Category: Applications
Improved Thread Grinding Process for Ball Screws
The ultimate in smooth running.
As part of the on-going improvement of our product designs and production processes, Steinmeyer has implemented an optimized thread grinding process for our ball screw shafts. By optimizing the process parameters and improving the supply of cooling lubricants, a much finer surface finish can be achieved during grinding.
As shown in the magnified images below, a clear improvement is achieved in the surface topography of the shaft threads. Our testing has shown that this new thread grinding process improves the lifetime and results in much smoother running behavior.
Miniature Ball Screws for Medical Devices
When it comes to medical devices, we take our role very seriously.
Our innovative miniature ball screws ensure outstanding performance in linear motion for standard or specialized medical applications. Mechanical engineers around the globe specify Steinmeyer components because of the quality and precision that our German engineered and manufactured ball screws deliver.
- Wide selection – includes diameter down to 3mm and pitch down to 0.5mm.
- Made in Germany with world-class quality and craftsmanship.
- Certified production supplier for the most demanding makers of devices and instruments.
- Quote both rolled and ground screws come with the same high quality nuts.
- Autoclavable designs now available!
For decades, Steinmeyer has provided precision miniature ball screws to makers of medical devices throughout the world. Our applications in the medical industry are diverse, ranging from miniature pumps to blood analysis machinery and much more. We support customers from the development stage to product manufacturing. Projects include ground-breaking clinical trials of wearable pumps that deliver compressed air to implantable balloons, and supporting a major maker of lab instruments in the launch of an automated pipetting system. These miniature screws deliver precision motion for fluid handling across a wide range of performance scenarios.
If you need a custom solution, our experienced engineers will work closely with you to meet your performance challenges. When it comes to production, you can count on Steinmeyer – whether you need several thousand units, assembly in a clean room, or other specialized configurations – we’ve got you covered. Ongoing quality controls and audits are standard procedure, and no step is too small when it comes to providing the best.
As always, Steinmeyer leads the way in innovation. We now offer special lubricants that withstand autoclaving. In addition, we recently introduced super finishing technology, available only from Steinmeyer. This step improves the surface finish of the shaft thread, resulting in lower friction torque and even smoother, quieter running than before.
When lives may depend on the medical device that goes out your door, your reputation depends on the performance of that device. You can rely on Steinmeyer to be your trusted partner for miniature ball screws.
Steinmeyer also manufactures high quality lead screws for cost-sensitive applications. Call 781-273-6220, or email miniscrews@steinmeyer.com for more information.
Ultra Thrust Ball Screws
In recent years, ball screws have been looked at more and more favorably as replacements for hydraulics. They offer higher efficiency and speed, and can be controlled more precisely with servo loops. And who wants to deal with the unavoidable maintenance and disposal hassle of hydraulics?
Company Values
Steinmeyer is recognized worldwide as an elite supplier of premium engineered products. The company enjoys a century of designing and manufacturing precision tools and components in Germany. Throughout its long history, Steinmeyer has been family owned, operating under the leadership of the Beck family since 1940.
Innovative End Cap Return Enables Quiet Screws
Many of our customers, especially those with high speed applications, have been asking: can you make the screws any quieter? Recently, Steinmeyer delivered an answer: the Quiet Series, featuring an innovative end cap that reduces noise by 50%.
Lubrication Challenges for Small Linear Motion
Like all motion control devices based on contact friction, ball screws require lubrication for proper functionality. The reason is that lubrication is required for smooth recirculation of the rolling elements.
Oil vs. Grease Lubrication
Customers often ask us: what type of lubricant is best for my ball screw application? And which is better, oil or grease? The truth is that both oil and grease can perform well in a variety of situations.
Double vs. Single Nuts
Double Nut vs. Single Nut
In the Steinmeyer view of ball screw design, a double nut is always associated with 2-point contact. The advantages of 2-point contact are numerous: lower friction, more consistent torque, higher stiffness, and longer life.
Combination Wipers
Proper functioning wipers are an essential element of any ball screw system. Their first job, of course, is to shield the contact surfaces from contamination. But some wipers may also serve as a lubricant reservoir, thereby lengthening service intervals. Fortunately, Steinmeyer offers the industry’s widest choice in wipers:
Steinmeyer has added a National Key Account Manager
Steinmeyer recently added a key individual to its USA sales force. He is Bruce Gretz. Bruce has 30 years’ experience in various high tech businesses including Loral and Rockwell.