Ball Screws and Ball Splines

Ball screws and ball splines are generally required to move an object horizontally or vertically whilst achieving a high positional accuracy and a rigid slop free movement.

A Ball Screw is a high-efficiency feed screw with balls making a rolling motion between the screw axis and the nut. Compared with a conventional moving nut on a thread, the ball screw reduces the power needed to drive an object up to 70%, making it most suitable for multiple installations where motor power is kept to a minimum.

A ball spline is a non-driven support bearing, keeping an object in line and allowing minimal movement in any direction other than that of travel. These are generally used in conjunction with a ball screw that provides the movement.

Common applications.

• X/Y/Z tables – high speed and accurate positioning for precise control
• Special purpose machine builds – high speed and accurate positioning for precise control
• Multiple positional axis – power consumption considerably lower and life expectancy higher than simple travelling nut on a screwed rod.