Ball Screws and Lead Screws

Ball Screws and Lead Screws

Ball screws and lead screws are threaded rods that convert rotary motion into linear motion. In standard designs, the screw rotates while a matching load-carrying nut travels axially without rotating. In other designs, the nut rotates while the screw pushes in and out axially without rotating. Rotating motion is converted into linear motion as moving threads on one component act against stationary threads on the other. The direction of travel depends on thread handedness and rotation direction, while screw lead—the axial distance traveled per full revolution—and rotational speed determine how far and how fast the nut or screw moves. Ball screws use recirculating balls for high efficiency and low friction, while lead screws rely on sliding thread contact for simpler, more cost-effective motion control.

PBC Linear ball screws use helical grooves to guide recirculating ball bearings through the nut, enabling low-friction linear motion, high efficiency, and accurate, repeatable travel. Made in the USA from precision-rolled 1050 steel, they are available in 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm diameters with 1mm, 2mm, and 2.5mm leads, providing six metric diameter-and-lead combinations. PBC Linear ball screw nuts are offered in cylindrical or flanged configurations and use a multi-liner ball-return system to recirculate the balls, along with polymer seals that help protect the internal rolling elements from contamination.

Lead screws rely on direct sliding contact between the screw threads and a matching nut to convert rotary motion into linear movement. PBC Linear PTFE-coated stainless steel lead screws provide corrosion resistance, low wear, reduced friction, and minimal flaking. They are available in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 16mm diameters with a wide range of lead options and can be paired with round, triangular, rectangular, or Constant-Force Anti-Backlash nuts to minimize play. Certain PBC Linear ball screw and lead screw combinations are compatible with NEMA 08–23 motors or hand cranks, allowing them to function as screw-driven linear actuators for compact positioning, adjustment, and automation applications.

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72 products
Miniature ball screw with a cylindrical nut, 6mm diameter, 1mm lead, and 150mm length. The cylindrical nut creates a more compact assembly than a flanged nut. A multi-liner ball-return system supports smooth motion, while polymer wipers help keep debris out. Static axial load capacity is up to 2.144kN (482lb). Standard..
$131.21
Miniature ball screw, 6mm diameter, 2mm lead, 150mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2mm lead supports faster travel than 1mm with..
$143.33
Miniature Ball Screw Assembly with a Cylindrical Nut and a 500mm length, maximizing the travel distance. With a 10mm diameter and a 2mm lead, it's tailored for applications requiring extended reach without sacrificing precision or load capacity. Extended 500 mm length for maximum travel in the BSR series. 10 mm..
$165.52
Lead screw with a standard round nut, 254mm length, 10mm diameter, 1mm lead, and made of precision-rolled 300 Series stainless steel coated with PTFE to reduce friction and prevent flaking. With an exceptional lead accuracy of 0.003"/ft (76 µm/300 mm), the lead screw exceeds industry standards, providing improved straightness, a..
$72.57
Miniature Ball Screw Assembly with a Cylindrical Nut boasting an 8mm screw diameter for enhanced rigidity and a 1mm lead for fine motion control, all within a 150mm length. Enhanced design features include polymer wipers and a multi-liner ball return system. 8 mm diameter provides increased strength for higher load..
$131.21
Miniature Ball Screw Assembly with an 8mm diameter Grade 10 Ball Screw. Combining speed with extended length, the 250mm version offers the benefits of a 2.5mm lead, suitable for applications requiring quick positioning over longer distances. Flanged nut to the right Extended travel capabilities with enhanced lead for rapid positioning. Durable..
$190.28
Miniature ball screw, 6mm diameter, 2mm lead, 250mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2mm lead supports faster travel while still supporting..
$155.09
Ball screw of 10mm diameter, 2mm lead, 500mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2mm lead supports faster travel than 1mm but..
$177.64
Ball screw, 8mm diameter, 2.5mm lead, 250mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2.5mm lead supports faster travel while the Grade 10..
$158.03
Miniature ball screw assembly with an 8 mm diameter Grade 10 screw and 2 mm lead, combining precise motion with a longer 250 mm travel for fast positioning over extended distances. A cylindrical nut with right-hand external threads enables simple, secure mounting, while precision-rolled construction maintains accuracy across the full..
$153.13
Ball screw, 8mm diameter, 1mm lead, 250mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 1mm lead supports fine positioning and controlled linear travel,..
$153.13
Miniature ball screw, 6mm diameter, 1mm lead, 250mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 1mm lead supports fine positioning and controlled linear..
$153.13
Ball screw, 10mm diameter, 2mm lead, 250mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2mm lead supports applications requiring quick positioning over longer..
$148.22
Miniature ball screw, 8mm diameter, 2.5mm lead, 150mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2.5mm lead supports applications requiring quick positioning, while..
$146.27
Miniature ball screw, 8mm diameter, 2mm lead, 150mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 2mm lead supports faster positioning and controlled linear..
$143.33
Miniature ball screw, 8mm diameter, 1mm lead, 150mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 1mm lead supports fine positioning and controlled linear..
$143.33
Miniature ball screw, 6mm diameter, 1mm lead, 150mm length, with a TRS cylindrical nut featuring right-facing external mounting threads. Unlike the smooth CNS nut with polymer wipers, the TRS nut mounts directly into a mating threaded component and has no wipers. The 1mm lead supports fine positioning and controlled linear travel,..
$143.33
Miniature Ball Screw Assembly with a Flanged Nut, an 8mm screw diameter, a 2mm lead and 250mm length - This specific model boasts a user-friendly flanged nut to the right, enabling effortless integration into your assemblies. It is designed for secure mounting to plates or blocks, courtesy of the conveniently..
$185.37
Miniature ball screw with a cylindrical nut, 6mm diameter, 1mm lead, and 250mm length. The longer screw provides more travel while keeping a compact design. A multi-liner ball-return system supports smooth motion, and polymer wipers help keep debris out. The cylindrical nut fits into a matching housing, while a keyway..
$141.01
Miniature Ball Screw Assembly with a 250mm length, an 8mm screw diameter and 1mm lead for precision positioning. The cylindrical nut design helps in the tightest of spaces. 250 mm length for increased linear travel in compact environments 8 mm diameter enhances the assembly's load-carrying capabilities Fine control with a..
$141.01
72 products

