Ball Screws Industry Information
Ball screws are used in the conversion of rotary movement
to linear movement, which translates torque into thrust. Ball screw assemblies
consist of a screw and a nut. A steel ball is encased within the round
nut in order to produce a rolling friction between the nut and screw.
The nut itself can be made of either plastic or metal. The ball screw
assembly is powered by a motor. As the motor generates torque, the rotating
screw pushes the nut along the screw shaft, producing linear thrust.
There are a few variations of ball screws available for use in industrial settings.
Ball screw manufacturers commonly produce ACME, Lead (pronounced leed) and Ground
ball screws. They each differ in size and efficiency output on application. Lead
screws do not actually use rollers to create movement but are placed in the
same category as ball screws because of their similar function and capacities.
ACME
screws most widely used power screw and are a type of lead screw which creates
friction between ball and nut.
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, among many other product applications.
The most common use for ball screws is in aspects where linear motion is needed.
They are often used alongside linear
slides and linear
actuators to create movement necessary to move parts and devices along a
single axis.
Ball screws remain beneficial for a variety of reasons. Ball screw assemblies
maintain high levels of efficiency, measuring approximately 90%, and maintain
low energy consumption levels. In addition, ball screws can be manufactured using
a variety of techniques. Common techniques include conventional rolling, milling,
and grinding. These advantages remain important considerations when choosing
a screw assembly. Length of the screw is the most crucial component in choosing
a ball screw for your application. They are classified however by diameter, either
in English or metric and often manufacturers have both labels available. When
replacing a ball screw assemblies, consider ball screw repair. Many ball screw
manufacturers offer repair services as an alternative to the purchase of new
ball screw systems.