A HIWIN ball screw is a mechanical linear actuator...

A HIWIN ball screw is a mechanical linear actuator that translates rotational motion to linear motion with little friction. It uses ball bearings to eliminate the sliding friction found in traditional lead screws. HIWIN is a Taiwanese manufacturer known for precision motion control components, and their ball screws are widely used in CNC machines, robotics, automation, and semiconductor equipment. 🔧 Components of a HIWIN Ball Screw Screw Shaft: A precision-ground or rolled shaft with a helical groove (thread). Ball Nut: Encases the screw shaft and contains ball bearings that circulate inside. Ball Bearings: Circulate between the shaft and the nut, minimizing friction. Return System: Allows the balls to recirculate within the nut (can be external or internal). End Supports (optional): Bearings or mounts that support the screw ends and allow rotation. 📏 Types of HIWIN Ball Screws Ground Ball Screws Precision-machined High accuracy (up to C0–C5 class) Low noise and smooth motion Used in high-end applications like CNC and semiconductor machinery Rolled Ball Screws Threads are formed by rolling Lower precision (C7–C10 class) More economical Suitable for general automation and industrial machinery 🔍 Key Specifications Lead (mm): Distance the nut travels per revolution Diameter (mm): Shaft size, affects load capacity Accuracy Grade: C0 to C10 (C0 = ultra-precise, C10 = least precise) Preload: Optional to eliminate backlash and increase rigidity Nut Type: Single nut, double nut, flange type, cylindrical, etc. 📐 Accuracy Classes (ISO 3408 / JIS B1192) Class Lead Accuracy (µm/300mm) Typical Use Case C0 ±3 High-precision instruments C1 ±5 Semiconductor, metrology tools C3 ±7 CNC machines, robotics C5 ±23 Industrial machinery C7 ±52 Basic automation, economic machinery C10 ±210 Low-end applications ⚙️ Advantages of HIWIN Ball Screws High efficiency (~90% or more) Smooth, precise motion Long service life with proper lubrication Can handle high loads and speeds Minimal backlash with preloaded nuts 🛠️ Applications CNC machinery (mills, lathes, routers) 3D printers and linear actuators Robotics and automation systems Medical imaging equipment Semiconductor processing machines