Ball Screw Types: Features & Applications

Ball screw is a commonly used transmission element, and its main function is to convert rotational motion into linear motion. According to different structures, applications and working principles, the following are several ball screw types.

1. According to the Structural Form

• Single-row Ball Screw

This is the most common type, usually composed of a screw and a nut, and the balls circulate along the grooves of the screw. This design is relatively simple and suitable for general linear motion needs.

• Double-row Ball Screw

The balls circulate in two parallel grooves, which can carry larger loads and provide higher stability. This design is often used in high-precision applications.

• Multi-row Ball Screw

The stroke with multiple balls is usually used in high-load and long-stroke applications, which can provide greater tolerance and higher efficiency.

2. According to the Thread Type

• Trapezoidal Thread Ball Screw

This type of screw adopts a trapezoidal thread design, which is suitable for long-distance transmission and low-speed setbacks, and is usually used for heavy-load transportation.

• Square Thread Ball Screw

Square threads have higher transmission efficiency and less friction loss, and are suitable for high-speed and low-load applications.

3. According to the application environment

• Precision Ball Screw

Applied to high-precision machinery and equipment, such as CNC machine tools, robots, etc. Precision ball screws need to have high manufacturing accuracy and good stability.

• Ordinary Ball Screw

Used in general industrial equipment, the load capacity and accuracy requirements are relatively low.

4. According to the Driving Method

• Electric Ball Screw

Driven by an electric motor, it is usually used in automation equipment and CNC machine tools.

• Manual Ball Screw

Manually rotated by the operator, often used in mechanical limit adjustment and other occasions.

5. According to the Type of Nut

• Fixed Nut

The nut is fixed in a specific position and is usually suitable for precise positioning applications.

• Floating Nut

The nut can move freely along the screw within a certain range, can compensate for thermal expansion or manufacturing errors, and is suitable for long strokes and high loads.

6. According to Durability

• High wear-resistant Ball Screw

Made of wear-resistant materials, suitable for high-frequency use and high-friction environments.

• Wide-use Ball Screw

Applicable to general environmental conditions and has good cost-effectiveness.

7. According to Specific Functions

• Self-locking Ball Screw

When no driving force is applied, it can automatically lock, which helps to prevent natural sliding and is suitable for occasions where safety protection is required.

Summary

According to actual application needs, budget and space constraints, it is crucial to reasonably select the right ball screw types for the performance, accuracy and service life of the equipment.