Ball Screws and Lead Screws

72 products

Ball screws and lead screws are threaded rods that convert rotary motion into linear motion. In standard designs, the screw rotates while a matching load-carrying nut travels axially without rotating. In other designs, the nut rotates while the screw pushes in and out axially without rotating. Rotating motion is converted into linear motion as moving threads on one component act against stationary threads on the other. The direction of travel depends on thread handedness and rotation direction, while screw lead—the axial distance traveled per full revolution—and rotational speed determine how far and how fast the nut or screw moves. Ball screws use recirculating balls for high efficiency and low friction, while lead screws rely on sliding thread contact for simpler, more cost-effective motion control.

PBC Linear ball screws use helical grooves to guide recirculating ball bearings through the nut, enabling low-friction linear motion, high efficiency, and accurate, repeatable travel. Made in the USA from precision-rolled 1050 steel, they are available in 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm diameters with 1mm, 2mm, and 2.5mm leads, providing six metric diameter-and-lead combinations. PBC Linear ball screw nuts are offered in cylindrical or flanged configurations and use a multi-liner ball-return system to recirculate the balls, along with polymer seals that help protect the internal rolling elements from contamination.

Lead screws rely on direct sliding contact between the screw threads and a matching nut to convert rotary motion into linear movement. PBC Linear PTFE-coated stainless steel lead screws provide corrosion resistance, low wear, reduced friction, and minimal flaking. They are available in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 16mm diameters with a wide range of lead options and can be paired with round, triangular, rectangular, or Constant-Force Anti-Backlash nuts to minimize play. Certain PBC Linear ball screw and lead screw combinations are compatible with NEMA 08–23 motors or hand cranks, allowing them to function as screw-driven linear actuators for compact positioning, adjustment, and automation applications.

  • Ball Screw Diameters: 6, 8, and 10mm
  • Ball Screw Lead Sizes: 1, 2, and 2.5mm
  • Ball Screw Nut Fit: Standard and Transitional 
  • Ball Screw Nut Profiles: cylindrical, flanged and externally threaded cylindrical nuts
  • Lead Screw Diameters: 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 mm
  • Lead Screw Lead Sizes: 1, 2, 2.5, 4, 5, 6, 8 , 10, 12, and 25mm
  • Lead Screws have round and triangular nuts
  • Lead Screws made of stainless steel with a PTFE coating to prevent flaking


More Features of Ball Screw & Lead Screw Assemblies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a screw lead?
A screw lead is the distance a nut or screw moves axially in one full rotation. It is often confused with thread pitch, or the distance between adjacent threads measured along the screw. On a single-start screw, pitch equals lead; on multi-start screws, lead equals pitch multiplied by the number of thread starts.
What is the difference between screw pitch, screw start and screw lead?
Screw pitch is the axial distance between adjacent threads. A screw start is an independent thread path wrapped around the screw. Screw lead is the axial distance traveled in one full rotation. On a single-start screw, pitch and lead are the same. On multi-start screws, lead equals pitch multiplied by the number of starts.
What does axial movement mean?
Axial movement means motion along the lengthwise centerline of a shaft, screw, axle, or similar part. On a car or truck, axial movement would be motion along the axle from side to side, rather than spinning around it. In ball screw and lead screw systems, axial movement is the straight-line travel produced along the screw’s length.
What does NEMA mean?
NEMA refers to motor frame size standards from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. In linear motion systems, NEMA sizes such as NEMA 08, 11, 17, or 23 describe the motor mounting face size, helping users match motors, mounts, and actuator assemblies.