Ball Screws

Q: What is the difference between ground and rolled ball screws?

Ground ball screws are manufactured by precision grinding the thread form after heat treatment, achieving higher lead accuracy (ISO G1–G5) and smoother operation. Rolled ball screws are formed by cold rolling the thread profile, offering a cost-effective solution for general automation with accuracy classes C7–C10.

Q: How do I select the correct preload for my application?

Zero preload is suitable for low-friction, general positioning. Light preload (3–5% of dynamic load) eliminates backlash for most CNC and automation applications. Medium/heavy preload (7–10%) maximizes rigidity for high-stiffness machine tool axes but increases torque and heat generation.

Q: What is the critical speed and how do I avoid resonance?

The critical speed is the rotational speed at which the screw shaft resonates. It depends on diameter, length, and end support configuration. We can calculate the safe operating speed for your assembly and recommend intermediate supports or larger diameters to avoid resonance.

Q: Can you provide ball screws with custom end machining?

Absolutely. Provide a drawing of the required end journals, and we will machine the screw blank to your exact specifications. Standard journal configurations include bearing seats, snap ring grooves, keyways, and threaded ends.

Q: What lubrication is recommended for ball screws?

We recommend lithium-based grease NLGI Grade 1 or 2 for most applications. For high-speed or cleanroom use, low-viscosity synthetic oils with EP additives may be specified. We offer food-grade and vacuum-compatible lubricants upon request.

Q: What is the typical lead time for a custom ball screw assembly?

Standard rolled ball screws with common end machining ship within 1–2 weeks. Precision ground ball screws with custom journals typically require 3–5 weeks including grinding, heat treatment, and quality inspection.

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Cat	Products Name	Price
AMS-GE-LM-39	Ball Screw Diameter 28 Lead 8 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 16.5 kN
AMS-GE-LM-40	Ball Screw Diameter 28 Lead 10 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 16.4 kN
AMS-GE-LM-41	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 5 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 13.1 kN
AMS-GE-LM-42	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 6 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 21.4 kN
AMS-GE-LM-43	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 8 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 27.4 kN
AMS-GE-LM-44	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 10 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 27.3 kN
AMS-GE-LM-45	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 12 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 39.5 kN
AMS-GE-LM-46	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 12 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 27.2 kN
AMS-GE-LM-47	Ball Screw Diameter 32 Lead 12 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 39.4 kN
AMS-GE-LM-48	Ball Screw Diameter 40 Lead 5 Single Nut DZ Dynamic Load 14.4 kN

High-Precision Ball Screws for Linear Motion Excellence

AIMRSE precision ball screws convert rotary motion into smooth, accurate linear positioning with exceptional efficiency and repeatability. Our comprehensive portfolio includes ground and rolled ball screws in standard metric and inch dimensions, with lead accuracy up to ISO 3408 Class 3 (G3). From high-speed machining centers to semiconductor wafer stages and medical diagnostic equipment, our ball screw assemblies deliver reliable performance with minimal backlash and extended service life.

Every ball screw is manufactured with precision-ground raceways and matched ball nuts to achieve specified preload and rigidity. We offer standard end machining, custom journal configurations, and integrated ball nut housings. Whether you need a single replacement screw or a complete custom-engineered linear axis, our application specialists will help you select the optimal configuration for your motion requirements.

Configure Your Ball Screw

Provide lead, diameter, stroke, and end machining details for a custom quote.

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CAD models and 2D drawings available upon request.

ISO 3408 Class 3–7 Lead Accuracy

6 mm – 100 mm Nominal Diameter

1 mm – 50 mm Lead Options

Zero / Light / Medium Preload Classes

Ball Screw Range & Technical Specifications

Select from our comprehensive lineup of ground and rolled ball screws. Custom end machining and nut configurations available.

Type	Diameter (mm)	Lead (mm)	Accuracy Class	Dynamic Load (kN)	Nut Style	Key Features
Ground Ball Screw	12 – 80	2 – 40	G3 – G5	2.5 – 180	Single / Double / Flanged	High rigidity, minimal torque fluctuation, ideal for CNC and CMM
Rolled Ball Screw	8 – 50	2 – 20	C7 – C10	1.2 – 65	Single / Flanged / Cylindrical	Cost-effective, fast delivery, suitable for general automation
Miniature Ground	6 – 16	1 – 5	G3 – G5	0.5 – 4.5	Flanged / Cylindrical	Compact design, smooth motion for semiconductor and medical devices
Heavy-Duty Ground	40 – 100	10 – 50	G5 – G7	80 – 450	Double / Quad Circuit	Oversized ball design, high load capacity for injection molding and presses
High-Lead Ground	20 – 50	20 – 50	G5 – G7	8 – 95	Single with Deflector	Optimized ball recirculation, high DN value for rapid traverse

Typical Applications by Industry

AIMRSE ball screws are trusted for precise linear positioning across demanding industrial sectors.

High-rigidity ground ball screw assembly driving a CNC machine tool axis

CNC Machine Tools

High-rigidity ground ball screws for milling, turning, and grinding machine axis drives.

Semiconductor Equipment Ball Screws

Semiconductor & FPD

Cleanroom-compatible miniature ball screws for wafer stages and inspection systems.

