ABSSAC Miniature Ball Screws for Micro Precision

In the hyper-competitive world of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, where the margin for error is measured in nanometres, the performance of every single component is critical. At the heart of the machinery responsible for creating the chips that power modern life are precision ball screws.

ABSSAC’s high-precision ball screws (manufactured by KSS) are not just components; they are essential instruments that enable the next generation of miniaturisation and speed in the industry. Their unique advantages make them the preferred choice for sophisticated equipment like lithography machines, inspection systems, and automated assembly robots.

The key process in semiconductor fabrication is the precise positioning of silicon wafers and tools. ABSSAC’s precision miniature ball screws are perfect for these applications.

As integrated circuits (ICs) shrink, the mechanical systems controlling the process must achieve positional accuracy that is constantly getting tighter. Creating features on a chip that are only a few nanometres wide requires linear actuation with near-perfect repeatability and accuracy.  ABSSAC’s precision miniature range includes the world’s smallest ball screw (1.8mm diameter) up to 16mm diameter with leads from 0.5mm to 30mm.

Manufacturing processes must be incredibly fast to maintain high production throughput.  ABSSAC miniature ball screws are designed to handle high acceleration/deceleration and rapid movement, reducing cycle times without compromising precision.

Any unintended movement, known as backlash or system flex (low rigidity) can ruin an entire wafer, leading to massive financial losses. Manufactured using meticulous grinding and pre-loading techniques (often with oversized balls or double nuts) to eliminate axial play, providing the exceptional stiffness and smooth, predictable motion required.

As the electronics industry charges toward even smaller, faster, and more powerful chips (driven by demands from 5G, AI, and automotive applications), the requirements for motion control will only become more demanding.

Our ongoing innovation, including the development of high-speed, low-noise designs and solutions that minimise motion error variation (often called 'quadrant glitch' in circular interpolation) makes ABSSAC’s precision miniature ball screws an indispensable partner in this technological race. Their ability to deliver ultra-precise, reliable, and compact motion components ensures that the manufacturing equipment can keep pace with the relentless pursuit of miniaturisation, solidifying their critical role in the global electronics supply chain.

For further information or to discuss your application requirements, please contact:


Peter Wright - Mechanical Sales Engineer
peterwright@abssac.co.uk
01386 421005