A ball screw is a mechanical device used to convert rotary motion into linear motion (or vice versa), using ball bearings to reduce friction. It's like a more efficient version of a lead screw.
Hiwin is a Taiwan-based company, well-known for high-precision ball screws used in automation, CNC machines, robotics, and more.
🧠 How It Works
The screw shaft has a helical groove (like a thread).
The ball nut also has a groove.
Ball bearings circulate between these grooves.
When the screw or nut rotates, the ball bearings roll between the threads, converting rotational motion into smooth linear motion.
➡️ The rolling motion greatly reduces friction compared to sliding contact (like in regular lead screws), resulting in:
High efficiency (~90%)
Low wear
Long service life
High accuracy
🔍 Hiwin Ball Screw Features
High Precision: Ground and rolled versions available.
High Efficiency: Minimal energy loss.
Low Friction: Thanks to recirculating ball bearings.
Customizable: Variety of diameters, leads (pitch), and nut styles.
Preload Options: For zero-backlash applications.
🛠️ Types of Hiwin Ball Screws
Type Description
Ground Ball Screws High precision, ground threads, tight tolerances. Used in high-end CNC and semiconductor machines.
Rolled Ball Screws More economical, slightly less precision. Good for general automation.
Precision Grade Hiwin grades range from C0 (super high) to C10 (standard) based on accuracy.
Preloaded Ball Screws Eliminates backlash by slightly compressing the ball bearings.
⚙️ Common Applications
CNC machines
Industrial robots
Semiconductor manufacturing
Aerospace mechanisms
3D printers (high-end)
Injection molding machines
📏 Key Specifications to Know
When choosing a Hiwin Ball Screw:
Shaft diameter (e.g., 16mm, 20mm, 25mm)
Lead (pitch) – the distance the nut moves per screw rotation
Accuracy grade – C0, C3, C5, etc.
Nut type – single, double, flange, compact, etc.
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