Internal Circulation (left) and End-Cap Circulation (right)
Miniature Ball Screws - Precision in the smallest space
For applications with extremely limited installation space and the highest precision requirements. High-quality Miniature Ball Screws are available from 4 mm diameter and 1 mm lead. All in a wide range of designs, including special versions such as right- and left-hand threads on a single screw.
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Extremely compact
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Lead: 1–10 mm
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Accuracy classes C5 – C1
What are Miniature Ball Screws?
Miniature ball screws are specifically designed for applications with very limited installation space. Even at extremely small dimensions, they transmit high forces and enable precise linear motion in compact systems.
Like standard ball screws, miniature ball screws operate on the same principle: they convert rotational motion into linear motion. However, due to their small size, they require specialized return systems and manufacturing processes.
Your benefits at a glance
Extremely Compact
With a minimum diameter of 4 mm and a minimum lead of 1 mm, Miniature Ball Screws fit into the tightest installation spaces—ideal for precision engineering applications.
Flexible
Thanks to optimized circulation systems (internal circulation, end cap circulation) and various designs (flange, cylindrical, threaded body), you can always find the right solution for your application.
Raceway Geometry
The raceway features a double-arc profile with an optimized contact angle β and arc radius r. This ensures exceptionally smooth, jerk-free motion—perfect for high-precision positioning tasks.
Typical applications
In automated manufacturing and assembly lines, miniature ball screws are used for precise linear motion, e.g. in pick-and-place machines, adjustment devices, or small transfer modules. They enable high repeatability within compact installation spaces.
In drones, miniature ball screws are used, for example, in mechanical camera gimbals or in actuation systems for adjustable flaps and landing mechanisms. Their low weight and high efficiency are critical in these applications.
In the joints of humanoid robots, miniature ball screws generate linear actuation movements that are converted into rotary motion. They contribute to improved mobility, torque performance, and a compact limb design.
These are used in devices such as infusion pumps, surgical robots, microscope positioning stages, or orthopedic implants (e.g., spinal fixation systems). Key requirements include sterilizability, smooth operation, and minimal dimensions.
In high-performance lenses, autofocus mechanisms, or camera sliders, miniature ball screws enable extremely fine focusing and zoom movements. They are also used in measurement and inspection systems with image processing.
Technical data
Nominal-Ø (mm)
Lead (mm)
Dynamic load rating
Static load rating
4 - 12
1 - 12
650 - 4,090 N
710 - 4,690 N
Nominal-Ø (mm)
Lead (mm)
Dynamic load rating
Static load rating
Design and maintenance guidelines
Design and maintenance guidelines
texture
Materials
Our Ball Screws are manufactured from high-quality case-hardening materials. The screw shafts are made of quenched and tempered steel (according to DIN 17006: 50CrMo4 or Cf53), while the nuts are made of bearing steel (GCr15, GCr15SiMn, or 20CrMo). A precise heat treatment process ensures a consistently high hardness of the raceways of 60 ± 2 HRC.
For special requirements, e.g. in the food or medical technology sectors, stainless steel versions are also available on request.
construction
Installation and design guidelines
To ensure optimal performance and a long service life, please observe the following points during design and installation:
- Screw end: Design the screw end so that at least one end features a full thread. The outer diameter of this end must be at least 0.2 mm smaller than the root diameter of the thread to allow mounting of the nut.
- Alignment: The screw axis must be aligned precisely parallel to the guide rails.
- Mounting position: During assembly, the nut should be positioned as close as possible to the bearing. For long-term storage, we recommend hanging the screw vertically to prevent bending due to its own weight.
- Ambient temperature: The permissible operating range is –20 °C to +80 °C.
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Lubrication
Proper lubrication is critical for the performance and service life of your Ball Screw.
- Lubricant selection: The choice between oil and grease lubrication depends on speed, ambient temperature, and load. Please ensure that different lubricant types (especially greases) are not mixed.
- Grease quantity: As a guideline, fill approximately one-third of the free internal volume of the nut with grease.
- Oil quantity (guideline values): The table below shows the recommended oil quantities depending on the screw diameter. The relubrication interval is approximately 3 minutes during operation.
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