Precision Ground Ball Screws for High-Accuracy Linear Motion

 

Micron-level axial positioning accuracy and high torque transmission efficiency for demanding CNC and automation machinery.

 

 
  • Custom Ground Ball Screws
    Custom Ground Ball Screws deliver precise motion positioning, uniform axial rigidity, and smooth torque transmission for critical industrial equipment. Machined via precision thread grinding, each
  • High Lead Ground Ball Screws
    High lead ground ball screws integrate large lead geometries with precision thread grinding to enable rapid linear movement up to 2.0 meters per second. Built from heat-treated alloy steels with
  • Preloaded Ground Ball Screws
    Preloaded Ground Ball Screws provide zero-backlash linear translation and ultra-high axial rigidity for high-precision motion systems. Ground thread profiles achieve ISO/DIN Class C3 and C5 lead
  • Double Nut Ground Ball Screws
    Double Nut Ground Ball Screws provide high axial rigidity and zero-backlash linear motion control. Manufactured using CNC thread grinding technology, these assemblies utilize a preloaded double-nut
  • C5 Ground Ball Screws
    C5 Ground Ball Screws deliver linear positioning precision with a cumulative travel deviation within 0.018 mm per 300 mm. Manufactured via precision thread grinding and controlled induction heat
  • C3 Ground Ball Screws
    C3 Ground Ball Screws engineered for sub-micron linear positioning accuracy, high dynamic rigidity, and smooth torque response. Manufactured via continuous thread grinding on specialized machinery,
 
Category Overview

 

Precision Ground Ball Screws deliver sub-micron positioning accuracy, high rigidity, and minimal backlash for high-duty linear drive applications. Unlike standard rolled variants, the screw threads are finished through precision thread grinding on hardened alloy steel shafts. This manufacturing process maintains accurate pitch control, smooth ball recirculation, and consistent preloading across the entire functional stroke.

 

Product Structures & Types

Single Nut with Preload:

Uses over-sized ball selection to eliminate axial play without increasing outer dimensions. Compact design for space-restricted precision slides.

Double Nut with Spacer Preload:

Incorporates a ground shim between two nut bodies. Delivers maximum axial rigidity and compensates for heavy push-pull load cycles.

High-Speed Ground Ball Screws:

Optimised ball track leads and internal gothic-arch profiles to handle high rotational speeds up to 3000 RPM while limiting heat generation.

Miniature Ground Screws:

Shaft diameters from 4 mm to 10 mm with precision ground leads for optical stages, medical devices, and laboratory automation.

 

Key Technical Parameters

 

Parameter

Standard Specification

Options / Custom Limits

Accuracy Grade (ISO 3408)

C3 (≤ 0.008 mm / 300 mm), C5 (≤ 0.018 mm / 300 mm)

C0 (≤ 0.0035 mm / 300 mm), C1 (≤ 0.005 mm / 300 mm)

Screw Shaft Diameter

6 mm - 80 mm

Up to 100 mm

Thread Lead Options

1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 40 mm

Custom multi-start threads available

Core Shaft Material

SCM420H / Chrome-Moly Alloy Steel

Stainless Steel 440C

Surface Hardness

HRC 58 - 62 (Induction hardened / Case hardened)

Custom surface coatings (Black Oxide, Hard Chrome)

Axial Clearance / Preload

Preload levels: P0 (Zero backlash), P1 (Light load), P2 (Medium load)

Custom pre-torque settings

Standard Lengths

Up to 3000 mm

Shaft end machining to step drawings

 

Custom Ground Ball Screws

 

Core Technical Features

Induction Hardened Shaft Core: Retains inner core ductility while maintaining HRC 58–62 outer thread hardness to prevent surface pitting.


Gothic Arch Groove Geometry: Provides a four-point contact angle (45°) to achieve equal load capacities in both axial directions.


Laser Interferometer Verified: Every ground screw assembly undergoes 100% pitch error verification, with lead error charts provided upon delivery.


Custom End-Journal Machining: Precision lathe turning and grinding on screw ends to fit standard angular contact support bearings.

 

 
 
Target Applications

CNC Machining Centers:

Drives feed axes requiring high axial thrust force, precise interpolation, and minimal thermal expansion.

Semiconductor Handling Systems:

Powers positioning stages operating in cleanroom conditions with low particle generation grease.

Precision Grinding Equipment:

Eliminates stick-slip motion during micro-feed adjustments under heavy mechanical load.

Medical Testing Rigs:

Ensures repeatable micro-stepping in optical scanning and diagnostic imaging systems.

 

Selection Guide

 

Determine Required Accuracy Grade: Match stroke length and target positioning error. Select C3 or C5 for standard automation; C0 or C1 for sub-micron machining.


Calculate Dynamic & Static Load: Evaluate peak axial force, operating speed, and target operating hours for service life calculation.


Select Nut Style & Preload: Choose single nut with light preload for lower friction; double nut with medium preload for heavy-load, zero-backlash requirements.


Verify Critical Speed & Buckling Load: Check shaft diameter against maximum rotational speed limits to avoid resonance and shaft bending under compression.


Define End Machining Details: Match support bearing inner diameters and thread retention steps according to mounting requirements.

 

 

Customization & Shaft Machining Services

Machining of fixed and supported shaft ends based on engineering drawings.


Custom nut flange drilling patterns, keyways, and flat surfaces for specific mounting configurations.


Specialized surface treatments including hard chrome plating, phosphate coating, and blackening.


Integration of low-noise wiper systems, felt seals, or high-temperature synthetic seals.

Preloaded Ground Ball Screws

 

Manufacturing & Quality Capabilities
 

Sub-Micron Thread Grinding Machines:

Temperature-controlled grinding shops ensure pitch accuracy across long shaft lengths.

 

In-House Heat Treatment:

Controlled carburizing and induction hardening processes deliver consistent case depth and hardness profiles.

Full Inspection Traceability:

Dimensional inspection reports, hardness checks, and runout measurements accompany each production batch.

Cleanroom Assembly & Packaging:

Preloaded nuts are flushed, lubricated with specific synthetic greases, and sealed to prevent contamination during transit.

 

 

FAQ

 

 

Q: What is the difference between rolled and precision ground ball screws?

A: Rolled ball screws are produced through cold rotational forging, offering lower production costs and typical accuracy grades of C7 to C10. Precision ground ball screws use abrasive grinding wheels to cut threads into hardened shafts, achieving accuracy grades from C0 to C5 with precise lead error control and eliminated axial backlash.

Q: Can shaft ends be machined according to custom engineering drawings?

A: Yes. Shaft end-machining is performed according to customer-provided technical drawings, including snap ring grooves, locknut threads, keyways, and bearing journals.

Q: What documentation is provided with high-precision ground ball screws?

A: High-precision ground ball screws (C0, C1, C3) include a lead accuracy inspection report generated via laser measurement, showing cumulative lead error and pitch variance along the entire thread length.

Q: Which lubricants are recommended for ground ball screws?

A: Lithium-soap greases are suitable for general industrial applications. For high-speed applications or cleanroom environments, low-viscosity synthetic oils or low-dust greases are applied based on operational parameters.

 

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