Low feed accuracy and fluctuations? High-Precision Ball Screws ensure precise axis motion

How High-Precision Ball Screws provide smooth motion, high dynamics, and reliable results in machine tool engineering

Philipp Schmalzhaf

by Philipp Schmalzhaf, Sales Manager

Machine Tool Engineering

Precise positioning for reproducible measurement results in testing technology

In machine tool engineering, design engineers are often faced with the challenge of combining high feed rates with excellent machining quality. Conventional drive solutions frequently reach their limits - for example due to uneven feed motion or limited precision. High-Precision Ball Screws provide an effective solution for linear axis drives in modern machine tools.

High-Precision Ball Screws for handwheels on milling machines

High-Precision Ball Screws for handwheels on milling machines

How High-Precision Ball Screws ensure feed accuracy, rigidity, and long service life

Depending on the axis and application, grounded Ball Screws with suitable leads are used to enable fast positioning moves and high dynamics - without compromising accuracy. Typical requirements include high feed speeds, precise positioning, high rigidity, and long service life under varying loads. Optimized raceway geometries, high load capacities, and selectable nut designs help reliably meet these demands.

We provide technical consulting and support you with proper sizing to ensure that your Ball Screw is optimally integrated into your application.

FAQs about High-Precision Ball Screws

These ball screw types are manufactured with reduced axial play and high dimensional accuracy. This allows them to be used in machining centers or other systems requiring high precision.

C7 to C1 are common. C3–C1 are used for positioning tasks, C7–C5 for transport applications. The key factors are your requirements for screw length, backlash, repeatability, and load.

High-Precision Ball Screws have tighter tolerances, less backlash, and higher rigidity. They’re suitable for precise positioning tasks, whereas Standard Screws are more suited for simple feed and transport movements.

Preload eliminates backlash and increases rigidity and precision. It’s essential for positioning tasks but less relevant for transport purposes.

Rolled: cold-formed, cost-effective, medium precision.

Ground: precision-ground, offering the highest accuracy.

Whirled: formed by chip removal, faster than the ground version and more precise than the rolled variant.

Heavy-load types feature robust raceways and large balls. High-speed types use larger leads and special deflectors.

Shaft diameters from 4–300 mm, leads from 1–80 mm, lengths up to 12,000 mm (single-piece), and up to 22,000 mm (multi-piece assemblies).

Screws are made of induction-hardened special steel. Nuts are made from vacuum-carburized steel. This ensures durability and load capacity.

Service life can be calculated theoretically based on the bearing life formula. It depends on speed, load rating, and axial force.

DN = diameter × rotational speed. This formula helps calculate the maximum speed of the nut.

Various deflection systems (internal, external), flange shapes, multiple nuts, compact versions, and special threads.

Positioning types are preloaded (low backlash), transport types have backlash and are simpler—but not suitable for precise movement. High precision is also reflected in the purchase price.

Yes, there are single, double, and custom nuts. Replacement is usually straightforward with standard parts, and conditionally possible with special designs.

Typically via lubrication holes for oil or grease. Regular lubrication is crucial for service life and smooth operation.

Lateral forces must be strictly avoided. There should be no overconstraint from the screw bearings. Always mount or dismount the nut using a sleeve—otherwise, the balls may fall out.

Yes. There are miniature ball screws and compact designs with small outer diameters and shortened nuts—ideal for tight installation spaces.

Question not included?

You can find more application examples and drive solutions here

High-Precision Ball Screws - GROB Drive Technology

What is a High-Precision Ball Screw?

Would you like to understand how High-Precision Ball Screws work and what the differences are between the various types? In our learning article, we clearly explain what a High-Precision Ball Screw is, the different accuracy classes and designs available, how it works, and in which application areas it is used.

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