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Ball screw support units are devices that provide support and guidance to ball screws, which are linear motion systems that convert rotational motion into linear motion. A ball screw comprises a screw shaft, a ball nut, and multiple balls that roll between the screw shaft and the nut. Ball screw support units are installed at one or both ends of the ball screw to secure it to the machine and withstand the axial loads generated by the ball screw.

There are different types of ball screw support units based on the shape, size, and precision of the ball screw, as well as the application requirements. In this article, we will describe the purposes and features of three main categories of ball screw support units: the general fixed-side series, the general supported-side series, and the ball screw support bearings.

General Fixed-side Series

The general fixed-side series is a type of ball screw support unit designed for the fixed side (or motor side) of a ball screw. The fixed side is the side where the driving force is applied, requiring high rigidity and accuracy. The general fixed-side series includes various models such as AK, BK, EK, LK, FK, and FKA. These models differ in shape (rectangular or circular), dimensions, and mounting arrangements.

The general fixed-side series is equipped with angular contact ball bearings, a bearing design intended to support both radial and axial loads. Angular contact ball bearings are typically arranged in a face-to-face (DF) configuration, providing high rigidity and low torque. However, certain models can also be arranged in a back-to-back (DB) configuration for increased rigidity at the expense of higher torque.

The general fixed-side series comes preloaded with zero axial clearance and is injected with lubricating grease. This means there is no gap between the inner and outer rings of the bearings, reducing backlash and enhancing accuracy. The lubricating grease ensures the bearings are well-lubricated, extending their operational life.

Some models in the general fixed-side series offer options with oil holes or damping devices. Oil holes contribute to prolonging the bearing's lifespan, while damping devices are rubber pads designed to absorb collision.

The general fixed-side series is suitable for applications that demand high precision, high speed, and high rigidity. This includes applications in CNC machine tools, industrial robots, precision stages, and similar systems.

General Supported-side Series

The General Supported-side Series is a type of ball screw support unit designed for the supported side (or free side) of a ball screw. The supported side is the side subjected to the load, requiring a moderate level of rigidity and accuracy. The General Supported-side Series includes various models such as AF、BF、EF、FF、HF、LF、LFA and HF. These models may differ in shape (rectangular or circular), dimensions, and installation arrangements.

The General Supported-side Series is equipped with deep groove ball bearings, primarily designed to support radial loads. Deep groove ball bearings are typically arranged in a single-row configuration, providing low friction and low noise.

The General Supported-side Series has injected with lubricating grease. This means there is a small gap between the inner and outer rings of the bearings, allowing for the thermal expansion and contraction of the ball screw. The lubricating grease lubricates the bearings, extending their operational life.

The General Supported-side Series is suitable for applications that require moderate precision, medium speed, and intermediate rigidity, such as machine tools, automation equipment, medical devices, and similar applications.

Heavy-load fixed-side series.

Ball screw support bearings are specially designed angular contact ball bearings for use in ball screw support units. These bearings have a contact angle of 60 degrees, allowing them to support both radial and axial loads. Ball screw support bearings also possess high-speed capabilities and a long lifespan.

These bearings can be combined with other components, such as bearing housings, bearing caps, oil seals, hexagon socket bolts, sleeves, and locking nuts, to form a complete ball screw support unit. Ball screw support bearings can also serve as replacements for damaged or worn bearings in existing ball screw support units.

Heavy-load fixed-side series are suitable for applications that demand high precision, high speed, and high rigidity, such as CNC machine tools, industrial robots, and precision stages.