Optical Inspection & Alignment
NSK NH series low-noise guides paired with C3 ball screws for laser interferometer stages and lens centering machines. Micro-vibration below 0.1 µm amplitude at constant velocity.
About NSK
NSK Ltd., founded in 1916 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's largest bearing manufacturers and a leading innovator in precision linear motion technology. NSK's linear motion division leverages the company's century of tribology expertise to produce ball screws and linear guides that deliver exceptional high-speed performance, ultra-low noise characteristics, and outstanding micro-feed resolution.
NSK linear guides and ball screws are the preferred choice for applications where acoustic noise, vibration, and sub-micron positioning accuracy are critical design parameters. From optical instrument alignment stages to surgical robot end-effectors, NSK components provide the motion precision that modern high-tech equipment demands.
Core Product Lines
NH / NS / NL / LA Series
Linear Guides
Ball-type linear guides with optimized raceway geometry for low noise and smooth operation. Available in standard, compact, and wide-rail configurations.
Applications: Optical instruments, medical devices, semiconductor assembly
HMS / HTF / BSS / MA / FA Series
Precision Ball Screws
High-speed and high-precision ball screws with compact nut designs. DmN values up to 160,000 for high-speed applications. C3/C5 accuracy grades standard.
Applications: High-speed machining, electronic component placement, robotics
TAC / 72xxx / 73xxx Series
Angular Contact Support Bearings
High-rigidity angular contact ball bearings optimized for ball screw support. Matched pairs available in back-to-back and face-to-face configurations.
Applications: Ball screw fixed-end support, spindle bearings, rotary axis
MCM / Monocarrier Series
Linear Actuator Modules
Integrated single-axis actuators combining NSK linear guide, ball screw, and motor mount. Compact, ready-to-install linear motion solutions.
Applications: Lab automation, dispensing systems, inspection equipment
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ball Screw Accuracy (JIS B 1192) | C3 / C5 / C7 |
| DmN Value (High-Speed Series) | Up to 160,000 |
| Noise Level (NH Series @ 1 m/s) | < 55 dB(A) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -10°C - +80°C |
| Ball Screw Lead Range | 2 mm - 25 mm |
| Nominal Screw Diameter | 8 mm - 63 mm |
Key Applications & Operating Conditions
Medical & Surgical Robotics
Compact NSK ball screws with smooth motion profiles for haptic feedback systems, robotic catheter drivers, and surgical instrument positioning. Sterilizable seal configurations available.
Precision Electronic Assembly
High-speed HTF series ball screws (DmN 160,000) for chip mounter X-Y stages and wire bonder Z-axis drives. Minimal heat generation at sustained high-speed operation.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
NSK LA series wide-rail guides with low-waviness raceways for CMM and roundness tester axes where straightness and flatness are gated parameters.
Cross-Brand Compatibility Reference
NSK ball screws can be cross-referenced with THK in applications where noise and speed are the primary selection criteria — NSK's HTF series offers comparable DmN ratings to THK's BNK high-speed variants. For standard linear guides, NSK NH series and HIWIN HG series share similar bolt patterns in many sizes. NSK's compact ball screw nut designs are more space-efficient than most competitors in the 8-25 mm diameter range, making them harder to directly substitute without mechanical redesign.
Common Faults & Maintenance
- Excessive ball screw noise at high speed: Check return tube seating and orientation. Inspect for ball circulation system contamination. Verify the lubrication film condition — NSK recommends lithium soap-based grease with base oil viscosity 30-50 mm²/s for high-speed applications.
- Guide block vibration during low-speed traverse: Confirm that the mounting surface flatness meets NSK specification (typically within 5 µm per 100 mm). Check for microscopic debris in the ball tracks. Reduce preload to Z1 (light) if vibration persists after cleaning.
- Premature bearing wear at ball screw support: Verify that the fixed-end and floating-end bearings are correctly oriented. Axial preload must be set using NSK's precision locknut with the specified tightening torque. Misalignment between the motor shaft and ball screw journal will rapidly degrade support bearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes NSK ball screws suitable for high-speed applications?
NSK's HTF and HMS series use optimized ball recirculation paths and lightweight retainers that minimize ball-to-ball collision at high rotational speeds. The DmN rating (shaft diameter × rpm) reaches 160,000 — among the highest in the industry — enabling 3,000+ rpm on a 50 mm diameter screw without excessive heat buildup.
Q2: How do NSK linear guides achieve low noise operation?
NSK employs precision-ground raceway grooves with a special crowning profile at the ball entry/exit transition zones. Combined with optimized ball spacer retainers, this eliminates the metallic clicking sound common in standard linear guides. The NH series achieves below 55 dB(A) at 1 m/s travel speed.
Q3: Can NSK ball screws be used in vacuum environments?
Yes. NSK offers vacuum-compatible ball screws with special low-outgassing lubricants (perfluoropolyether-based) and surface treatments rated for 10⁻⁶ Pa vacuum levels. Contact thk@591888888.com to discuss your specific vacuum chamber requirements.
Q4: What is the difference between NSK TAC and standard angular contact bearings?
NSK TAC series bearings are specifically designed for ball screw support with a 60° contact angle (vs 15-40° for general-purpose bearings), delivering 2-3× higher axial rigidity. They are factory-matched in sets and supplied with preload optimized for the expected axial load direction.