Ball Screw And Lead Screw: A Visual Guide To Their Parts

Ever stared at a ball screw or lead screw assembly,wondering exactly how each part contributes to that precise,powerful motion?This blog post cuts through the complexity.We break down a detailed ball screw/lead screw diagram,section by section(A through N),providing a clear,technical explanation of each part's function and critical design considerations.Forget vague overviews;here you'll gain the practical,component-level knowledge needed to truly master ball screw or lead screw mechanics.

Functions of Each Section:

Section A:Power input end of the ball screw.This section connects to the motor or timing pulley via a coupling,transmitting power into the ball screw.

Section B: Fixed end of the ball screw.This section is housed within a support block containing a pair of angular contact ball bearings.Due to the angular contact ball bearings,this support block not only supports the screw but also fixes its axial movement.

Section C: This section features fine-pitch triangular threads. A lock nut locks the support block and the screw together. Note: Support blocks for fixed ends available on the market typically have fine-pitch triangular threads internally, so this section is generally also fine-pitch.

Section D: Large step section,increasing the contact area between the screw and the fixed end. The presence of this large step significantly complicates the machining process.Therefore,if not essential,this section can be replaced with a smooth shaft having the same diameter as the screw thread's major diameter.

Section E:Milled flat section on the step (wrench flat).When tightening the triangular thread lock nut at Section C,the screw may rotate along with it, preventing secure tightening.Using a wrench to hold the screw stationary at this flat allows the lock nut to be tightened securely.

Section F:Process gap.During grinding with a grinding wheel or thread turning,there is a small section where the grinding wheel cannot reach. The larger the lead,the larger the step,and consequently,the longer this gap.Note: This section only exists if there is a step; it is absent if there is no step.

Section G: Threaded section.The nut travels along this section.

Section H:Support end of the ball screw.This section is installed within a support block containing deep groove ball bearings, serving to support the screw.

Section J: Section inserted into the support block.

Section K: This section features a snap ring groove.A snap ring is installed here to lock the support block in place.

Section L: Nut of the ball screw.The workpiece is attached to this nut for movement.

Section M: Diameter of the nut.The workpiece is slipped over the nut,maintaining a sliding clearance.Once the position is adjusted,it can be locked securely.

Section N:Mounting holes on the nut.The fastening screws pass through these holes on the flange to secure the nut and the workpiece together.

Summary:In this diagram,the left shaft end(GQ thread)has fine-pitch triangular threads and is the fixed end.This section is installed within a bearing block containing a pair of angular contact ball bearings.This bearing block not only supports the screw but also fixes it,preventing axial movement.The outermost end connects to the motor via a coupling,providing power input.The central section features a large step to increase the contact area between the bearing block and the screw.This section has a milled flat, serving as a wrench flat to hold the screw stationary while tightening it against the bearing block during installation.The central section is the threaded part where the nut is mounted onto the screw threads.The workpiece requiring movement is slipped over the nut and fixed via the mounting holes.The rightmost end is the support end.This section is installed within a bearing block containing deep groove ball bearings and is locked in place using a snap ring.