A Hiwin ball screw is a precision mechanical linear actuator made by Hiwin Technologies Corp, a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of motion control components. Ball screws are widely used in CNC machines, 3D printers, robotics, and other industrial automation systems for converting rotational motion into linear motion with high efficiency and precision. 🔧 What is a Hiwin Ball Screw? A ball screw consists of a screw shaft and a ball nut with circulating ball bearings in between. It minimizes friction between the nut and the screw, making it more efficient than traditional lead screws. 🔹 Hiwin Ball Screw Structure: Screw Shaft – Hardened and ground precision shaft with helical grooves. Ball Nut – Encloses the balls and transfers motion to/from the shaft. Recirculating Balls – Steel balls roll between the screw and nut, reducing friction. Return System – Guides the balls back to the starting point (external, internal, or end-cap type). Seals and Wipers – Keep out debris and retain lubricant. ⚙️ Types of Hiwin Ball Screws Type Description Common Series Ground Ball Screws High-precision, ground surface finish. Used in CNC and semiconductor equipment. RGR, RGH Rolled Ball Screws Cost-effective, lower precision but good for general automation. RGW, RSR Miniature Ball Screws For compact, precise applications like medical devices or small robots. PMX Series High-Speed Ball Screws Designed for fast linear motion with low noise. WGF, WGR 📐 Key Specifications Parameter Description Lead Distance the nut moves per screw revolution (e.g., 5mm, 10mm) Diameter Shaft diameter (e.g., 16mm, 20mm, 32mm) Accuracy Grade ISO/DIN grades (C0 to C10); C5 or C7 are common Preload Improves rigidity and reduces backlash Dynamic Load Rating Indicates life expectancy under load Nut Type Flange nut, cylindrical nut, double nut, etc. 🔍 Advantages of Hiwin Ball Screws High efficiency (~90%) Low friction and wear High repeatability and precision Long service life Smooth, quiet motion 🏭 Applications CNC machinery (lathes, milling machines) 3D printers Industrial robots Medical and lab automation Aerospace test benches Packaging and labeling machines