Linear motion is part of everyday life in many technical applications - be it in automation systems, medical technology, production machines or special machine construction. But how efficiently this movement runs is often decided in detail. One decisive factor here is the degree of friction of your ball screw.
It not only influences energy consumption, but also the precision, service life and ultimately the overall performance of your system. Especially against the backdrop of rising energy costs, increasing demands on resource efficiency and sustainable designs, it is worth taking a closer look.
Why are ball screws so efficient?
Ball screws naturally achieve very high levels of efficiency - these are usually above 95 %. They owe this to their design principle:
Balls run between the spindle and nut in precisely shaped grooves. These balls transmit the movement almost friction-free - instead of the classic sliding movement, a rolling movement is created with minimal energy loss.
But even within this functional principle, there are technical differences that determine the actual efficiency.
Efficiency is standard - the full potential lies in the detail
Even if the high level of efficiency is fundamentally system-related, the full efficiency potential of a ball screw only unfolds through targeted technical optimization:
✅ Surface quality: High-quality, precisely manufactured surfaces further reduce the degree of friction - especially when the cold rolling process is used, as is the case at Eichenberger.
✅ Customized geometries: Optimized spindle diameters, ball sizes and raceway geometries adapt the spindle precisely to the load and space conditions.
✅ Choice of material: Sophisticated material combinations save weight, increase rigidity and minimize energy losses.
✅ Interface integration: Precisely adapted transitions to the machine design prevent energy losses due to imprecise installation or unnecessary play.
✅ Lubrication: The right lubrication keeps the degree of friction permanently low and extends the service life of the entire unit.
Energy efficiency starts earlier than many people think
In practice, the topic of energy efficiency is often reduced to motors, controls or electronics. However, the question of efficiency starts much earlier - in the mechanics themselves.
Example:
An inefficiently designed linear drive system that generates unnecessary friction forces the motor to use more energy, wears out more quickly and causes more costs in the long term - even if the motor or control system works efficiently.
Recirculating ball screws offer a technically elegant solution here: They implement the principle of low-friction movement directly in the mechanical core of the system.
When should you look specifically at the degree of friction?
In the following scenarios in particular, it is worth considering the ball screw not just as a standard component, but as a component to be specifically optimized:
✔ Compact machines with tight installation spaces where every watt counts
✔ Mobile, battery-powered applications with a limited energy budget
✔ High-precision systems where smooth running and minimal power loss are crucial
✔ Systems with a high cycle rate or continuous operation where wear and maintenance must be kept to a minimum
✔ Applications in which resource efficiency, CO₂ reduction or sustainability play a role
Eichenberger ball screws - when precision and efficiency come together
At Eichenberger, we see the ball screw not as a standardized component, but as a central element for efficient, precise linear motion. Our solutions are tailored precisely to the requirements of your application - from the geometry to the choice of material and integration into your system.
Your advantages:
✔ Optimized friction values for minimum energy consumption
✔ Highest surface quality thanks to precise cold rolling process
✔ Tailor-made solutions for compact, lightweight and efficient assemblies
✔ Swiss Made - development, production and quality assurance under one roof
✔ Technical advice from experienced specialists
This allows you to get the maximum efficiency out of your mechanics - whether in special machine construction, automation, the medical sector or other precision applications.
Conclusion: More efficiency through less friction - with the right ball screw
The high efficiency of recirculating ball screws is inherent to the system - but the full potential in terms of energy savings, service life and performance can only be realized through sophisticated engineering, high-quality production and precise adaptation to your application.
Would you like to know how much energy your mechanical system can save?
Let's talk - together we will develop the ball screw that will make your linear motion more efficient, more compact and more durable.
