Ball Screw / Lead Screw Specifications and Selection Guide

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Ball Screw / Lead Screw

Definition

Within a Vertical Positioning Actuator, the ball screw or lead screw is the core transmission element responsible for translating the rotational force from a motor into precise vertical linear displacement of the actuator's load platform or carriage. It directly determines the system's positioning accuracy, repeatability, load capacity, and speed. This component is available in two primary variants: ball screws, which use recirculating balls between the screw and nut to achieve low friction and high efficiency, and lead screws (often trapezoidal), where the nut slides directly on the threads, offering self-locking capability and simplicity at the cost of lower efficiency. The selection of a screw involves specifying nominal diameter (16–80 mm), lead (5–40 mm), accuracy grade (C3–C7 per ISO 3408), dynamic and static load ratings (10–120 kN and 20–250 kN respectively), maximum travel speed (60–120 m/min), operating temperature range (-20 to +80 °C), lubrication type (grease or oil), and sealing protection (IP54–IP65). Materials commonly used include alloy steels such as SCM440 or 42CrMo for the shaft, and GCr15 or 20CrMnTi for the nut, with surface hardening for wear resistance. Backlash is a critical parameter, typically ≤0.05 mm, affecting positioning accuracy. These specifications are reference ranges; actual values must be verified with the manufacturer for the specific model and application. The screw interfaces with a motor, coupling, and bearing supports, and its performance is influenced by installation alignment, preload, and lubrication. Regular maintenance includes checking for wear, backlash increase, and proper lubrication. Failure modes include thread wear, ball recirculation issues, and loss of accuracy. Always consult the legal manufacturer or supplier to confirm model-specific values and compliance with relevant standards.

Working Principle

A threaded shaft (screw) rotates within a matching nut. For a ball screw, recirculating balls roll between the screw and nut grooves, providing low-friction, high-efficiency motion. For a lead screw (or trapezoidal screw), the nut slides directly on the screw threads, offering self-locking capability and simplicity, albeit with lower efficiency. The rotational motion of the screw is converted into linear motion of the nut, which is attached to the load platform. The lead (pitch) determines the linear travel per revolution, affecting speed and resolution. Accuracy grade and backlash influence positioning precision. Lubrication reduces friction and wear, while sealing protects against contaminants.

Common Materials

Alloy Steel (e.g., SCM440, 42CrMo), Stainless Steel (e.g., SUS440C, SUS304)

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 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 Travel Speed	60–120 m/min	Limited by critical speed and DN value.
Operating Temperature Range	-20–+80 °C	Lubricant and material limits.
Lubrication Type	Grease or oil	Grease for simplicity, oil for high speed.
Shaft Material	GCr15 / 42CrMo4	Hardened and ground for wear resistance.GB/T 18254 / EN 10083
Nut Material	GCr15 / 20CrMnTi	Carburized for surface hardness.GB/T 18254 / GB/T 3077
Sealing Protection	IP54–IP65	Protects against dust and water jets.IEC 60529
Backlash	≤0.05 mm	Critical for positioning accuracy.ISO 3408

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
The precision-ground threaded shaft that rotates to generate linear motion.

Material: Alloy Steel / Stainless Steel
Nut (Ball or Lead) Part
The component that travels along the screw shaft, housing the ball recirculation system (for ball screws) or providing the sliding thread interface (for lead screws). It connects to the moving load.

Material: Alloy Steel / Bronze / Engineering Plastic
Ball Retainer / Recirculation System (Ball Screw only) Part
A system of deflectors and return tubes that guides the recirculating balls back to the start of the nut's thread path, enabling continuous motion.

Material: Steel / Plastic
Wipers / Seals Part
Protect the internal threads and recirculation paths from dust, chips, and contaminants.

Material: Rubber / Polyurethane

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Vertical Positioning Actuator

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Ball Screw / Lead Screw

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a ball screw and a lead screw?

A ball screw uses recirculating balls between the screw and nut, resulting in low friction and high efficiency (typically above 90%). A lead screw (often trapezoidal) has direct sliding contact, offering self-locking capability and simpler construction but lower efficiency (typically 30-60%). The choice depends on application requirements for efficiency, load capacity, and self-locking.

How do I select the right nominal diameter and lead?

Nominal diameter (16–80 mm) affects load capacity and stiffness; larger diameters handle higher loads. Lead (5–40 mm) determines linear speed and resolution: a larger lead gives higher speed but lower resolution. Consider the required speed, positioning accuracy, and load. Always verify with the manufacturer for your specific application.

What accuracy grade should I choose?

Accuracy grades range from C3 to C7 per ISO 3408. C3 offers higher precision for applications requiring tight positioning, while C7 is suitable for general use. Higher grades have tighter lead error and backlash specifications. Select based on the required positioning accuracy and repeatability of your system.

How often should I lubricate the screw?

Lubrication type (grease or oil) and interval depend on operating conditions such as speed, load, and environment. Grease is simpler for moderate speeds, while oil is better for high-speed applications. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and monitor for increased friction or noise, which may indicate insufficient lubrication.

Data Basis

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Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Axial load capacity: 500N to 500kN depending on diameter and lead
other spec:	Maximum linear speed: 1-3 m/s, positioning accuracy: ±0.005mm to ±0.05mm, backlash: 0.001mm to 0.1mm
temperature:	-40°C to 120°C (standard), up to 200°C with special materials/lubrication

Ball Screw / Lead Screw

Product Specifications

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