The ball nut is a component of an assembly known as a ball screw drive. Ball nuts are comprised of two components:
1. A nut
2. Ball bearings
The precision recirculating steel ball bearings run along the nut’s internal grooves between the nut’s threads and the screw in which the nut is engaged. Depending on the set-up, either the nut or screw turns. While one turns, the other moves in a linear direction. This action converts either rotary to linear motion or the converse. This turns the basic torque of the movement into thrust.
Advantages of Ball Nuts And Ball Screw Drive Assembly
As noted above ball nuts are an integral component of a ball screw drive assembly. Its entire goal is to create motion transfer. In other words, this assembly is an actuator. By converting the rotary input to linear motion, it is more effective than other actuators such as the popular Acme screw, belts, cables or even chain drives. Ball screws are:
* More efficient
* Less expensive
* Operate more quietly
* More precise than some belts, cable or chain drives
* Requires fewer accessories e.g. pumps, hoses
* Do not stretch
* These factors make them easier to install and use.
* Applications
The best applications for ball screws involve high precision and high or low load tasks with linear actuation. Some professionals believe they are one of the best methods from which to choose in this type of application. Among the common uses for ball nuts/ball screws are in
* Commercial and military aircraft
* Milling-machine tables
* Robotics
* Semiconductor wafer transport systems
* ABS automotive brakes
The Ball Nut
If you are looking for a high precision option for a linear application, consider utilizing a ball nut, ball screw combination. The versatility of this assembly makes them useful in various load applications. Whether you ask for customized or off-the-shelf models, you are certain to meet your objectives without resorting to a more costly method.
