Repeatable positioning and stable motion for the optical industry

In the optical industry, High-Precision Ball Screws enable smooth motion and maximum accuracy for sensitive applications

Philipp Schmalzhaf

by Philipp Schmalzhaf, Sales Manager

Optikindustrie - Hochpräzisions-KGTs

Repeatable positioning of lenses, mirrors, and sensors

In the optical industry, fractions of a micrometer determine the quality of optical components. Lead screws or standard ball screws quickly reach their limits - for example due to backlash, uneven motion, or limited rigidity. These inaccuracies can negatively affect the alignment of lenses, mirrors, or sensors in optical systems and reduce measurement or manufacturing quality.

High-Precision Ball Screws from GROB provide the right solution. They enable highly repeatable positioning of optical components and linear stages, ensure smooth motion, and minimize backlash. This allows precision and dynamics to be optimally combined, exactly what design engineers in optical engineering require.

Lens manufacturing

High-Precision Ball Screws are also used in lens manufacturing

High-Precision Ball Screws reliably meet the requirements of the optical industry

Typical requirements in this field include maximum repeatability, low friction, stable positioning under varying loads, and long service life. Grounded High-Precision Ball Screws with selectable preload and tight lead tolerances reliably meet these demands. Optional measurement reports and our personalized engineering support ensure that the solution is perfectly matched to your application.

With GROB Ball Screws, you benefit not only from outstanding precision and process stability, but also from transparent quality assurance measures and decades of experience, especially in sensitive applications within the optical industry.

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.

Read more

Share your application with us! We'll get back to you promptly

In order to dimension your ball screw quickly, please provide the following parameters: