A ball screw actuator is an accurate and precise linear solution used in the driving of a system. It consists of enclosed circulating ball bearings that move about in a threaded shaft with negligible friction. The ball screw actuator can accommodate the heaviest of loads. The system acts as a nut and moves along the helical pathway, converting the rotary motion into linear motion. Read More…
Del-Tron Precision, Inc. was founded in order to serve the needs of automated equipment manufacturers for innovative, high quality and reasonably priced anti-friction linear bearings and associated products such as valve actuators.
Utilized in a variety of applications and industries, the products designed and manufactured at Burr Engineering & Development include ball screw actuators and similar mechanisms.
At IAI America, we are dedicated to providing value and originality with any product that we provide to you. Our linear actuator model types include slider, folded-motor slider, rod, and single, double, or ball-bushing type guided rod actuators. Our staff members are committed to being available in order to bring you full customer satisfaction while delivering the products that will best suit...
Isotech provides a number of different linear actuator & lifting columns for various applications. These products can be customized to meet your specific load requirements and travel distances. You can trust the accuracy of these solutions and the experts at Isotech is always available to assist you with your needs. Feel free to contact them today to learn more information!
ElectroCraft hybrid stepper-based linear actuator solutions provide original equipment manufacturers the precision, performance and reliability that is required for a wide variety of motion control positioning applications. From medical and laboratory equipment to industrial machinery, ElectroCraft offers configurable or completely customizable solutions in three unique product designs: linear...
Our linear actuators are at the top of the market and on the leading edge of innovation. If you need a new design or modification to an existing design, we are the true professionals that you need to call.
Tusk Direct’s specialty is linear motion components. We offer slides, bearings, lubricants and assemblies compatible with pneumatic or electric actuators and actuator systems.
More Ball Screw Actuator Manufacturers
What Is a Ball Screw Actuator?
Since all bearings have low compressibility, ball screw actuators are usually rigid, accurate, and precise. The actuator has a high thrust capability of over 90%. The actuator's minimal friction thereby extends the machine's overall lifespan, decreases the demand for lubrication, and reduces the need for maintenance.
How a Ball Screw Actuator Functions
Ball screw actuators use ball bearings that recirculate within a nut to transmit a force across the shaft. As the nut or screw rotates, the balls are deflected via the deflector and continuously return to the opposite end of the return system. The balls then exit from the ball return system to the ball screw and the raceways of the threaded nut.
Types of Ball Screw Actuators
Ball screw actuators are classified according to how they function in terms of ball circulation. There are external recirculatory systems and internal recirculatory systems.
External Ball Recirculation
In this system, the ball moves outside the housing of the shaft as it is being recirculated. This system can support a variety of ball screw assemblies and numerous screw shaft diameters. External ball recirculation systems are suitable for extensive production processes and are more economical than their internal counterparts.
The recirculation mechanism greatly affects the size of the ball screw. An example of a ball screw that uses external ball recirculation is the common return pipe ball screw. Other common examples of this classification are the rolled screw and the ground screw threaded ball screws. Ground screw threads have the highest precision and are the most expensive.
Internal Ball Recirculation
In the internal ball recirculation mechanism, the balls remain on the nut housing as they are recirculating. Due to the absence of external protrusions, the ball nuts in this system are more compact. There is less noise and vibrations than in external systems because all the movements occur inside the nut housing.
Typical examples of ball screws under this classification are the deflector-type ball screws and the end cap-type ball screws. The deflector type is usually used when very fine leads are needed and in small clearance assemblies.
Applications and Benefits of Ball Screw Actuators
The applications and benefits of ball screw actuators include:
Applications of Ball Screw Actuators
Ball screw actuators are very well-versed for extreme environments. They are adopted in high-performance machinery and other medical devices. Practical applications include wind turbines, electric motor vehicles, and hydroelectric stations.
Ball screw actuators are also used in military applications. Aircraft and traveling missiles require automobile control in mid-air, and the translation of rotary motion achieves the control by the electric motor to the axial motion brought up by the steering rack. Moving parts of some lifting robots use ball screw actuators to create the required exertion force.
Benefits of Ball Screw Actuators
The low friction experienced in ball screws offers high mechanical efficiency. Common alternative tools have efficiency as low as 20 to 25 percent, while ball screw actuators have a staggering efficiency as high as 95 percent. The reduced friction also extends the possible lifespan of the machine assembly. General wear and tear is very low, aiding in low maintenance costs since the parts are not quickly used up. Ball screw actuators also lessen or eliminate the backlash experienced in the lead screw nut counterpart.
Choosing the Correct Ball Screw Actuator Manufacturer
To ensure you have the most positive outcome when purchasing ball screw actuators from a ball screw actuator manufacturer, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of ball screw actuator manufacturers. Each ball screw actuator manufacturer has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each ball screw actuator business website using our proprietary website previewer to quickly learn what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple ball screw actuator companies with the same form.
