DLY high precision ball screws are designed for CNC machine tools, positioning stages, automation systems and other equipment requiring stable linear motion with controlled lead accuracy. C3 and C5 accuracy grades are available according to the positioning requirement, production method and project budget.
A C3 ball screw can provide lead accuracy of approximately ±0.008 mm over 300 mm, while a C5 ball screw can provide approximately ±0.018 mm over 300 mm. Actual positioning performance also depends on preload, support-bearing arrangement, screw length, installation alignment, temperature variation and control-system compensation.
Zhejiang DLY Automation Manufacturing Co., Ltd. supplies standard and customized ball screws with selectable diameter, lead, nut structure, preload, overall length and end machining. Drawings or installation dimensions can be submitted for technical confirmation before production.
High Precision Ball Screw Specifications
| Parameter | Available Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | High precision ball screw assembly |
| Accuracy grade | C3 and C5 |
| C3 lead accuracy | Approximately ±0.008 mm/300 mm |
| C5 lead accuracy | Approximately ±0.018 mm/300 mm |
| Common nominal diameters | 12, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 and 50 mm; other sizes subject to technical confirmation |
| Common leads | 5, 10 and 20 mm; availability depends on diameter and nut series |
| Screw shaft material | S55C |
| Surface hardness | HRC 58–62 |
| Axial clearance and preload | Configured according to the nut structure, accuracy requirement and operating condition |
| Overall length | Customized according to drawing and effective travel |
| End machining | Machined according to the selected support bearing, coupling and motor interface |
| Delivery time | Normally 7–30 days, subject to specification and order quantity |
| Warranty | 1 year |
C3 and C5 Accuracy Selection
| Comparison | C3 Ball Screw | C5 Ball Screw |
|---|---|---|
| Lead accuracy | Approximately ±0.008 mm/300 mm | Approximately ±0.018 mm/300 mm |
| Positioning requirement | Suitable for applications with tighter lead-error control | Suitable for general precision positioning and CNC feed systems |
| Typical applications | Precision inspection, fine positioning stages and high-accuracy machine tools | CNC machines, automation equipment and industrial positioning systems |
| Cost and delivery | Usually requires tighter production control and project-specific confirmation | Often selected when precision, cost and delivery time must be balanced |
The required machine positioning accuracy should not be used directly as the ball screw accuracy grade. Bearing deformation, mounting errors, thermal expansion, coupling alignment, servo response and feedback-device accuracy all contribute to the final positioning error.
Product Features
Controlled Lead Accuracy
C3 and C5 grades support different positioning requirements, allowing the specification to be matched to the complete machine accuracy budget.
Low-Friction Transmission
Recirculating steel balls replace sliding contact with rolling contact, supporting smooth motion and efficient conversion between rotary and linear movement.
Preload Options
Preload and axial-clearance requirements can be selected according to the nut type, reversing load, required rigidity and expected operating temperature.
Customized End Machining
Both shaft ends can be machined to match fixed and supported bearing units, locknuts, couplings, motors and the available installation space.
Hardened Screw Surface
The S55C screw shaft is hardened to HRC 58–62 to provide a wear-resistant rolling surface for the ball circulation system.
Complete Assembly Support
Ball screw nuts, end supports and couplings can be selected together to reduce interface mismatches during machine assembly.
Product Structure and Motion Performance

A high precision ball screw assembly consists of a hardened screw shaft, a matched ball nut, recirculating steel balls and an internal return system. When the screw or nut rotates, the balls circulate through the loaded raceway and return path, producing linear movement with low friction.
Preload can improve axial rigidity and reduce reversal clearance, but excessive preload increases starting torque and heat generation. The correct preload must therefore be selected together with the operating speed, external load, duty cycle and lubrication method.
