ball screw bearing

Ball screw is an efficient transmission element that converts rotary motion into linear motion. It is widely used in CNC machine tools, automation equipment, precision instruments and other fields. Correct selection is essential to ensure equipment performance and extend service life. This article will introduce the key steps and precautions for ball screw selection in detail.   1. Determine the load conditions 1.1 Axial load Axial load is the primary consideration for ball screw selection. It is necessary to calculate the maximum axial force applied to the screw during operation. The calculation formula for axial load is:   1.2 Radial load and bending moment In some applications, ball screws may be subjected to radial loads or bending moments. These loads affect the life and accuracy of the screw, so comprehensive considerations are required when selecting.   2. Determine the stroke and speed 2.1 Stroke The stroke refers to the maximum distance the ball screw needs to move. Determine the stroke according to the range of motion of the equipment and ensure that the length of the selected screw meets the requirements.   2.2 Speed Speed ​​includes maximum moving speed and acceleration. According to the working requirements of the equipment, calculate the required moving speed and acceleration to ensure that the lead and speed of the selected screw can meet the speed requirements.   3. Select the lead and accuracy 3.1 Lead The lead refers to the distance the nut moves for each turn of the screw. The choice of lead directly affects the moving speed and resolution. The larger the lead, the faster the moving speed, but the lower the resolution; the smaller the lead, the higher the resolution, but the slower the moving speed.   3.2 Accuracy Accuracy is an important performance indicator of ball screws, including positioning accuracy and repeat positioning accuracy. According to the accuracy requirements of the equipment, select the appropriate accuracy grade. Common accuracy grades are C0, C1, C2, C3, C5, C7, C10, etc. The smaller the number, the higher the accuracy.   4. Determine the screw diameter and length 4.1 Screw diameter The selection of screw diameter is mainly based on axial load and speed. The larger the diameter, the stronger the load-bearing capacity, but the weight and cost are also higher. Select the appropriate diameter according to the load and speed requirements.   4.2 Screw length The selection of screw length needs to consider the stroke and installation space. Too long length may cause deflection, affecting accuracy and life, so it is necessary to select the appropriate length according to the actual situation.   5. Select nut type The nut types of ball screws include single nut and double nut. Single nut has a simple structure and low cost, but small preload; double nut has large preload and good rigidity, which is suitable for occasions with high precision and high rigidity requirements.   6. Consider lubrication and sealing 6.1 Lubrication Good lubrication can reduce friction and extend the life of the screw. Select the appropriate lubrication method according to the use environment, such as grease lubrication or oil lubrication.   6.2 Sealing The sealing device can prevent dust and impurities from entering the screw and affecting accuracy and life. Select the appropriate sealing method according to the use environment, such as dust ring or sealing ring.         Conclusion The selection of ball screw is a complex process, which requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as load, speed, accuracy, life, etc. Through scientific selection methods, it can ensure that the ball screw performs best in the equipment, prolongs the service life, and improves the reliability of the equipment. We hope this article can provide valuable reference for your ball screw selection. If you have any needs, please contact us for more information.

