Ball Screws & Lead Screws
Ball screws and lead (trapezoidal) screws that convert rotation into linear motion.
Ball Screws & Lead Screws
Precision and rolled ball screws, lead / trapezoidal screws, nuts and support bearings - selection by lead, accuracy class, load, speed, critical speed and buckling.
What is the difference between a ball screw and a lead screw?
A ball screw transmits force through recirculating balls between screw and nut, giving high efficiency, low wear and precise positioning, but it can back-drive and usually needs a brake on vertical axes. A lead (trapezoidal) screw uses sliding contact: lower efficiency and higher wear, but simpler and often self-locking. Lead, diameter, nut type, preload and end machining define the selection.
Related: Linear Motion & Actuation overview, selection method and replacement classes.
Leading Manufacturers Worldwide
Well-known European, American and Asian (Japanese and Korean) manufacturers of ball screws & lead screws.
| Manufacturer | Country | Product focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch Rexroth | Germany | Rail systems, screw assemblies, linear modules, electromechanical cylinders |
| Ewellix (former SKF Motion Technologies) | Sweden | Linear actuators, ball and roller screws, linear guides |
| Thomson Industries | USA | Linear bearings, ball screws, linear actuators |
| THK | Japan | LM Guides, ball screws, ball splines, actuators |
| NSK | Japan | Rolling bearings and linear motion |
Listed for market information only. Brand names belong to their owners; their mention does not imply that MECHATRIC represents, distributes for or is authorized by these manufacturers. Product availability and equivalents are confirmed per enquiry.
Need Ball Screws & Lead Screws?
Send the application data, original manufacturer / model or drawings - MECHATRIC reviews the selection or replacement and prepares the RFQ.