THE BASICS OF BALL SCREWS
Learn key terminology, methods for preloading, how to calculate life expectancy
and ball nut types for this important component of motion control.
By Jonathan Kasberg, Encompass Program Manager, Nook Industries, Inc.
Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from the white paper,
“The Fundamentals of Ball Screws and Ball Screw Selection.”
Visit http://goo.gl/0a5AvH to download the free, comprehen-
sive white paper that has additional information on applica-
tion considerations, mounting considerations and end fixity,
speed and critical speed, column loading and work environ-
ment, plus many useful illustrations.
>>
Of all the screws in industry used for motion,
ball screws provide unique benefits. A ball
screw is a device that comprises a shaft and a nut, where
either can be the traversing component. Ball screws work
similarly to ball bearings, where hardened steel balls move
along an inclined-hardened inner and outer race.
With at least 90% efficiency, ball screws are one of the
most efficient ways of converting rotary motion into preci-
sion linear motion.
The Basics
When it comes to ball screws, you need to understand
some key terminology. The ball circle diameter is the di-
ameter of the circle created by the center of the ball bear-
ings when they come into contact with both the screw and
nut. The root diameter is the minimum diameter of the
screw measured at the bottom-most point of the threads.
Both diameters are important when calculating applica-
tion characteristics and sizing parameters for factors such
as column loading and critical speed.
Pitch is the axial distance between two consecutive
threads on a screw. Lead is the linear distance traveled by
the nut or screw when either is rotated during one
full rotation.
44 THE JOURNAL | AUGUST 2015
TJ1508_44_46_NookWP.indd 44
The starts are the number of independent threads on
the screw shaft (see Figure 1). A screw typically has one,
two or four starts, and it resembles a helix that wraps
around the shaft. The pitch multiplied by the number of
starts equals the lead of the screw.
Lash is the result of the axial movement between a
nut and screw without rotation. While lash can disrupt
accuracy of the screw, it’s typically an occurrence that
comes without any serious issues. Most screws come with
a relatively small amount of lash, and screws that are only
loaded in one direction won’t be affected by lash. Lash can
be controlled through processes called preloading.
Preloading is the result of an internal force introduced
between a ball nut and screw assembly that eliminates free
axial and radial lash. Three methods used for preloading:
1. The double nut method uses two ball nuts loaded in
opposing directions by a spacer. These opposing forces
essentially eliminate the lash in each nut, causing
them not to “wiggle” when stationary or when chang-
ing directions.
2. Lead shifting is a method where a shift or offset is
manufactured in the lead of the ball nut. For example,
a lead might be shifted from 5 mm to 5.05 mm to
shift the ball bearings inside the ball nut in a different
direction. This is the preferred method when consider-
ing compactness, but load capacity will be reduced.
3. Ball selection is a lower-cost method that involves using
oversized ball bearings to create four points of contact
between the nut and screw. This allows for a heavier
load. However, the friction from the contact can reduce
the life of the bearings. This is generally the most com-
mon way manufacturers preload ball nuts.
W W W.ROCKWELLAUTOMATION.COM/THEJOURNAL
7/28/15 12:51 PM
 Single Start (Lead = Pitch)
3

( )
PITCH
AND LEAD
Ca
LAND ROOT BALL
CIRCLE L= x 106
Fm x f w
DIA. DIA.
DIA.

WHERE:
L = Life measured in revolutions
Double Start (Lead = 2 X Pitch) Ca = Basic Dynamic Load Rating
PITCH
LEAD Fm = equivalent axial load (N)
fW = Fatigue Factor
3 n nj qj
Fm = ∑
jm1
Fj3 x nm
x
100

Four Start (Lead = 4 X Pitch) WHERE:

Fm = equivalent axial load (N)
LEAD
PITCH Fj = each increment of axial load (N)
qj = percent of stroke at load Fj
nj = rotational speed at load Fj
nm = equivalent rotational speed (rpm) and is given by the
following equation:
Figure 1. The “starts” are the number of independent threads on
n qj
nm = ∑ 100 x n
the screw shaft. There are typically one, two or four starts on a
screw, which resemble a helix that wraps around the shaft. j