As a core component in the field of precision transmission, we predict that the development of ball screws in the next three years will be deeply affected by the needs of industrial automation, high-end manufacturing and emerging technologies. The following is a detailed analysis of the main development trends: 1. Nanjing Chunxin adopts technology upgrades and performance breakthroughs Higher precision and rigidity: With the increase in precision requirements in fields such as semiconductor equipment and medical machinery (such as nano-level positioning), ball screws will further improve repeat positioning accuracy (possibly within ±1μm) and axial rigidity by optimizing groove design, material heat treatment process and preload control. High speed: Through lightweight design (such as hollow shaft) and low-noise steel ball circulation technology, the speed is expected to exceed 2000 rpm to meet the needs of high-speed CNC machine tools and robots. Integrated intelligent functions: "Smart screws" with built-in sensors (temperature, vibration, load monitoring) will become popular, and predictive maintenance will be achieved through real-time data feedback to reduce unplanned downtime.   2. Nanjing Chunxin updates materials and process innovation New material applications: The use of ceramic balls or hybrid ceramic bearings will reduce weight and friction, while high-strength alloy steels (such as nitrided steel) can extend life to more than 200,000 hours. Manufacturing process innovation: 3D printing technology may be used for customized end caps or nut structures to reduce assembly errors; ultra-precision grinding technology combined with AI quality control will improve consistency.   3. Industry application expansion New energy and electric vehicles: The demand for high-precision linear motion in battery production lines (such as pole piece slitting equipment) will drive the market growth of large-load ball screws (>10 tons axial load). Aerospace: Lightweight and extreme temperature-resistant screws are used in scenarios such as drone servos and satellite deployment mechanisms. Medical robots: Surgical robots require miniaturized (diameter <6mm) and non-magnetized ball screws, which give rise to demand for special materials.   Summary The ball screw industry will develop in the direction of precision, intelligence, and scenario-based. Although it faces pressure to replace linear motors, it is still irreplaceable in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability, and specific application scenarios. Nanjing Chunxin is also constantly improving product technology to achieve more reliable and stable performance.   If you are looking for high - quality products, welcome to visit our website at www.chunxinauto.com to learn more product information. We look forward to cooperating with you to jointly unlock a new chapter of creativity.   To sum up, if you have any questions, please contact us. We are always online and welcome your consultation.

Machining a retaining ring groove at the end of the ball screw (i.e. installing a retaining ring/circlip) to replace the nut and locking ball screw fixing method is a feasible solution, but it requires comprehensive consideration of the design, process and application scenario adaptability. The following is a detailed analysis: 1. Feasibility of the Snap Ring Groove Solution Advantages: Simplified structure: Eliminating nuts and locking screws reduces the number of parts and assembly steps. Loosening risk: Circlips are less likely to loosen under axial load (especially in low-vibration environments). Space saving: Circlip grooves occupy less space, making them suitable for compact designs. Limited axial load capacity: Circlips typically have lower axial load capacity than locknuts and may not be suitable for high-load or high-shock environments. High installation accuracy requirements: The machining accuracy of the snap ring groove (such as groove depth, width, and roundness) directly affects the retaining effect of the snap ring. Maintenance difficulties: Disassembly may require specialized tools, and repeated disassembly and assembly may cause wear in the snap ring groove. 2. Key Design Considerations Snap Ring Groove Machining: The groove dimensions must strictly match standard retaining ring specifications (such as DIN 471/472) to ensure that the retaining ring is fully seated and retains its elasticity. The groove bottom must be smooth and burr-free to avoid stress concentration that may cause cracking. CNC lathe machining is recommended to ensure the groove's perpendicularity to the axis and positional accuracy. Axial retaining rings (such as DIN 472) are preferred. Their thickness and elasticity must be sufficient to withstand the axial force of the screw. Adding a retaining ring washer may be considered to distribute the axial force and reduce wear on the groove. Auxiliary fixing measures: Add thread sealant or anaerobic adhesive to the outside of the retaining ring groove to further enhance anti-loosening performance. Combined with end screwing (threaded holes machined into the screw end face and screwed against the bearing inner ring) provides a double fixation. 3. Implementation Recommendations For light loads/low speeds: The retaining ring groove solution is feasible, but the retaining ring's condition requires regular inspection. For heavy loads/high vibration: It is recommended to retain the lock nut or use a double nut + lock washer combination. Verification testing: Simulate actual operating conditions (such as vibration and temperature rise) on a prototype to confirm whether the retaining ring exhibits axial movement. 4. Other Potential Improvements Bearing Seat Design: Check the preload and fit tolerances of the FK bearings to ensure the bearings are free of play. Screw Support: If space permits, a fixed-supported (rather than fixed-free) configuration can be used to reduce the risk of axial displacement. If a retaining ring groove solution is chosen, it is recommended to consult with the ball screw supplier to confirm the machinability of the end material (for example, whether the hardness allows for groove cutting) and to refer to similar application examples (such as the Z-axis mounting methods used on some small CNC machine tools).