Factory Automation Ball Screws

Factory Automation

Rolled ball screws for pick-and-place, packaging, and general linear actuators.

Medical Equipment Ball Screws

Medical & Laboratory

Quiet, low-friction ball screws for diagnostic imaging, syringe pumps, and robotic surgery.

Injection Molding Ball Screws

Plastics & Rubber

High-load ball screws for injection molding clamp units and blow molding platens.

3D Printer and Additive Manufacturing Ball Screws

Additive Manufacturing

Precision ball screws for Z-axis and gantry positioning in 3D printers.

Performance Validation & Field-Proven Reliability

We retrofitted our CNC machining centers with AIMRSE G3 ground ball screws. The improvement in surface finish and positional accuracy was immediate. After 12,000 hours of high-speed operation, measured backlash remains under 5 microns, and we've reduced our scrap rate by over 15%.

Da**

12,000+ hrs with < 5 µm backlash

Our automated medical diagnostic instruments require smooth, quiet motion and exceptional repeatability. Switching to AIMRSE miniature ball screws reduced our stage vibration by 40% and improved sample positioning repeatability to within ±1 µm. The custom end machining simplified our assembly process.

Lu**

40% lower vibration, ±1 µm repeatability

Precision Manufacturing & Quality Assurance

AIMRSE ball screws are manufactured using advanced thread grinding, induction hardening, and precision assembly processes to ensure consistent accuracy and long service life.

Thread Grinding Technology
CNC thread grinders achieve lead accuracy to ISO 3408 Class 3 (G3) with surface finishes down to Ra 0.2 µm for smooth ball recirculation.
Induction Hardening & Heat Treatment
Screw shafts and ball nuts are case-hardened to 58–62 HRC for optimal wear resistance and fatigue life under dynamic loading.
Ball Selection & Preload Adjustment
Precision-matched ball sizes and double-nut preload configurations achieve zero or controlled backlash for high-stiffness applications.
End Machining & Journal Grinding
Custom end journals ground to exact bearing and coupling fits, with optional keyways, threads, and seal grooves per customer drawings.

Ball screw thread grinding process Fig. 1. CNC thread grinding of precision ball screw shaft to G3 accuracy class.

Custom Ball Screw Engineering & End Machining

Need a non-standard lead, special nut configuration, or custom end journals? Our engineering team provides:

Custom End Machining: Bearing journals, coupling ends for electric servo motors, keyways, and threaded mounting features
Special Nut Designs: Flanged, cylindrical, or double nuts with custom preload and lubrication ports
Long Stroke Assemblies: Screws up to 6 meters in length with intermediate supports and tensioning
Integrated Linear Axis: Complete assemblies integrated with precision linear guides, support bearings, housings, and motor mounts
CAD & Drawing Support: 2D and 3D models for seamless design integration

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Ball Screw Repair & Reconditioning Services

Extend the life of your existing precision ball screws. Our reconditioning services include:

Inspection & Assessment: Lead error measurement, backlash quantification, and wear analysis
Re-balling & Preload Restoration: Replacement of worn balls to restore original preload and stiffness
Raceway Regrinding: Precision regrinding of worn screw and nut raceways (where feasible)
End Journal Repair: Weld buildup and regrinding of damaged bearing or coupling journals
Complete Rebuild Report: Documentation of pre- and post-repair accuracy

Explore Repair Services →

Frequently Asked Ball Screw Questions

What is the difference between ground and rolled ball screws?

Ground ball screws are manufactured by precision grinding the thread form after heat treatment, achieving higher lead accuracy (ISO G1–G5) and smoother operation. Rolled ball screws are formed by cold rolling the thread profile, offering a cost-effective solution for general automation with accuracy classes C7–C10.

How do I select the correct preload for my application?

Zero preload is suitable for low-friction, general positioning. Light preload (3–5% of dynamic load) eliminates backlash for most CNC and automation applications. Medium/heavy preload (7–10%) maximizes rigidity for high-stiffness machine tool axes but increases torque and heat generation.

What is the critical speed and how do I avoid resonance?

The critical speed is the rotational speed at which the screw shaft resonates. It depends on diameter, length, and end support configuration. We can calculate the safe operating speed for your assembly and recommend intermediate supports or larger diameters to avoid resonance.

Can you provide ball screws with custom end machining?

Absolutely. Provide a drawing of the required end journals, and we will machine the screw blank to your exact specifications. Standard journal configurations include bearing seats, snap ring grooves, keyways, and threaded ends.

What lubrication is recommended for ball screws?

We recommend lithium-based grease NLGI Grade 1 or 2 for most applications. For high-speed or cleanroom use, low-viscosity synthetic oils with EP additives may be specified. We offer food-grade and vacuum-compatible lubricants upon request.

What is the typical lead time for a custom ball screw assembly?

Standard rolled ball screws with common end machining ship within 1–2 weeks. Precision ground ball screws with custom journals typically require 3–5 weeks including grinding, heat treatment, and quality inspection.

Specify Your Precision Ball Screw Assembly

From standard rolled screws to ultra-precision ground assemblies with custom end machining, our application engineers will help you select the optimal configuration for your linear motion requirements. Provide lead, diameter, stroke, and end journal details for a detailed quotation and 3D CAD model.