1. Introduction

In the development of modern robotics and automation equipment, robotic arms play a crucial role in precision control and efficient execution. The performance of the key components, such as joint bearings, linear guides, ball screws, and reducers, directly determines the motion accuracy, durability, and energy efficiency of the robotic arm. Among these components, micro steel balls serve as critical motion elements, playing an essential role in reducing friction, improving load capacity, and extending the lifespan of these components.

The following analysis summarizes the role of YiHe micro steel balls in the critical components of robotic arms, based on customer orders and online research.

2. Role of YiHe Micro Steel Balls in Key Components of Robotic Arms

2.1 Joint Bearings

The motion of a robotic arm is achieved through the coordination of multiple joints, and the rotational accuracy and friction loss at each joint directly impact the arm’s positioning accuracy and energy consumption. Joint bearings are primarily composed of ball bearings and crossed roller bearings, in which micro steel balls are the key load-bearing elements.

(1) Ball Bearings

Ball bearings are used to support rotational motion, where micro steel balls roll between the inner and outer rings to reduce friction and improve rotational smoothness. The key advantages of YiHe micro steel balls in ball bearings include:

Precision: YiHe micro steel balls are available in grades as precise as G3 and G5, ensuring high positioning accuracy and low friction.

Durability: They are made of high-carbon chromium bearing steel (AISI 52100), offering excellent fatigue resistance and long service life.

(2) Crossed Roller Bearings

High-precision robotic arms, such as those used in medical surgery or semiconductor handling, often employ crossed roller bearings. Micro steel balls can ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ rollers to reduce friction and support high-load operations. Compared to traditional cylindrical rollers, the benefits of micro steel balls include:

Rolling contact: This reduces point-contact friction and improves rotational flexibility.

Compact design: Micro steel balls optimize the internal structure of the bearing, making it more compact and suitable for lightweight robotic arms.

2.2 Linear Guides

The linear motion of a robotic arm in the X-Y-Z directions depends on the linear guide system, where the rolling elements in the guide blocks are typically micro steel balls. The role of YiHe micro steel balls in linear guides includes:

Improving motion accuracy: The rolling of micro steel balls reduces friction between the guide block and rail, ensuring high-precision motion.

Optimizing load capacity: By using preload adjustment, high-precision micro steel balls enhance the rigidity of the linear guide.

Application examples:

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment: This equipment requires ultra-high cleanliness, and YiHe provides ultra-precision steel balls that conform to ISO 3290 standards to minimize particle contamination.

Medical robots: For example, the Da Vinci surgical system, which requires extremely low friction for its linear motion components.

2.3 Ball Screws

Ball screws are widely used in the high-precision transmission systems of robotic arms, relying on the rolling of micro steel balls between the nut and screw to achieve low-friction, high-efficiency linear motion. YiHe micro steel balls in ball screws contribute to:

Reduced friction, improved transmission efficiency: The rolling friction coefficient can be as low as 0.003-0.005, improving efficiency by up to 80% compared to traditional sliding nuts.

Enhanced load capacity: By optimizing the distribution of steel balls, the load is evenly distributed, increasing the dynamic rigidity of the ball screw.

Application examples:

High-precision CNC robotic arms: These arms require extremely precise positioning.

LCD/OLED panel handling robots: These robots require minimal friction for delicate panel transport.

2.4 Harmonic Drives & RV Reducers

(1) Harmonic Drives

Harmonic drives are widely used in lightweight industrial and collaborative robots. Micro steel balls are used in the following components:

Flexspline bearings: High-precision micro steel balls improve the smoothness of harmonic gear transmission and reduce backlash errors.

Crossed roller bearings: These ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the rollers to improve rotational precision and minimize friction.

(2) RV Reducers

RV reducers are used in high-load industrial robots. Micro steel balls play the following roles in the planetary gear and cycloidal gear systems:

Reduced energy consumption: High-precision micro steel balls lower contact friction and improve transmission efficiency.

3. Conclusion

YiHe micro steel balls, with their high precision, low friction, and excellent durability, play an irreplaceable role in the key components of robotic arms, including joint bearings, linear guides, ball screws, and reducers. As the robotics industry moves towards higher precision, lighter weight, and greater intelligence, micro steel balls will continue to play a crucial role in the development of advanced, high-precision robotic applications.