Steinmeyer at AMB 2026: Durable Ball Screws

Ball screws are key components in high-precision machine tools and automated systems. Their service life directly affects machine availability, process reliability, and operating costs. At AMB 2026, taking place September 15–19 in Stuttgart, August Steinmeyer will demonstrate at Booth 6D50 in Hall 6 how optimized design, precise manufacturing, and application-specific concepts can extend the service life of ball screws. Visitors will gain insights into typical wear mechanisms and learn which factors are critical to the service life of the components. These include, among other things, the loads and rotational speeds involved, the lubrication concept, environmental conditions, assembly quality, and protection against contamination. These influencing factors must be taken into account as early as the development phase in order to optimally tailor the ball screw to the respective application. To ensure a long service life, it is particularly important to reduce fatigue wear caused by recurring loads, abrasive wear caused by particles and contaminants, and adhesive wear resulting from insufficient lubrication. Corrosion can also impair the service life and reliability of the components.

Durable ball screws increase machine availability

August Steinmeyer has many years of experience in the development and manufacture of ball screws for demanding applications. Material selection, modern manufacturing technologies, optimized surfaces, tailored lubrication concepts, and effective protection systems such as scrapers help reduce wear risks, extend the service life of components, and ensure their long-term performance. A long service life for ball screws also reduces the need for replacement parts, lowers material consumption, and minimizes service and maintenance costs over the entire life cycle. In this way, durable and reliable components also contribute to more sustainable production. In addition to these sustainability benefits, users benefit from higher system availability, more predictable maintenance intervals, and increased process reliability. Unplanned downtime and the associated costs can be reduced. Longer service life and lower maintenance and spare-part requirements also help lower a machine’s total cost of ownership over its entire life cycle.