Simplified ball screw sizing and selection

Thomson Industries has enhanced its popular online ball screw selection tool to include online configurability options, expert guidance, and faster performance.

Design engineers using the tool will now have access to more capabilities and expert guidance in configuring end machining, end fixity, thread lengths, nuts, and related assembly preferences. An interactive reference table is updated, providing one-click access to information on the safety factors for each available option. A real-time diagram displays the status of their assembly, and built-in prompts guide them through optimal design sequences.

“We know how important it is for design engineers to be able to size and select linear motion components as quickly, easily, and accurately as possible. Building on iterative user feedback and the latest advancements in user interface design, we have made numerous changes in our user interface to enable designers to get to their optimal configuration as quickly and effortlessly as possible,” said Eduard Schweinfort, product line manager for screws, screw jacks, linear bearings and guides at Thomson.

Some of the new ball screw configuration capabilities that design engineers can now perform online with the upgraded Thomson tool include:

• Select cut ends or standard machined ends, with or without end supports.
• Specify whether end supports should be assembled or shipped separately.
• Define overall screw lengths and threading.
• Configure the right product more quickly and easily with an enhanced user interface.
• See all available nut options instantly.
• See safety factors for each configuration with a single click.

Faster processing and data loading capabilities accelerate all such operations and enable design engineers to download a CAD diagram of their configuration more quickly.