Ball Screw Linear Actuators - BE Series

Ball screw linear actuators use a programmable stepper motor, precision ball screw, and recirculating ball nut to convert controlled motor rotation into accurate linear movement. In an external-nut configuration, the motor rotates the ball screw while the restrained nut travels axially in a straight line. The moving component mounts directly to the nut, while external guidance supports the load and prevents nut rotation.

Unlike conventional lead screw actuators, ball screw systems use recirculating steel balls instead of sliding contact between the screw and nut. This rolling-element design provides mechanical transmission efficiency above 90%, requiring less than one-third of the torque of a comparable lead screw system to produce equivalent thrust. It also supports smooth, high-speed motion, precision, and repeatability. Finer leads favor thrust and positioning resolution, while larger leads provide faster linear travel per motor revolution.

PBC Linear® BE Series ball screw linear actuators combine hybrid stepper motors with precision ball screws and externally mounted ball nuts. New off-the-shelf variants offer predefined combinations of actuator length, screw diameter, lead, motor frame, motor body length, and nut style for straightforward selection and ordering. Additional configurations remain available with alternative motor lengths, screw dimensions, leads, nut designs, accuracy grades, and machined journals.

The gothic-arch ball groove profile allows fine axial-clearance adjustment and optional preloading for greater rigidity and near-zero backlash. Carefully selected, heat-treated load-bearing components maintain a minimum hardness of 58 HRC for long-term durability and wear resistance. The series is available in NEMA 08, 11, 14, 17, and 23 frame sizes with nominal ball screw diameters from 4mm to 12mm and multiple lead options.

The BE Series is RoHS compliant, rated IP40, and equipped with Class B motor insulation. Its operating temperature range is -20°C to +50°C, with Grade 5, 7, and 10 accuracy options available for different positioning requirements.

Features and benefits

• Motor rotates the ball screw, forcing the restrained external nut to travel axially in a straight line
• External ball nut provides a direct mounting point for the moving component
• Recirculating ball nut reduces sliding friction between the screw and nut
• Mechanical transmission efficiency above 90%
• Requires less than one-third of the torque of a comparable lead screw system for equivalent thrust
• Supports smooth, high-speed, precise, and repeatable linear motion
• Finer leads favor thrust and positioning resolution
• Larger leads provide faster linear travel per revolution
• Off-the-shelf variants available in predefined motor, screw, lead, length, and nut combinations
• Additional configurable options available for specialized applications
• NEMA 08, 11, 14, 17, and 23 hybrid stepper motor frame sizes
• Nominal ball screw diameters from 4mm to 12mm
• Multiple motor body lengths and screw lead options
• Gothic-arch groove profile supports precise axial-clearance adjustment
• Preload options provide increased rigidity and near-zero backlash
• Grade 5, 7, or 10 accuracy options available
• Heat-treated load-bearing components with a minimum hardness of 58 HRC
• RoHS compliant and rated IP40
• Class B motor insulation
• Operating temperature range: -20°C to +50°C
• External guidance supports the load and prevents the nut from rotating