Internal ball bearings provide smooth low-friction travel in applications that require high speeds, accurate positioning, and repeatable movement. Also known as single-start ball screws and nuts, they have a single thread that runs the length of the screw. They operate with more torque than fast-travel ball screws and nuts. To ensure compatibility, select components that have the same thread direction and size. Ball nuts are furnished with a tube to keep ball bearings in place. Do not remove the tube until you are ready to install the nuts onto the screws.

Travel distance per turn, also known as screw lead, is the distance a ball nut moves with one revolution of the ball screw.

With PTFE sleeve bearings and a low-friction ball screw, these slides don’t require the mess and maintenance of lubrication but still give you precise positioning anywhere along the length of their stroke. Because they have sleeve bearings, they have fewer moving parts, so they perform better in dusty and wet environments than slides with ball bearings. They’re also better at handling impact and vibration.

All slides require a stepper motor, driver, and controller (not included) to operate. As part of this system, they move in precise increments, like the head on an inkjet printer. These positioning slides work well for automated assemblies and other applications that require fine, repeatable motion control.

Travel distance per turn, also known as screw lead, is how far the carriage moves with one rotation of the ball screw.