Ball Screw Torque Calculator
Estimate the driving torque required for a ball screw system. This tool helps engineers and designers in selecting appropriate motors and power transmission components by providing a quick torque calculation based on key parameters.
Understanding Ball Screw Torque
A ball screw is a mechanical linear actuator that translates rotational motion to linear motion with little friction. Accurately determining the required driving torque is essential for sizing motors and ensuring system performance.
The basic formula to estimate the driving torque (T) is:
T = (F × L) / (2π × η)
- T = Driving Torque (typically in Newton-meters, N·m)
- F = Axial Load (the force the screw needs to move, in Newtons, N)
- L = Screw Lead (the linear distance the nut travels for one revolution of the screw, in meters, m)
- π = Pi (approximately 3.14159)
- η = Ball Screw Efficiency (a dimensionless ratio, e.g., 0.90 for 90% efficiency)
How to Use This Calculator:
- Enter Axial Load (F): Input the total axial force the ball screw will exert or resist, in Newtons (N).
- Enter Screw Lead (L): Provide the lead of your ball screw in millimeters (mm). The calculator will convert this to meters for the calculation.
- Enter Ball Screw Efficiency (η): Input the efficiency of your ball screw as a percentage (e.g., 90 for 90%). Typical ball screws have efficiencies between 85% and 95%.
- Calculate: Click the “Calculate Torque” button.
The result will be the estimated driving torque in Newton-meters (N·m). This value is theoretical and does not account for factors such as preload, friction in support bearings, acceleration torque, or system inertia. For critical applications, always consult manufacturer specifications and consider a safety margin.