Ball screw drive system is a common transmission device with many unique structural features. This article will take you to learn more about ball screws.
Read and learn more:
- What is a ball screw drive system?
- How does a ball screw drive work?
- What is the function of a ball screw actuator?
- What is the difference between a ball screw and a sliding screw?
Chapter 1: What is a Ball Screw Drive System?
A ball screw is a mechanical form in which steel balls are installed in the screw shaft and the nut raceway for infinite rolling and circulation. It converts rotary motion into linear motion to provide high-precision and high-efficiency motion control. In order to reduce the friction torque generated when the steel balls circulate in the raceway, the line contact between the screw and nut raceway and the steel balls is designed as a point contact structure. Ball screw drive systems are widely used in CNC machine tools, automation equipment and precision machinery.
Chapter 2: How Does a Ball Screw Drive Work?
The ball is located in the spiral raceway between the screw and the nut. When the screw rotates, the ball rolls in the spiral raceway, thereby driving the nut to move along the axis of the screw.
The circulation of the ball is achieved through the returner, which guides the ball from the other end of the nut back to the starting end of the screw to form a closed circulation path.
By controlling the rotation direction and speed of the motor, the linear movement of the nut can be accurately controlled, thereby achieving high-precision position control.
Chapter 3: What is the Function of the Ball Screw Actuator?
Motion Conversion
The basic function of the ball screw actuator is to convert the rotary motion of the motor into precise linear motion. This enables it to play a role in applications that require linear motion.
High Positioning Accuracy
By controlling the rotation of the motor, the ball screw drive system can achieve high-precision position control, which is suitable for occasions such as CNC machine tools and automation equipment that require precise positioning.
High Load Capacity
The ball screw drive system can withstand large loads and is suitable for working under heavy load conditions.
Smooth Operation
The ball screw can provide smooth linear movement during movement, reduce mechanical vibration and noise, and can be used in applications that require smooth operation.
Chapter 4: What is the Difference Between a Ball Screw and a Sliding Screw?
Ball screw drive system is used for precision transmission, with high efficiency, flexible transmission, and good precision retention; while the precision and efficiency of sliding screws are slightly worse than those of ball screws, and the heat generated by sliding screws is also relatively large (needs to be cooled when used for a long time), resulting in a short life.
| Features | Ball screw | Sliding screw |
| Transmission efficiency | 90%-99% | 25%-50% |
| Precision | High precision, suitable for precision transmission | Low precision, suitable for general transmission |
| Heat generation | Low, not easy to heat up when used for a long time | High, need to be cooled when used for a long time |
| Service life | Long, less wear | Short, fast wear |
| Advantages | High efficiency, high precision, high speed | Low price, self-locking (partial) |
| Disadvantages | High requirements for the use environment, high price | Low efficiency, low precision, low speed |
| Application areas | CNC machine tools, positioning workbenches, precision instruments, etc. | Force transmission, occasions without high positioning requirements |
| Drive mode | Usually used with servo motors and stepper motors | Generally used for simple mechanical devices |
Conclusion
The ball screw drive system has become an indispensable key component in modern machinery and automation equipment due to its high precision, high efficiency and low friction. It plays an important role in many high-demand applications.
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