Precision Metric Ball Screws – High Accuracy, Fast Delivery, Custom OEM Solutions
Reduce motion system friction by 40% with YIDI’s German-engineered metric ball screws. Free samples available – Get a quote in 24 hours.
Contents
3 Critical Challenges When Sourcing Metric Ball Screws
Procuring high-precision metric ball screws for industrial applications is fraught with obstacles that can delay production and inflate costs. Here’s what engineers and procurement managers face most often:
❌ Inventory Shortages for Metric Sizes
Most suppliers prioritize imperial measurements, leaving metric-sized screws with long lead times (8-12 weeks). This forces last-minute design changes or costly downtime.
❌ Inconsistent Lead Accuracy
Cheap rolled screws claim C7 precision but deliver ±0.2mm errors, causing positioning inaccuracies in CNC machines. Ground screws offer ±0.005mm but at 2-3x the cost.
❌ Hidden Customization Costs
Need a 16mm diameter, 5mm pitch, left-hand thread? Many suppliers charge $500+ for tooling and require MOQs of 100+ units, making prototyping prohibitively expensive.
YIDI solves these with off-the-shelf metric inventory, ±0.01mm tolerance guarantees, and no MOQ for prototypes.
YIDI’s Metric Ball Screw Advantages: German Precision, Chinese Speed
At Hebei YIDI Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd., we combine German/Japanese machinery with China’s agile supply chain to deliver metric ball screws that outperform competitors on cost, precision, and lead time.
🏭 Powerful Factory
100-employee team with 30% senior technicians. Advanced CNC grinding machines ensure Ra 0.2μm surface finish.
✅ Quality Assurance
ISO 9001 certified. Every metric ball screw undergoes laser interferometer testing for lead accuracy.
🔧 OEM/ODM Design
Support custom diameters (6mm-80mm), pitches (1mm-20mm), and end machining (flanged, threaded, or custom).
⚡ High-Speed Delivery
Stock metric sizes ship in 3-5 days. Custom orders delivered in 15-20 days (vs. competitors’ 30-45).
Why Choose YIDI Over Competitors?
| Feature | YIDI Motion | Generic Chinese Supplier | European Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metric Inventory | ✅ 50+ sizes in stock | ❌ Limited (8-12 week lead time) | ✅ Full range |
| Lead Accuracy (C5) | ±0.005mm | ±0.02mm | ±0.005mm |
| Customization MOQ | 1 unit (prototype) | 100+ units | 50+ units |
| Delivery Time (Custom) | 15-20 days | 30-45 days | 45-60 days |
| Price (16mm x 5mm, 1m) | $85-$120 | $60-$90 | $200-$300 |
Note: Prices are for reference only. Contact us for bulk discounts or OEM pricing.
Metric Ball Screw vs. Lead Screw vs. Rolled Ball Screw: Which to Choose?
Selecting the right linear motion component depends on your application’s load, speed, precision, and budget requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
| Parameter | Metric Ball Screw | Lead Screw | Rolled Ball Screw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 90-98% | 20-40% | 85-90% |
| Load Capacity | High (Dynamic: 10-50kN) | Low-Medium (Dynamic: 1-5kN) | Medium (Dynamic: 5-20kN) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.005mm (Ground) | ±0.1mm | ±0.02mm |
| Max Speed | 5m/s | 0.5m/s | 3m/s |
| Lifespan | 5000-10,000km | 1000-2000km | 3000-5000km |
| Cost | $$$ (High) | $ (Low) | $$ (Medium) |
| Best For | CNC machines, robotics, high-precision systems | Low-cost applications, manual systems | General automation, mid-range precision |
When to Choose a Metric Ball Screw?
- ✔ Your application requires repeatability within ±0.01mm (e.g., semiconductor manufacturing).
- ✔ You need high dynamic loads (e.g., industrial robots, machine tools).
- ✔ The system operates at speeds >1m/s or >100,000 cycles.
- ✔ Your design uses metric standards (common in Europe/Asia).
Pro Tip: For 16mm metric ball screws, YIDI offers C5 (ground) and C7 (rolled) precision grades. Ground screws are ideal for CNC routers, while rolled screws suffice for 3D printers.