Customization Options
| Custom Item | Available Requirement |
|---|---|
| Diameter and lead | Selected according to load, speed, stroke and motor-speed requirements |
| Accuracy grade | C3 or C5 |
| Screw length | Overall length, threaded length and effective travel |
| Nut configuration | Selected according to installation space, flange dimensions and preload requirement |
| End machining | Bearing seats, threads, keyways, flats and coupling interfaces according to drawing |
| Protective accessories | Wipers, bellows or covers can be considered for environments containing dust, chips or coolant |
| Application | Typical Function | Selection Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machine tools | Feed-axis and worktable positioning | Lead accuracy, rigidity, critical speed and thermal control |
| Precision positioning stages | Controlled short- or long-stroke linear movement | Reversal clearance, preload, feedback accuracy and straightness |
| Industrial automation | Transfer, assembly, dispensing and inspection | Cycle rate, duty cycle, repeatability and service life |
| Inspection equipment | Sensor, camera or probe positioning | Smooth low-speed motion and controlled lead error |
| Medical and laboratory equipment | Bed, platform or instrument-axis movement | Noise, cleanliness, lubrication and motion stability |
Selection Information
Accurate selection requires more than the nominal diameter and overall length. The following information should be confirmed before quotation or production:
- Required effective travel and total available installation length
- Horizontal, vertical or inclined mounting direction
- Maximum axial load and operating load
- Required linear speed, acceleration and duty cycle
- Required positioning accuracy and repeatability
- Preferred accuracy grade and axial-clearance requirement
- Support-bearing arrangement and motor speed
- Existing end-machining drawing or installation dimensions
- Operating environment, lubrication method and contamination level
Installation and Maintenance
- Check shaft alignment: Misalignment between the screw, bearing supports and guide system can create additional load, heat and uneven wear.
- Avoid removing the nut without a transfer sleeve: Incorrect nut removal can allow the steel balls to fall out or disturb the internal circulation system.
- Protect the raceway: Chips, dust and coolant contamination can damage the screw surface and ball-return components. Covers or bellows should be installed where necessary.
- Apply suitable lubrication: Lubricant type and replenishment interval should be based on speed, load, stroke, duty cycle and environmental conditions.
- Prevent overtravel impact: Mechanical stops, limit switches and control limits should be used to keep the nut within the designed threaded travel.
DLY Manufacturing Support
DLY has manufactured linear-motion components since 2005. High precision ball screw orders can be reviewed according to the required accuracy, load, speed, travel, support arrangement and end-machining drawing before production.
The company's authorized self-cleaning ball nut patent, CN222010862U, uses a cleaning structure intended to reduce the influence of contaminants on the screw surface. The applicability of this structure depends on the selected nut series and operating environment.
High Precision Ball Screw FAQ
Q: Which accuracy grade is suitable for a CNC feed axis?
A: C5 is commonly selected for CNC feed systems that require a balance between positioning accuracy, cost and delivery time. C3 may be considered when the machine has a tighter positioning-error budget. The final choice should also account for bearing accuracy, thermal expansion, installation alignment and feedback control.
Q: Can the screw length and both shaft ends be customized?
A: Yes. Overall length, threaded length and end machining can be produced according to a confirmed drawing. The drawing should identify bearing seats, threads, shoulders, locknut positions, keyways or flats and the coupling interface.
Q: Is zero backlash available?
A: Preloaded configurations can reduce or eliminate measurable axial clearance under specified inspection conditions. However, preload should not be selected independently of torque, speed, temperature and rigidity requirements because excessive preload increases friction and heat.
Q: Is the minimum order quantity one piece?
A: One piece may be available for an existing standard specification. For customized high precision ball screws, the minimum order quantity must be confirmed by the technical and production departments according to the accuracy, dimensions, material and machining requirements.
Q: Can a ball screw be selected from diameter and lead alone?
A: No. Load direction, operating load, maximum speed, acceleration, stroke, mounting arrangement, desired life, lubrication and critical-speed limits must also be checked. Rated dynamic load and rated static load are not the same as the maximum permissible machine load.
Q: How often should a high precision ball screw be lubricated?
A: There is no single interval suitable for every application. Lubrication frequency depends on operating speed, load, stroke, duty cycle, temperature, lubricant type and contamination level. The initial interval should follow the equipment design requirement and then be adjusted according to lubricant condition, noise, temperature and operating inspection.
Request a High Precision Ball Screw Quote
Send the diameter, lead, overall length, effective travel, accuracy grade, load, speed and end-machining drawing for technical review.
Email: export@dlybearing.com
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