component that converts rotational motion into linear motion. It’s commonly used in machines and systems that require precise and smooth movement, such as CNC machines, robotics, and automation equipment. With our industry experience, we’ll cover the different types of ball screws and explain their specific uses to help you choose the right one for your project in this post.
What Is Ball Screw?
A ball screw consists of a threaded shaft and a nut that contains ball bearings. These ball bearings roll between the nut and the shaft, reducing friction and making the movement smooth and efficient. Ball screws are often used in applications where high precision and low friction are required.
Their design helps convert rotary motion into linear motion accurately, making them an essential part of various machines and systems. Ball screws are ideal for applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, robotics, and manufacturing, where precise movement is critical.
Now that you know what a ball screw is, you can learn more about ball screw, feel free to check the differences between ball screw and lead screw, how to pick ball screw, common causes of ball screw failures. Let’s dive into the different types of ball screws and their unique features.
Different Types of Ball Screw
Ball screws come in several variations, each type of ball screw has its own strengths and is suited for different types of projects. Choosing the right type depends on factors like speed, load, precision, and space requirements.
Rolled Ball Screws
Rolled ball screws are made by rolling the threads onto the shaft. This process makes them more affordable compared to other types of ball screws. They are suitable for light to medium load applications and are often found in everyday machinery, such as 3D printers, simple linear actuators, and small CNC machines. While they may not offer the same level of precision as ground ball screws, they are a cost-effective choice for less demanding applications.
Ground Ball Screws
Ground ball screws are made by grinding the threads after they have been formed. This process makes the threads smoother and more precise, providing a higher level of accuracy. Ground ball screws are typically used in high-precision applications, such as CNC machines, where tight tolerances and smooth motion are essential. These ball screws can handle higher loads and are more durable than rolled ball screws, making them ideal for industries that require reliable performance over time.
Miniature Ball Screws
Miniature ball screws are smaller in size compared to standard ball screws. They are designed for compact systems where space is limited, such as in medical equipment, small robots, and handheld devices. Despite their small size, miniature ball screws still provide the same high precision and efficiency as larger models.
High Lead Ball Screws
High lead ball screws have a larger lead angle, which means they can move faster compared to standard ball screws. This makes them ideal for applications where speed is more important than high precision, such as in packaging systems, conveyors, and some types of automation. While they may not be as precise as ground ball screws, high lead ball screws are perfect for applications that require rapid linear motion without the need for extremely tight tolerances.
Double Nut Ball Screws
Double nut ball screws feature two nuts instead of one, which helps reduce backlash. Backlash is the slight movement or delay that occurs when the load direction changes. Double nut ball screws are designed for applications where minimal backlash is essential for accurate positioning. They are commonly used in high-precision systems, such as robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-performance CNC machines. The double nut design helps improve overall system accuracy by ensuring that the nut remains in constant contact with the ball bearings, reducing any play in the system.
We are a professional linear motion products factory. If you are looking for a reliable manufacturer to help with your project, please feel free to contact us.