Ball screws provide a very efficient means of converting rotary motion to linear motion or vice versa. Due to a ball screw’s high reliability, you can use it for many applications like machine tools, handling equipment, automation and others.

Basically, a ball screw is a power screw which consists of the following components: a screw, a nut and a set of small balls on a track that rotate in the groove between the screw and nut. The manufacturing processes used for these screws are rolled, milled and ground. Ball screws also come in various materials that include steel, titanium and bronze.

Certain physical specifications are necessary in selecting a screw’s application design requirements. Some of the important parameters to consider when choosing industrial ball screws are:

1. Review carefully your particular design requirements and specification factors like design arrangement (English/Metric), outer diameter and length of screw, screw lead accuracy, static load capacity, life expectancy and various others before you purchase industrial ball screws.

2. Find ball screw manufacturers who carry specialty ball screws for your application needs.

3. Ensure your business keeps running smoothly by getting quality ball screw repair services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop from ball screw suppliers with the widest selection

There are various types of ball screws, ball screw assemblies and design details to consider for any given application. For example, some distinct designs may require a large range of precision ball bearing screws or miniature ball screws. To get the best results, look for ball screw distributors and suppliers that offer that largest stock on a variety of screws and ball screw packages.

I recommend: For a good selection of design features go to RBC Bearings Incorporated. You can select from miniature or ground precision ball screws with different profile types and a choice of different series; available in a large number of diameters and other distinct features like controlled backlash and high efficiency. Nook Industries, Inc. carries rolled, ground or twin-lead (English/Metric) precision ball screw assemblies with a wide assortment of diameters and lead accuracies. Comptrol Inc. is another good source for complete ball screw assemblies with various design features.

Get specialized ball screws

Sometimes, you may need a very technical custom application for ball screws with strict lead times or high efficiency for aerospace, military and other applications. Not all companies are able to manufacture such a specialized product.

I recommend: Go to Thread- Craft Inc. for aerospace and military ball screws. This company supplies screws which meet OEM standards and also provides ball screw repair services. Precision Screw Thread Corporation also carries good quality aerospace ball screws. You can get custom- designed screws for your specific requirement needs at Bestek Company.

Reduce operation downtime by finding reliable ball screw repair services

Over time, ball screws that are in constant use will need repair. For the smooth operation of your business, it is important to keep your equipment well maintained. The best solution is to have an expert repair team ready for any quick repairs or when in need of replacement parts.

I recommend: Service Industrial Rebuilders provides repair services with a 48 to 72-hour turnaround. They are available 24/7. Go to PSI Repair Services Inc. for quality ball screw repair services at good prices. Emcor is a ball screw manufacturer that also offers long term performance solutions with it's repair services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many formulas and calculations needed for accurate selection of ball screws. A useful and simple one is for lead (axial distance a nut travels in one revolution of a screw). The formula is Lead = Pitch x Start where the Pitch is the axial distance between threads and the screw Start is the number of independent threads on the screw shaft.