Ballscrews and End Supports

At Matara UK, we stock a wide range of rolled and ground linear ballscrews and end supports from TBI Motion. Of all the types of screws used for linear motion in industry, linear ballscrews offer unique benefits compared to other standards.

What is a Ballscrew?

Ballscrews are mechanical devices used to convert rotational motion into linear motion. These highly efficient and supremely economical devices are the standout choice for screws used in motion control, offering a number of benefits for applications where the required performance exceeds that of a lead screw.

Why Choose a Linear Ballscrew?

Struggling to decide whether ballscrews are right for your application? Here are some of the main benefits of using ballscrews in your future applications:

• High Efficiency: With ballscrews relying on point contact to support a load, as opposed to line contact, less friction is produced during use. This means that ballscrews typically operate at a minimum efficiency of 90%, making them an optimal choice for converting rotary motion into precision linear motion.

• Load Capabilities: Because their recirculating ball bearings support the load, ballscrews have a higher load capacity than lead screws of similar size. What makes ballscrews versatile in so many industries is their ability to carry remarkably heavy loads at fast, efficient speeds.

• Cost-Efficient: In the long run, ballscrew systems can be a cost-effective alternative to pneumatic or hydraulic systems, which require constant electrical and air power.

How Does a Ballscrew Work?

As the ball bearings inside a ballscrew run along the tracks of the screw shaft, they circulate through the nut. Following this track, the ball bearings eventually recirculate through the nut, converting rotary motion into linear motion, driving it along the shaft.

Why Are End Supports Important?

End supports are more than just an accessory. They play a vital part in the performance of linear ballscrew assemblies. There are two primary variations of end supports for a linear ballscrew:

• Simple or Floating Support: Used for a single ball bearing to support the ballscrew assembly against radial loads
• Fixed Support: Used for angular contact thrust bearings to counteract axial and radial forces contacting the ballscrew

Get in Touch

If you want to find out more about Matara’s range of ballscrews and end supports in the UK, contact one of our experts or visit our handytechnical hub for more information.