Ground Ball screws vs Rolled Ball Screws

If you are looking to buy a Ball Screw, you may have noticed that there are two different types of ball screws. These varieties are called rolled and Ground Ball Screws. Although they have similar functions, there are some important differences between ground and rolled ball screws. Here's your guide to ground vs. ballscrews: the differences.

Manufacturing process
The first difference between ground ball screws and rolled ball screws is their different manufacturing processes. Ground ball screws are made through a wear process in which a very hard abrasive tool is moved along the length of a horizontally positioned blank, cutting out several screw threads at a time. In contrast to ground ball screws, rolled ball screws are manufactured using rotating tool dies. The blank is pushed back and forth between these dies, which are used to shape the threads of the screws. The rolling process is popular for its high efficiency.

Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, ground ball screws rank much higher than rolled ball screws. This is because Ground Ball Screw threads are machined more precisely and smoother than ball screw threads. When a particular screw is more precise, the nut moves more smoothly along the axis of the screw. Increased accuracy isn't necessarily a good or bad thing - depending on what you'll be using it for, a ball screw can be very accurate and still be an excellent choice for your project.

Cost
When comparing ground ball screw and rolled ball screws, you'll see a huge difference in cost. Rolled screws are generally much less expensive than ground screws due to their efficient manufacturing process. However, despite their higher price, ground screws are often preferred over thread rolling screws in Machinery that requires high precision, as they provide greater accuracy than thread rolling screws.

Which should you choose?
The brand of ball screw you choose depends entirely on your intended use. Rolled ball screws are more affordable than ground ball screws and are a good option if your project does not require high precision. If your product requires high precision from the screw and the higher price is worth it to you, then a ground ball screw is a better choice. Ground screws also tend to be easier to customize than rolled screws due to their manufacturing process.

Read this guide on Ground vs Rolled Ball Screws: The difference and you'll better understand how to choose the type of ball screw that best suits your needs. To learn more about different types of ball screw engineering, please email to IMD@screwtech.cn. We'll help you consider the pros and cons of different types of ball screws and suggest the best type for your project.