Multiple types of loading considerations exist for ball
screws. The static load (C0) condition is when the screw
and nut are loaded to their capacity without damage.
Metric screws with dynamic loading (Cn0) conditions are
always given in Newtons for 1 million revolutions of life.
Metric screws don’t take the effect of the lead of the screw
into life expectancy consideration. Inch/imperial screws
do factor in the lead of the screw and have dynamic load
ratings of 1 million inches of linear travel life.
Because screws come in so many different sizes and
are often tailored to industry standards, calculating these
conditions can be tricky.
Life Expectancy
Because of their steel-on-steel design, the bearing industry
has developed ways to calculate the life expectancy of ball
screws. However, other factors also can lessen the life of
a ball screw, such as contamination, lubrication and im-
proper mounting and installation techniques. For manu-
facturers hoping to extend the life of their screws, it can
be beneficial to order a larger size screw to handle a larger
load, prolonging the life of the screw.
Life expectancy can be calculated using the following
equations:
jm1
As an alternative to hand calculations, you can use
these charts to help calculate life expectancy:
• Metric: http://goo.gl/QKKX5B
• Inch: http://goo.gl/SXGy5z
Ball screws are known to encounter both compression
and tensile loads (see Figure 2). Compression loads tend to
compress or squeeze the screw axially, which can make screws
buckle or “bow out.” Tensile loads tend to stretch the screw
axially. While compression loading can be more problematic,
tensile loading can cause the screw to elongate and crack.
Knowing the direction in which the screw is loaded and
the end fixity helps when selecting screws, because both
critical speed and buckling need to be accounted for.
Note that screws are only meant for thrust loading, or
straight-line axial thrust motion. Any type of overturning
loading or side loading can immediately reduce the life of
the screw by up to 90%.
Typical Ball Nut Types
The three most popular ball nut types are:
1. Flanged.
2. Cylindrical body with key.
3. V-thread.

W W W.ROCKWELLAUTOMATION.COM/THEJOURNAL  AUGUST 2015 | THE JOURNAL 45

TJ1508_44_46_NookWP.indd 45 7/28/15 12:51 PM

 MORE THAN
LOAD LOAD

AN ENCLOSURE

LOAD LOAD

A SOLUTION!
Why fail with the wrong enclosure? Compression Load Tension Load
Succeed with Figure 2. Ball screws are known to encounter both compression and
Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures.
tensile loads. Compression loads tend to compress or squeeze the
• Superior Protection • Largest Selection of
from Corrosion, UV and Non-Metallic Enclosures screw axially, while tensile loads tend to stretch the screw axially.
Environmental Damage • NEMA 4X and 6P Integrity
• 10-Year Product Warranty • Excellent Performance While the flanged configuration is integral to all ball
• Made in the USA in Extreme Dry and Wet
Environments nuts, the cylindrical body with key style is commonly used
by actuator companies and OEMs. The v-thread ball nuts
WWW.STAHLIN.COM • 616.794.0700 are made to either be threaded into or attached to a flange.
Experience the Stahlin Advantage!
Booth #718 Automation Fair. Cost-Effective Alternative
While serving a great amount of applications, ball screws
are perhaps best known for their capabilities in moving
heavy loads at fast speeds with outstanding efficiency. In
the long run, ball screw systems can be a cost-effective
alternative to pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Nook Industries, Inc., is a participating Encompass™ Product
Partner in the Rockwell Automation® PartnerNetwork™. Based
in Cleveland, Ohio, the company provides a complete line of lin-
ear motion products, including ball screws and linear actuators.

Nook Industries, Inc.

www.rockwellautomation.com/go/nookindustries

Rockwell Automation Encompass

We have your power
needs covered
- VPI & Cast Resin Power transformers
HPS dry-type power transformers are well known for their
high level of quality and reliability. Designed and tested to
meet all North American standards and are UL Listed as well
as CSA Certified.
• Cast Resin transformers up to 5MVA, 35kV Class
• VPI transformers up to 34MVA, 46kV Class
www.hammondpowersolutions.com
Product Partner Program
www.rockwellautomation.com/go/tjencompass
>> Download the Free White Paper!
Register to download the free, complete white
paper, “The Fundamentals of Ball Screws and
Ball Screw Selection,” from Nook Industries, Inc. at
http://goo.gl/0a5AvH. Learn about application
considerations, mounting considerations and
end fixity, speed and critical speed, column
loading and work environment, and view many
useful illustrations.

46 THE JOURNAL | AUGUST 2015 W W W.ROCKWELLAUTOMATION.COM/THEJOURNAL

TJ1508_44_46_NookWP.indd 46 7/28/15 12:51 PM