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Ball screw
(roller type screw material: S55C,
Nut material small (within 25) 20CrMo, big GCR15.
Grinding /Milling ball screw material: SCM450
Nut material: SCM415 extra large (above 63) nut GCR15
Internal circulation series (SFU/DFU/SFI/DFI/OFU/OFI): automation equipment, general machinery, semiconductor (detection device, packaging machinery, printing plate tapping machine, exposure device), industrial robot, manipulator, tool machine, small machine tool, detection equipment
Large lead series (SFY/SFA/SFH/): handling equipment, dispensing machine, manipulator, photovoltaic.
Miniature and straight barrel nuts (SFK/BSH/SNCI/SNCH): semiconductor industry, optical, medical and measurement engineering applications, linear module.
Other large ball screw used in machine tools, grinders, drilling machines, machining centers, electric cylinders, injection molding machines (commonly used intubation ball screw)
Non-standard customized ball screw: medical, robot, automobile, electric tool

Ball Screw
Basic Structure: Comprises a screw shaft, nut, steel balls, and a return mechanism (to recirculate balls).
Working Principle: Reduces friction by replacing sliding contact with rolling contact between the screw and nut (via steel balls), enabling high-precision linear motion.
Key Advantages: Ultra-low friction, high positioning accuracy, fast response speed, and long service life.
Typical Applications: Precision CNC machinery, 3D printers, robotic arms, and aerospace

Application Fields of Ball Screws
Ball screws are a critical mechanical component that converts rotational motion into linear motion with high efficiency, precision, and low friction. Their unique design, which incorporates recirculating balls between the screw shaft and nut, makes them indispensable in a wide range of industries where accuracy, reliability, and energy efficiency are paramount. Below is a detailed exploration of the key application fields where ball screws play a vital role.
1. Industrial Automation
In the realm of industrial automation, ball screws are the backbone of countless mechanical systems, enabling precise and repeatable motion control. They are extensively used in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, such as milling machines, lathes, and machining centers. In these devices, ball screws drive the movement of the tool or workpiece along the X, Y, and Z axes, ensuring that cuts and shaping operations are executed with micron-level accuracy. This high precision is essential for manufacturing complex components used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Additionally, ball screws are integral to robotic arms and automated assembly lines. Robots rely on ball screws to achieve smooth and precise linear movements, whether it's picking and placing components, welding, or packaging. The low friction of ball screws allows robots to operate with minimal energy consumption, while their high load-carrying capacity ensures they can handle heavy payloads, making them ideal for high-volume production environments.
2. Precision Instrumentation
The field of precision instrumentation demands components that can deliver ultra-high accuracy and stability, and ball screws meet these requirements exceptionally well. They are widely used in metrology equipment, such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and optical comparators. CMMs use ball screws to move the measuring probe along three axes, allowing for precise measurements of part dimensions and geometries. The ability of ball screws to maintain consistent motion without backlash ensures that measurement results are reliable and accurate, which is crucial for quality control in industries like medical device manufacturing and semiconductor production.
Ball screws also find applications in laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, spectrometers, and automated sample handlers. In centrifuges, for example, ball screws control the movement of the rotor or sample holders, ensuring that samples are processed at precise speeds and positions. In automated sample handlers, they enable the precise transfer of samples between different stations, reducing the risk of human error and improving the efficiency of laboratory operations.
3. Transportation Industry
The transportation industry leverages the high performance and durability of ball screws in various applications. In automotive manufacturing, ball screws are used in robotic systems for welding, painting, and assembly, as mentioned earlier. They also play a role in the design of electric and hybrid vehicles, where they are used in the steering system and suspension components. The precise linear motion provided by ball screws helps improve the handling and stability of vehicles, while their low friction contributes to energy efficiency.
In the aerospace and defense sector, ball screws are critical components in aircraft and spacecraft. They are used in the flight control system, where they drive the movement of ailerons, elevators, and rudders, ensuring precise control of the aircraft's flight path. Ball screws are also used in the landing gear system, where they can withstand high loads and harsh operating conditions, such as extreme temperatures and vibrations. In spacecraft, they are used in the deployment of solar panels, antennas, and other payloads, requiring high reliability and precision to ensure successful missions.
4. Medical Equipment
The medical industry relies on ball screws for their precision, cleanliness, and reliability, as they are often used in equipment that directly impacts patient health. They are commonly found in surgical robots, which assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures. Surgical robots use ball screws to control the movement of the surgical instruments, allowing for precise and delicate operations with minimal tissue damage. The high precision of ball screws ensures that the instruments can be positioned with sub-millimeter accuracy, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
Ball screws are also used in medical imaging equipment, such as CT scanners, MRI machines, and X-ray systems. In CT scanners, for example, ball screws drive the movement of the gantry and the patient table, ensuring that the scanner can capture high-quality images of the body. The smooth and precise motion of ball screws helps reduce image artifacts, improving the accuracy of diagnostic results. Additionally, ball screws are used in rehabilitation equipment, such as robotic exoskeletons, which help patients recover from injuries by providing controlled and repetitive movement.
5. Energy Sector
In the energy sector, ball screws are used in a variety of applications that require reliable and efficient motion control. In wind turbines, they are used in the pitch control system, which adjusts the angle of the turbine blades to optimize power generation based on wind speed. The ball screws in the pitch control system must withstand high loads and harsh environmental conditions, such as strong winds and extreme temperatures, while maintaining precise control of the blade angle. This ensures that the wind turbine operates efficiently and safely, maximizing energy output.
Ball screws are also used in solar power systems, particularly in solar trackers. Solar trackers use ball screws to move the solar panels so that they follow the sun's path throughout the day, increasing the amount of sunlight absorbed and improving the efficiency of the solar power system. The low friction and high efficiency of ball screws make them ideal for this application, as they can operate with minimal energy consumption, even in remote locations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ball screws are a versatile and essential component that finds applications in a wide range of industries, from industrial automation and precision instrumentation to transportation, medical equipment, and the energy sector. Their ability to provide high precision, efficiency, and reliability makes them indispensable in modern manufacturing and technology. As industries continue to demand higher levels of accuracy and performance, the role of ball screws is only expected to grow, driving innovation and advancements in various fields.

Description:
HONDER is a leading global cutting tool manufacturer, providing one-stop customized solutions for customers across multiple industries. We are committed to delivering reliable products that meet diverse machining needs.