Buying a ball screw is a critical decision for any precision motion project, from DIY CNC routers to industrial automation. To make the right purchase, you need to balance , accuracy grades , and mounting requirements . 1. Accuracy Grade (The "C" Class)
: A bracket to attach the nut to your machine's gantry or carriage.
: Ensure you account for the "travel distance" versus "total length." You lose length at both ends for support bearings and motor couplings. 3. Backlash and Preload
: Crucial for CNC milling to ensure parts remain dimensionally accurate.
: This is the distance the nut moves in one full revolution. A 5mm lead (SFU1605) is a popular balance between speed and torque for hobbyist machines.
Ball screw accuracy is categorized by "C" grades. The lower the number, the higher the precision.
: High-quality nuts use slightly oversized balls to eliminate play, though this increases friction and wear. 4. Mounting and Kits