Technical Specifications & Customization Options
Standard Metric Ball Screw Sizes (In Stock)
| Diameter (mm) | Pitch (mm) | Lead Accuracy (mm) | Dynamic Load (kN) | Max Speed (m/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1, 2 | ±0.01 (C7) | 1.2 | 3 |
| 8 | 2, 4 | ±0.005 (C5) | 2.5 | 4 |
| 12 | 2, 3, 4 | ±0.005 (C5) | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| 16 | 4, 5, 10 | ±0.005 (C5) | 9.2 | 5 |
| 20 | 5, 10, 20 | ±0.01 (C7) | 15.6 | 3.5 |
| 25 | 5, 10 | ±0.01 (C7) | 28.0 | 3 |
| 32 | 10, 20 | ±0.02 (C10) | 42.5 | 2.5 |
Customization Options
🔹 Diameter & Pitch
- Diameter: 6mm to 80mm (or custom)
- Pitch: 1mm to 20mm (or custom)
- Hand: Right-hand or left-hand threads
🔹 Precision Grades
- C3/C5: Ground (±0.003mm/300mm) – High-precision
- C7: Rolled (±0.01mm/300mm) – Standard
- C10: Rolled (±0.02mm/300mm) – Economic
🔹 End Machining
- Plain ends
- Threaded ends (M6-M20)
- Flanged ends (DIN 69051)
- Custom machining per drawing
🔹 Materials & Coatings
- Material: GCr15 (52100), 42CrMo, or stainless steel (AISI 440C)
- Coating: Chrome, black oxide, or PTFE for corrosion resistance
- Lubrication: Grease or oil (IP65 rated options)
Need a non-standard size? Our engineers can design a metric ball screw to your exact specifications. Upload your drawings for a free evaluation.
Industry Applications & Case Studies
YIDI’s metric ball screws are trusted in 50+ countries across high-precision industries. Here’s how our customers use them:
🏭 CNC Machining Centers
Application: X/Y/Z-axis linear motion in milling machines.
YIDI Solution: 20mm metric ball screw with C5 precision, ±0.005mm accuracy.
Result: 30% faster machining with zero backlash, reducing part rejection rates by 15%.
— German Automotive Supplier, 2026
🤖 Industrial Robotics
Application: Robotic arm joints for pick-and-place systems.
YIDI Solution: 16mm metric ball screw with flange ends, stainless steel for cleanroom use.
Result: 50,000+ cycles without maintenance, improving uptime by 20%.
— US Electronics Manufacturer, 2026
🖨️ 3D Printers
Application: Z-axis lead screw replacement for higher precision.
YIDI Solution: 12mm x 2mm metric ball screw with C7 precision, black oxide coating.
Result: Layer height accuracy improved to ±0.01mm, enabling high-detail prototypes.
— Canadian Startup, 2026
🚀 Aerospace Testing
Application: Load testing equipment for aircraft components.
YIDI Solution: 25mm metric ball screw with C3 precision, 42CrMo material for high loads.
Result: Handles 30kN dynamic loads with zero deviation over 10,000 test cycles.
— French Aerospace Lab, 2026
“YIDI’s 16mm metric ball screw reduced our machine’s positional error from 0.05mm to 0.008mm. Their 24-hour quote turnaround was a game-changer.”
— Mark T., Production Manager at a US CNC Shop
Frequently Asked Questions About Metric Ball Screws
❓ What’s the difference between a metric ball screw and an imperial ball screw?
Metric ball screws use millimeters for diameter, pitch, and length (e.g., 16mm x 5mm), while imperial screws use inches (e.g., 0.625" x 0.25"). Metric screws are standard in Europe, Asia, and most of the world, while imperial is common in the USA.
YIDI specializes in metric sizes with 50+ stock options for immediate shipping.
❓ How do I select the right precision grade for my application?
Use this guide:
- C3/C5 (Ground): For CNC machines, semiconductor equipment (tolerances < ±0.01mm).
- C7 (Rolled): For general automation, 3D printers (tolerances ±0.01-0.02mm).
- C10 (Rolled): For low-cost applications (tolerances > ±0.02mm).
Pro Tip: For 16mm metric ball screws, C7 is the best value for most applications.
❓ Can YIDI provide custom metric ball screw lengths?
Yes! We offer:
- Standard lengths: 100mm to 4000mm (cut from stock).
- Custom lengths: Up to 6000mm (welded or spliced).
- Precision matching: All custom lengths maintain the same accuracy grade as stock.
Lead time: 15-20 days for custom lengths (vs. 3-5 days for stock).
❓ What’s the MOQ for OEM/ODM metric ball screw orders?
No MOQ for prototypes! We support:
- 1-10 units: Prototyping (no tooling fee for standard sizes).
