External Circulating Ball Screws | Motiontek
Heavy-duty external circulating ball screws for CNC machines and automation systems.
What Are External Circulating Ball Screws?
External circulating ball screws are precision mechanical components used to convert rotary motion into linear motion efficiently and accurately.
Unlike internal circulation types, this design uses external ball return tubes to guide the recirculating steel balls between the screw shaft and nut. The result is greater load capacity, lower temperature rise, and easier maintenance, making it ideal for heavy-duty CNC machines, automation equipment, and industrial actuators.
Key Advantages
The external circulation structure allows more steel balls to operate simultaneously, increasing load-bearing capability and stiffness.
It also enables effective heat dissipation under high-speed or continuous use conditions, ensuring stable operation and minimal vibration.
Maintenance and inspection are easier, as the external return tubes can be visually checked and serviced without full disassembly.
Compared with other types, external circulating ball screws are better suited for:
- CNC machining centers requiring long travel and high precision
- Industrial robots performing heavy and repetitive operations
- Packaging and automation systems demanding smooth, durable motion
- Linear actuators in equipment exposed to high mechanical loads
Motiontek Manufacturing Strength
As a professional Chinese ball screw manufacturer, Motiontek offers advanced CNC-ground external circulating ball screws that meet ISO and GB/T accuracy standards.
Every screw is processed with heat-treated alloy steel, precision grinding, and strict concentricity and preload inspection to guarantee micron-level accuracy and long-term stability.
Our engineers can also customize:
- Screw shaft lengths and end machining
- Nut flange shapes and preloaded torque
- Coating and corrosion-resistant surface treatments
Whether for OEM integration or custom automation projects, Motiontek’s external circulating ball screws ensure long service life, consistent accuracy, and reliable delivery.
Key Features
- High load capacity with external ball return tube design
- Excellent heat dissipation for continuous high-speed operation
- Low vibration and noise under heavy-duty motion
- Long service life with precision-ground screw threads
- Easy maintenance and customizable dimensions
Technical Specifications
| circulation type | External Tube |
|---|---|
| diameter range | 16–80 mm |
| lead accuracy | C3–C7 |
| material | Alloy steel / stainless steel |
| max speed | Up to 5000 rpm |