Ball Screw

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Ball Screw

Definition

A ball screw is a precision mechanical component used to convert rotary motion into linear motion with high efficiency and low friction. It consists of a threaded shaft and a ball nut, with recirculating ball bearings that roll between the threads, minimizing sliding friction and backlash. This component is critical in the Axis Drive System (X/Z) of CNC machines, industrial automation equipment, and precision machinery, where it provides high-precision linear positioning and smooth motion transmission. By efficiently converting rotational torque from servo motors into accurate linear movement along the X and Z axes, the ball screw enables precise control of tool or workpiece position, contributing to machining accuracy and repeatability.

Ball screws are manufactured from materials such as bearing steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel, selected based on load, environmental, and corrosion requirements. Key parameters include nominal diameter (16–80 mm), lead (5–40 mm), accuracy grade (C3–C7 per ISO 3408), dynamic load rating (10–120 kN), static load rating (20–250 kN), maximum rotational speed (3000–6000 rpm), operating temperature (-20 to 80 °C), shaft length (200–6000 mm), screw weight (2–150 kg), and lubrication type (grease or oil). These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application.

Standards such as ISO 3408 provide a basis for dimensional and accuracy specifications, but they do not guarantee compliance of any particular product. When selecting a ball screw, consider load capacity, required precision, speed, and environmental conditions. Verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier. Regular maintenance, including proper lubrication and inspection for wear, is essential to ensure long service life and reliable operation. Failure to maintain correct lubrication or operating within limits can lead to premature wear, loss of accuracy, or mechanical failure.

Working Principle

The ball screw operates on the principle of rolling contact. When the screw shaft rotates, the ball nut moves linearly along the shaft. Ball bearings are recirculated through internal raceways in the nut, creating a rolling contact mechanism that minimizes friction and backlash. This design provides high efficiency and positioning accuracy, as the rolling elements reduce sliding resistance compared to traditional lead screws. The recirculation system ensures continuous operation, and the preload can be adjusted to eliminate backlash for precise positioning.

Common Materials

Bearing steel, Alloy steel, Stainless steel

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Nominal Diameter	16–80 mm	Determines load capacity and stiffness.ISO 3408
Lead	5–40 mm	Affects linear speed and resolution.ISO 3408
Accuracy Grade	C3–C7	C3 for high precision, C7 for general use.ISO 3408
Dynamic Load Rating	10–120 kN	Basis for fatigue life calculation.ISO 3408
Static Load Rating	20–250 kN	Maximum load without permanent deformation.ISO 3408
Maximum Rotational Speed	3000–6000 rpm	Limited by critical speed and DN value.
Operating Temperature	-20–80 °C	Lubricant and material limits.
Shaft Length	200–6000 mm	Custom lengths available.
Screw Weight	2–150 kg	Depends on diameter and length.
Lubrication Type	Grease/Oil	Grease for low maintenance, oil for high speed.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Screw shaft Part
Rotating component with precision-ground helical raceway that guides ball bearings

Material: Bearing steel
Ball nut
Moving component containing recirculating ball bearings that engage with screw shaft raceway

Material: Alloy steel
Ball bearings Part
Precision balls that roll between screw shaft and nut to minimize friction

Material: Chrome steel
Return system
Internal or external mechanism that recirculates ball bearings through the nut

Material: Steel or plastic
Seals Part
Protect internal components from contamination and retain lubrication

Material: Rubber or synthetic polymer

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

pressure:	Axial load capacity: 1-500 kN depending on diameter and preload
other spec:	Maximum linear speed: 1-3 m/s, Accuracy grades: C0-C10 (2-52 μm/300mm travel), Life expectancy: 1-10 million cycles based on load
temperature:	-20°C to +80°C (standard), up to +120°C with special seals/lubrication

Media Compatibility

✓ Machine tool applications (CNC, lathes) ✓ Precision positioning systems ✓ Automation/robotics equipment

Unsuitable: High particulate/dust environments without protective covers

Sizing Data Required

Required axial load capacity (N)
Maximum travel length (mm)
Required positioning accuracy (μm/300mm)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Backlash and positioning inaccuracy

Cause: Wear of ball tracks and balls due to insufficient lubrication, contamination ingress, or excessive preload leading to loss of precision

Ball recirculation failure

Cause: Contamination (dust, chips, debris) blocking return tubes or damage to recirculation components causing jamming or excessive noise

Maintenance Indicators

Audible grinding, clicking, or rumbling noises during operation
Visible metal flakes or discolored grease around screw/nut housing

Engineering Tips

Implement strict contamination control with proper seals/wipers and maintain clean lubrication system with manufacturer-specified grease
Monitor and adjust preload periodically, ensure proper alignment during installation, and avoid exceeding dynamic/static load ratings

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards

ISO 3408-1:2006 (Ball screws - Part 1: Vocabulary and designation) ANSI/ASME B5.48-1977 (Ball Screws) DIN 69051-1:2014 (Ball screw drives - Part 1: General specifications, acceptance conditions)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Lead accuracy: ±0.005 mm per 300 mm travel
Screw shaft straightness: ≤0.02 mm/m

Quality Inspection

Lead accuracy measurement with laser interferometer
Ball screw assembly backlash testing

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Ball Screw

12 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Zhejiang Guangjin Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.

Shengzhou, Shaoxing, Zhejiang (per official site), CN

The official ball screw page lists types for industrial machinery, high-load, single and double nut, rolled and custom, customisable by size and quantity with 3D drawings supplied; the About page on the same domain states it was founded in Shengzhou in 2019, originating from a gear factory established in 2005, with a 10,000 m² site and bending and laser equipment lines. Accuracy grade and load must be confirmed by model drawing.