Industry Information

As an efficient and precise transmission element, ball screw selection is a critical step in mechanical design. The following are key selection factors: Key Parameter Matching: Axial Load: Determine the maximum dynamic and static load requirements, and accordingly select the screw’s nominal diameter (which determines load capacity) and nut type. Load is the foundation of […]

Supplier Selection Software/Online Tools: (Highly Recommended) Most well-known ball screw manufacturers (such as THK, HIWIN, NSK, SKF, and Bosch Rexroth) offer free selection software or online calculators. Enter parameters such as load, speed, stroke, accuracy, and lifespan, and the software will automatically calculate the recommended model, verify critical speed, buckling load, and lifespan. It’s very

Selecting a Support Unit (Bearing Housing): Fixed End (Drive End): An angular contact ball bearing pair (typically back-to-back DB or face-to-face DF) capable of supporting both axial and radial loads must be used and preloaded. Maximum axial load must be supported. Supported End (Non-Drive End): Fixed-Fixed: Fixed bearing housings are used on both ends. This

· Select the screw diameter and lead based on the calculated results: Using the calculated Ca_req and the determined Ph, consult the supplier’s catalog. Find a screw nominal diameter series that satisfies Ca > Ca_req (e.g., Φ12, Φ16, Φ20, Φ25, etc.). Confirm that this diameter and lead combination meets the critical speed Nc > n

· Load: Type: Is it a thrust load (along the screw axis)? A radial load? Or a torque load? Size: What is the maximum load? (Newtons or kilograms-force (kgf)) Direction: Is the load direction constant? Is it bidirectional? Variation: Is the load constant, fluctuating, or impactful? Point of application: Where does the load act on

Ball Screws vs. Sliding Screws: Ball screws offer advantages in efficiency, precision, speed, and lifespan, but they are more expensive. Sliding screws have a simpler structure, lower cost, and self-locking (trapezoidal thread). They are suitable for low-precision, light-load, low-speed applications requiring self-locking, or cost-sensitive applications. Ball Screws vs. Planetary Roller Screws: Planetary roller screws use

Proper Installation: Ensure concentricity between the screw, drive motor, and support bearings (avoid bending stress). Ensure that the support bearings can withstand appropriate axial and radial loads (angular contact bearings are commonly used). Avoid radial forces and bending moments on the screw. The nut seat must be sufficiently rigid. Adequate Lubrication: This is critical to

CNC Machine Tools: Feed axis drives (X, Y, and Z axes) require high precision, high rigidity, and high speed. Industrial Robots: Joint drives (especially linear joints) require compactness, high precision, and high responsiveness. Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment: Photolithography machines, wafer handling, and testing equipment require ultra-high precision, ultra-high cleanliness, and smooth motion. Precision Measuring Instruments: Coordinate

By Circulation Method: Internal Circulation: Balls circulate inside the nut through a deflector. This offers a compact design and a small nut outer diameter, but the deflector passage is complex and the ball capacity is relatively small. External Circulation: Balls circulate outside the nut through a tube or end cap. This design is relatively simple,

Lead: The linear distance (mm/rev) the nut travels per one screw rotation (360°). It is the primary parameter that determines travel speed and resolution. Small lead: High resolution, high thrust (at the same torque), and low travel speed. Large lead: High travel speed, low resolution, and low thrust (at the same torque). Nominal diameter: The