PBC Linear has expanded its screw-driven product line with the addition of miniature metric ball screw assemblies. The anticipated development of this new group of ball screws is in response to an influx of customer inquiries and the growing demand for miniature ball screws.Their usage profile has expanded across a wide range of industries that include medical, semi-conductor, aviation, and other automation applications. Customers may purchase miniature ball screw assemblies (without motor) or peruse our miniature ball screw motor series.
Ball screw nuts feature an internal return multiliner and are available in cylindrical and flange styles.
As with lead screws, ball screw assemblies are used to convert rotational motion to linear motion. They typically include a ball nut, threaded shaft, and a recirculating system that utilizes a continuous movement of balls to transfer forces and propel the nut along the screw. Each ball screw and nut are engineered with gothic arch threads that define the track of the nut and screw thread, offering high rigidity, durability, and duty cycles. The main benefits of ball screws are higher efficiency and accuracy, making them ideal for a variety of industrial and automotive applications. Miniature metric ball screw nuts from PBC Linear feature two types of ball return systems to accommodate shorter or longer leads. Short leads are synonymous with internal multiliner returns, and long leads are represented in our end-cap return system.
Stop waiting and get rolling with American-made* miniature ball screw assemblies from PBC Linear. Our ball screw production process offers shorter lead times, avoiding costly downtimes and delays getting to market! With ball screws from PBC Linear, you can count on our recognized high-precision standards and competitive pricing for a superior value. Standard ball screws ship assembled, but are also available unassembled.
Ball screws are used to convert rotational motion into linear motion. They are composed of a threaded shaft, nut and ball bearings. The helical grooves on the shaft match with the internal helical grooves in the nut which is where the ball bearings to roll to create linear movement. The use of ball bearings reduces friction and helps to create a highly efficient system.
Ball screws can offer considerable performance advantages over alternative types of linear motion technology, as listed below:
When bringing products to market, PBC Linear uses a methodical approach to research and development. As with lead screws, customers can be assured that each of our new product introductions has gone through all the necessary testing parameters. We utilize high-end testing equipment such as Keyence optical comparators, Mitutoyo thread form tracers, and custom dynamic lead checkers that analyze up to 15,000 points per meter.
For both our lead screw and ball screws, we use a high-precision, roll-threading process for the most consistent thread forms and high accuracy rate. In addition, we measure and record 100% positional accuracy along the entire travel length of the screw.
Our miniature metric ball screw product line is currently offered in diameter sizes of 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm, with options for lead length and nut type. Depending on the application, each nut can be acquired in either a flanged or cylindrical configuration.
Dynamic load ratings are an important factor when determining the correct miniature ball screw for an application. PBC Linear will provide conservative dynamic load rating values within this product family, based on 1,000,000 Rev (N). This ensures trusted, reliable performance for those looking to implement miniature ball screws into their systems.
Preload Option -- Ball screws from PBC Linear come standard without preload (backlash clearance held to 0.05 mm MAX). Contact a PBC Linear Application Engineer about reduced backlash options.
Motors – Customers looking for a complete ball screw package can count on PBC Linear for the most appropriate world-class NEMA stepper motors to offer precise positioning and speed control.
Journaling -- Custom journaling of the screw ends and additional support blocks can be requested for unique customer requirements.
6 mm x 1 mm
Internal Multi-liner
6 mm x 2 mm
Internal Multi-liner
8 mm x 1 mm
Internal Multi-liner
8 mm x 2 mm
Internal Multi-liner
8 mm x 2.5 mm
Internal Multi-liner
10 mm x 2 mm
Internal Multi-liner
Ball screw nuts can be purchased in a flange or cylindrical type configuration to meet their respective application. Flange style nuts can often be easier to remove and install in an assembly, provided the assembly can be designed so that the mounting screws or bolts can be easily accessed. Cylindrical nuts allow for a more compact assembly design as there is no flange.
Internal return multiliner nuts are versatile and built to function with shorter leads and lighter loads. Their compact geometry and lighter weight offer a great option for space-saving applications requiring high precision linear motion.
Ball Screws vs Lead Screws
When it comes to deciding between lead screws and ball screws, each has its own unique advantages within certain industries. The obvious difference is the recirculating balls within ball screw assemblies, which help alleviate the sliding friction that’s associated with lead screw technology. Once you have established the load, accuracy, and lead for your application, consider other factors such as lead accuracy, efficiency, noise, maintenance, and longevity.
When choosing a screw and nut assembly, engineers should consider their application’s core requirements including load, speed, stroke, and accuracy.
If you need help deciding on whether to use a lead screw or ball screw for your linear-motion application, contact one of our application engineers today.
The formula to calculate the service life that 90% of identical, properly lubricated ball screws are expected to reach is:
Where:
L10 = service life (revolutions)
Ca = dynamic load rating (N)
Fm = average axial load (N)
Where:
Lh = service life (hours)
nm = average rotational speed (rpm)
In applications where vibration or impact loading is present, the life calculations can be adjusted as follows:
| Vibration or Impact | (fw) Factor |
|---|---|
| Minor | 1.0 to 1.2 |
| Low | 1.2 to 1.5 |
| Moderate | 1.5 to 2.0 |
| High | 2.0 to 3.5 |
Where:
F1,2,...n = load per cycle unit (N)
p1,2,...n = cycles (%)
Where:
n1,2,...n = rotational speed per cycle unit (rpm)
p1,2,...n = cycles (%)
When the axial load and the rotational speed vary between different values:
Get your complete miniature metric ball screw and nut package that’s out-of-the-box ready to be lubricated and integrated into your next OEM project. We offer shorter lead times, which is accomplished through our ball screw production process and central Midwestern location where we engineer and produce many of our products. We are proud to say that our miniature ball screws are made in America*.
*Ball screws from PBC Linear are Made in America using both domestic and foreign material sources.
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