Technical Dossier
Product Details And Specifications
NSK W1602 Ball Screw Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview
The NSK W1602 series represents one of the most widely deployed precision ball screw product lines in global heavy industry. Manufactured by NSK Ltd. (Japan), these assemblies are standard components in CNC machine tools, semiconductor fabrication equipment, industrial robots, injection molding machines, and precision linear motion systems across chemical plants, automotive production lines, and aerospace manufacturing facilities. The W1602 designation identifies a specific shaft diameter and lead combination within NSK's broader ball screw catalog, making it a critical reference point for maintenance engineers and procurement managers sourcing replacement assemblies for aging capital equipment.
Due to the long service life of the machinery in which these screws are installed — often 10–20 years — procurement teams frequently encounter situations where the original assembly is discontinued or has extended lead times from the OEM channel. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated sourcing network for NSK W1602 series components to support lifecycle extension programs.
The Evolution of W1602 Architecture
NSK's ball screw product line has evolved through several generations of manufacturing precision and material science improvements. Early W-series screws (1980s–1990s) used conventional grinding processes with standard preload classes. The W1602 series introduced tighter tolerance grades (C3/C5) and improved nut flange geometries compatible with direct-mount servo motor configurations that became standard in the 1990s CNC boom.
Key architectural milestones for the W1602 lineage:
- Pre-2000 variants: Standard ground screw, single-nut design, grease lubrication, flange mount (YS suffix).
- 2000–2010 variants: Introduction of C3T preload class (light preload with thermal compensation), improved seal design reducing contamination ingress in harsh environments.
- Post-2010 variants: Enhanced surface hardness via induction hardening, extended grease intervals, compatibility with NSK K1 lubrication units. Some sub-models transitioned to made-to-order status.
- Current status: Several W1602 configurations are in mature/end-of-life phase. NSK's current catalog recommends the HTF (High-Trust Force) and PSS series as functional replacements for new machine designs, but W1602 assemblies remain the only direct drop-in for installed base equipment without mechanical modification.
Compatibility note: W1602 assemblies use a specific ball circuit count and nut body dimension. Substituting with a different series without verifying flange bolt pattern, nut OD, and shaft end machining will result in fitment failure. Always cross-reference the full part number including suffix codes (YS2, C3T, DM6, etc.).
W1602 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)
The following SKUs represent confirmed models within the NSK W1602 ball screw series, categorized by application and configuration. Each entry reflects a distinct combination of shaft diameter, lead, nut type, preload class, and end machining.
Standard Flange Nut Assemblies (YS-type):
- W1602-411YS2-C3T: Ø16mm shaft, 2mm lead, single flange nut, C3T preload, standard end machining — primary replacement for compact CNC axis drives.
- W1602-411YS2-C5T: Same geometry as C3T variant; C5T preload class for applications requiring reduced backlash under bidirectional load.
- W1602-411YS2-C7T: Heavy preload variant; used in rigid tapping and high-thrust vertical axis applications.
- W1602-412YS2-C3T: Extended nut body length (412 designation); increased load capacity for longer stroke assemblies.
- W1602-413YS2-C3T: Further extended nut; suited for high-duty-cycle automation where nut wear rate is a lifecycle concern.
Double Nut Assemblies (YSD-type):
- W1602-411YSD-C3T: Double nut configuration; eliminates axial play entirely; standard in precision grinding machine tables.
- W1602-411YSD-C5T: Double nut, C5T preload; used in semiconductor wafer handling stages requiring sub-micron repeatability.
- W1602-412YSD-C3T: Extended double nut; high dynamic load rating for heavy-duty milling machine Y-axis.
Cylindrical Nut Assemblies (SS-type):
- W1602-411SS2-C3T: Cylindrical nut (no flange); requires external housing; common in retrofit applications where flange space is constrained.
- W1602-411SS2-C5T: Cylindrical nut, C5T preload; used in precision laser cutting head positioning.
Complete Assemblies with End Machining (DM6/DM6Z suffix):
- 08H5-0003 W1602-411YS2-C3T 12-1A11AADM6DM6Z: Full assembly including shaft with DM6 end machining on both ends (DM6DM6Z); 11000 SCCM flow-rated valve integration variant; DSVAF100 compatible; max operating pressure 0.20 MPa / 30 PSIG. This is the exact assembly for the current listing.
- W1602-411YS2-C3T-DM6: Single-end DM6 machining; standard servo coupling interface.
- W1602-411YS2-C3T-DM8: DM8 end machining for larger coupling bore; used with higher-torque servo motors.
- W1602-411YS2-C3T-DK: Key-type end machining; legacy interface for older servo drives without coupling.
Shaft-Only and Nut-Only Components:
- W1602 Shaft (bare): Ground screw shaft without nut; ordered when only the shaft shows wear (pitting, corrosion) while nut remains serviceable.
- W1602 Nut Assembly (replacement): Nut-only replacement; reduces repair cost by 40–60% vs. full assembly replacement when shaft geometry is within tolerance.
Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete W1602 Parts
Several W1602 sub-models have transitioned to made-to-order or discontinued status in NSK's standard catalog. Lead times from authorized distributors for these models typically range from 8 to 20 weeks, creating unacceptable downtime risk for production-critical equipment.
DriveKNMS addresses this through three sourcing channels:
- Surplus inventory network: Access to verified surplus stock from decommissioned machinery, factory overruns, and distributor liquidations. All units are inspected for shaft straightness, surface condition, and nut preload before listing.
- Remanufactured assemblies: For cases where new-old-stock is unavailable, DriveKNMS partners with certified regrinding facilities to restore W1602 shafts to original tolerance specifications. Remanufactured units are supplied with dimensional inspection reports.
- Cross-reference and substitution analysis: When a W1602 model is genuinely unobtainable, DriveKNMS engineers provide a written substitution analysis identifying the nearest compatible NSK or THK equivalent, including required mechanical modifications. This service is provided at no charge with any RFQ submission.
All sourced assemblies are supplied with export documentation compliant with Chinese customs regulations, CE declarations where applicable, and a 12-month warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Quality Control for the W1602 Range
Ball screw assemblies present specific inspection challenges that differ from electronic components. DriveKNMS applies the following protocol to all W1602 units processed through its facility:
- Shaft straightness measurement: Full-length runout check using V-block and dial indicator. Acceptance criterion: ≤0.02mm per 300mm length, per NSK published tolerance for C3/C5 grade screws.
- Surface condition inspection: Visual and tactile inspection of ball groove for pitting, spalling, corrosion, and fretting. Units with any groove damage are rejected regardless of other parameters.
- Preload torque verification: Nut preload is measured by rotating torque method and compared against NSK's published C3T/C5T torque ranges. Out-of-spec units are either re-preloaded (for adjustable double-nut types) or rejected.
- End machining dimensional check: DM6/DM8/DK end features are measured against drawing dimensions. Critical for ensuring coupling fitment without field modification.
- Packaging and preservation: Approved units are cleaned, coated with NSK-compatible preservation grease, wrapped in VCI film, and boxed with foam support to prevent transit damage to the precision ground surfaces.
For RFQ submissions, technical cross-reference requests, or bulk procurement inquiries on NSK W1602 series components: