Ball Screw Terminology

Acme lead screws have a 29 degree thread angle. An Acme lead screw is less efficient than a square thread but is easier to machine.

The lost motion or looseness (play) between the balls in the nut and the threads on the screw. In the case of ball screws, it refers to how much the ballnut can be moved back and forth without moving along the length of the screw. Learn more on measuring for ball screw backlash and table movement.

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Explore the definition of ball screws in this article: What is a Ball Screw?

A ball screw is a mechanical device that translates rotational motion to linear motion. Ball screws are typically 90% efficient at converting input torque to thrust. Compared to lead screws, ball screws are generally bulkier, because of the need to have a mechanism to re-circulate the balls. Typically, their design allows for multiple repair options to extend the life of the ball screw without full replacement.

The closed path of recirculating balls in a nut.

A load that would tend to buckle or compress the ball screw shaft.

The angular velocity at which the screw (or nut) develops severe vibrations. Learn more in design resources section.

The complete forward and reverse motion of the screw (or nut) in moving the load.

The range through which a nut can be turned without engaging the balls.

The maximum load that a ball screw assembly can maintain for a prescribed length of travel.

A condition whereby excessive friction between high spots results in localized welding with subsequent splitting and a further roughening of the rubbing surfaces of one or both of the two mating parts. This is an indication of material surface fatigue, usually indicating the end of life, which may be able to be removed with the regrind option, depending on the amount/depth.

Lead is the amount of linear advance caused by one revolution of the leadscrew (lead = 1/Pitch).

The error in lead length per turn, compared to the basic lead specified. Lead error in the manufacturing of the ball screw is dictated by the manufacturing process; with Precision Grinding producing the lowest amount of error.

The useful life of a ball screw assembly, usually given in terms of one million inches of travel. Learn more in design resources section.

A ball that carries a portion of the load force (see spacer ball).

A nut containing more than one closed recirculating ball path in a recirculating ball screw.

A screw with more than one lead or start. Ball screws and Acme screws can have multiple starts.

The number of threads per inch or millimeter (Pitch = 1/Lead). Multiple Start Screws will yield a different threads per inch or millimeter.

The diameter of a theoretical cylinder passing through the centers of the ball bearings.

The minor diameter of the screw shaft measured at the root of the ball grooves.

A nut containing only one closed recirculating path.

A smaller ball, used as an idler, which prevents friction between load balls, but does not carry a load itself.

The maximum non-operating load capacity at which brinelling of the ball track or plastic deformation of the balls will not occur.

Determined primarily by the number and size of balls in engagement and, to a certain extent, by the preload and type of nut mounting.

A load that would tend to stretch the ball shaft.