Ballenmoer

Ballenmoer (Dutch for ball nut) is a precision nut used in ball screw assemblies. It contains a set of hardened steel balls that circulate in internal channels between the nut and the screw thread, providing rolling contact that reduces friction compared with traditional lead screws.

How it works: The screw carries a helical thread; the nut houses a groove that guides the balls. As the screw turns, the balls roll and are recirculated through return passages, converting rotary motion into linear displacement with high efficiency. This arrangement also allows fine control of motion and reduced wear under suitable lubrication and load conditions.

Performance and variants: Ballenmoeren offer high efficiency and reduced wear relative to sliding nuts. Preloading can be used to remove backlash, improving linear accuracy. Designs vary in the number and arrangement of balls, preload schemes, and return channel geometries. Proper alignment, lubrication, and clean operating conditions are important to maintain performance and life.

Materials and maintenance: Balls are typically hardened steel, sometimes ceramic for special conditions, while the nut body is a precision, hardened component. Regular lubrication and contamination control are important, as dirt or insufficient lubrication can increase wear and reduce accuracy. Worn balls or nut surfaces may necessitate replacement or regrinding to restore precision.

Applications: Ballenmoeren are widely used in CNC machines, precision linear actuators, robotics, and other machinery requiring smooth, high-precision linear motion with relatively high load capacity.

See also: ball screw, lead screw, linear actuator, recirculating-ball nut.