A ball screw is a precision transmission device that converts rotary motion into linear motion. Its working principle is based on the efficient, low-friction transmission achieved through the cyclic rolling of balls between the screw and the nut. Specifically, when the screw rotates, the balls roll between the screw's helical grooves and the nut's raceways, thus pushing the nut to move axially along the screw. This design significantly reduces frictional losses compared to traditional sliding screws, improving transmission efficiency and accuracy.
The core components of a ball screw include the screw, nut, balls, and a return mechanism. The screw has precision helical grooves, and the nut has corresponding raceways within which the balls circulate. The return mechanism (usually end cap type or guide type) ensures continuous ball circulation, preventing jamming.
Ball screws are widely used in CNC machine tools, automated equipment, precision instruments, and other fields. Their advantages include high transmission efficiency (up to 90% or more), long lifespan, high rigidity, and low noise. When selecting a ball screw, attention should be paid to parameters such as load capacity, lead, accuracy class (e.g., C3, C5), and preload method. During installation, ensure the parallelism between the lead screw and the guide rail (recommended deviation ≤ 0.02 mm/m), and lubricate regularly (ISO VG32~68 lubricating oil is recommended).