Ball screw assemblies are low friction transmission elements, used to convert rotational motion to linear motion. They can also be used to convert torque to axial reciprocating action and are found in hydraulic and pneumatic power transmission systems.

How do ball screw assemblies work?

They consist of a threaded screw shaft and a nut with a ball assembly. As the screw or nut rotates, ball bearings roll between the matching helical grooves in both the screw and the nut. The system employs a ball recirculating mechanism so that the bearings travel continuously along a sealed circuit with minimum internal friction.

Ball screw assemblies are suitable for situations where durability of a mechanism, together with precision, are high priorities.

What are ball screw assemblies used for?

The main function of a ball screw is to provide a drive mechanism to move a load.

They are also used in a wide range of applications from conveyor equipment and aircraft to automobile power steering and robotics. High precision ball screw assemblies are used in semiconductor manufacturing.