A ball screw is a device that converts rotational motion into horizontal motion by using a nut that runs up and down a screw on ball bearings that travel in helical grooves. Ball screws are commonly used alongside linear slides and linear actuators to create the movement necessary to move parts and devices along a single axis.
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Ball screws translate torque into thrust through assemblies that consist of a screw and a nut. The threading of the screw and the threading of the nut match one another. Ball bearings roll in the grooves of the threads to provide a rolling friction and smooth motion. A deflector inside the nut's ball return system redirects the balls to the opposite end of the ball screw nut so that the balls are continuously recirculating. The screw is made from a strong metal like steel while the nut itself can be made of either plastic or metal. Ball screws remain beneficial for a variety of reasons. Ball screw assemblies offer high levels of efficiency that measure approximately 90% while maintaining low energy consumption levels. Numerous industries, including aerospace, computer, electronic, automotive and medical industries utilize ball screws in product applications. Ball screw manufacturers can create ball screws that are used in medical equipment, material handling equipment, conveyors and machine tools, robotic lines, precision assembly equipment, semiconductor manufacturing and fly by wire aircraft and missile control among many other product applications.
Ball screws can be manufactured using a variety of techniques. Common processes include conventional rolling, milling and grinding. The steel is usually cold rolled in order to maintain its strength before being cut and machined by milling machines that remove material to create precise threads. The ball screw is then ground to smooth any rough or sharp edges. The nuts are fabricated in a similar fashion. The length of the screw is the most crucial component in choosing a ball screw for the application. Ball screws are classified by diameter; often manufacturers have both metric and non-metric labels available. Important ball screw specifications include desired lifespan, operating environments temperature and humidity, required torque, output force, backlash, contamination, end machining and end support. There are a few variations of ball screws available for use in industrial settings. Ball screw manufacturers commonly produce acme, lead and ground ball screws. They each differ in size and efficiency output on application. Lead screws use lubrication and fine machining between the screw and nut to slide instead of using actual rollers to create movement. They are placed in the same category as ball screws because of their similar function and capacities. Lead screws can accommodate high shock loads. ACME screws are the most widely used lead screw and are often used in applications that require high accuracy while at low speeds.