- 100+ units: Volume discounts apply.
- Custom designs: Tooling fee $200-$500 (waived for orders >500 units).
Example: A 16mm x 5mm metric ball screw prototype costs $90/unit with no MOQ.
❓ How does YIDI ensure quality for metric ball screws?
Our 6-step quality control process:
- Raw Material Inspection: Verify steel grade (GCr15/42CrMo) and hardness (HRC 60-62).
- CNC Machining: German/Japanese machines ensure ±0.002mm machining tolerance.
- Heat Treatment: Quenching and tempering for durability.
- Grinding/Polishing: Achieve Ra 0.2μm surface finish.
- Assembly & Testing: Laser interferometer checks lead accuracy.
- Final Inspection: 100% visual and dimensional checks before shipping.
Certificates: ISO 9001, CE, RoHS (available for all metric ball screws).
❓ What are the payment terms and shipping options?
Payment Terms:
- Prototype/Sample: 100% TT in advance.
- Bulk Orders: 30% deposit, 70% before shipping.
- Long-Term Contracts: Negotiable (e.g., 30% deposit, 40% on delivery, 30% net 30).
Shipping Options:
- Express (DHL/FedEx): 3-7 days ($50-$150).
- Air Freight: 5-10 days (cost-effective for 100+ units).
- Sea Freight: 20-30 days (best for bulk orders).
Note: All metric ball screws are fully insured during transit.
❓ Do you offer technical support for metric ball screw integration?
Yes! Our engineers provide:
- Selection Guidance: Recommend the best diameter, pitch, and precision grade for your application.
- CAD Models: Free 2D/3D drawings (STEP, IGES, DXF) for all metric ball screws.
- Installation Support: Torque specifications, lubrication recommendations, and alignment tips.
- Troubleshooting: 24/7 support for issues like backlash, noise, or premature wear.
Contact: Email adam@yidimotion.com or call +86 18134111662.
Real User Reviews: Metric Ball Screw Experiences
CNC Shop Owner, Texas
“I was skeptical about importing metric ball screws from China, but YIDI proved me wrong. Their 20mm x 10mm screws for my router table have zero backlash after 6 months of heavy use. The C5 precision was spot-on, and the price was 60% lower than my US supplier. Will order again!”
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Robotics Engineer, Berlin
“We needed 12mm metric ball screws with custom flanged ends for our delta robot. YIDI delivered samples in 10 days with perfect dimensions. The ±0.01mm accuracy met our specs, and their OEM team was responsive to design tweaks. Highly recommend!”
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Maintenance Manager, Ohio
“Our old lead screws kept wearing out on our packaging line. Switched to YIDI’s 16mm metric ball screws (C7 grade), and the difference is night and day. No more downtime for adjustments, and the efficiency boost paid for the upgrade in 3 months.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the Author
Adam Zhang
Senior Mechanical Engineer | YIDI Motion
With 12 years of experience in linear motion systems, Adam specializes in ball screw design and application engineering. He has led R&D projects for automotive, aerospace, and robotics industries, and holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University. His expertise ensures YIDI’s metric ball screws meet the highest standards for precision, durability, and performance.
Ready to Upgrade Your Motion Control?
Get high-precision metric ball screws with fast delivery and OEM support. Limited stock on popular sizes—order now!
📍 Address: 16-1-1601 Aobeigongyuan, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China
✉ Email: adam@yidimotion.com
🌐 Website: www.yidibearings.com
✅ Free samples available | ✅ No MOQ for prototypes | ✅ 24/7 technical support
Why 50+ Countries Trust YIDI for Metric Ball Screws
🌍 Global Reach
Trusted by manufacturers in Germany, USA, Canada, France, Japan, and more.
🏆 Certifications & Compliance
All YIDI metric ball screws comply with:
⭐ Customer Testimonials
Purchasing Manager at AutoTech GmbH
“We switched to YIDI’s 20mm metric ball screws for our CNC routers. The C5 precision and 5m/s speed exceeded our expectations. Delivery was 3 weeks faster than our previous supplier.”
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Engineering Lead at RoboSystems
“YIDI provided custom 16mm x 4mm metric ball screws with flanged ends for our robotic arms. Their OEM support was seamless, and the ±0.008mm accuracy met our strict tolerances.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Production Director at Precision Tools Co.
“As a Japanese manufacturer, we demand sub-10μm precision. YIDI’s ground metric ball screws delivered ±0.003mm accuracy at a 40% lower cost than European brands.”
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