Trusted Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineers in Lichfield

Today we are witnessing a change in the automotive market which is moving towards electric vehicles and autonomous driving. This change is leading to the electrification of certain assistance functions, previously hydraulic or pneumatic, and the development of linear electric actuators. The ballscrew is a major mechanical component of these actuators. It plays a key role in transforming a rotational movement into a translational movement with high precision, very good efficiency, high load capacity in a small space and a very high service life. The ball screw thus enables the actuator to gain in responsiveness, reliability and precision while limiting electrical energy consumption. It is only just beginning to find its place in certain vehicles and will become indispensable. Standard ballscrews (in the catalogue sense) are not enough to meet these new needs; specific products must be designed to optimise space requirements, interfaces and combine functions. NTN has identified a strong potential in this market and is positioning itself by developing application products. The Group is already involved in several projects in partnership with equipment manufacturers. NTN also wishes to develop an activity based in France which favours a short supply circuit (France and in particular the Arve Valley). This project is partially financed by the government within the framework of « France 2030 ».