Lead Screws and Ball Screws From Automotion
A lead screw is a screw which translates rotary motion into linear motion. Normally used as the driving mechanism in horizontal or vertically driven applications aided by linear guides for supports. They are described by diameter and pitch or lead. The pitch or lead is the amount of travel you get, or distance the nut travels along the screw for every complete revolution. They can be operated manually or motorised.
In general it is best to support the ball screws with our ball screw support units (L1388 to L1406) with a fixed end (generally where the motor is mounted) and a floating (support) end. The support units are selected to suit the loads likely to be required, the size of the ball screw (especially its core diameter) and the type of mounting required. Details of the machining required for each end of the ball screw are shown in the bearing mounts technical section.
As specialists in linear motion systems we offer you a choice of materials and sizes. So whether you need lightweight aluminium rails for use in aviation applications or stainless steel components for when exposure to water or corrosive chemicals is a factor, our knowledgable technical engineers are always on hand to provide assistance.
Make sure you request a free Linear Motion Handbook here and utilise our free CAD to help you save time planning your projects.
Steel trapeziodal lead screws TR10 to 120. Right hand thread.
Steel trapeziodal lead screws TR10 to 120. Left hand thread.
Stainless steel trapezoidal lead screws (316 s/s). TR threads 10 to 70mm. Standard right hand threads.
Stainless steel trapezoidal lead screws (316 s/s). TR threads 10 to 70mm. Standard left hand threads.
Plain flanged bronze lead screw nuts - for trapezoidal threads.
Flanged bronze lead screws nuts - for trapezoidal threads.
Cylindrical bronze lead screws nuts - for trapezoidal threads.
Square bronze lead screws nuts - for trapezoidal threads.
Steel cylindrical lead screws nuts - for trapezoidal threads.
Steel hexagonal lead screws nuts - for trapezoidal threads.
Steel square nuts for lead screws. Standard nuts are right hand thread, single starts.
Stainless steel lead screw nut for trapezoidal thread.
Self lubricating flanged nut for trapezoidal thread.
High precision lead screws with square acetal nuts.
High precision lead screws with flanged nut. Stainless Steel
Steel square nuts for lead screws. Standard nuts are right hand thread, single starts.
High precision lead screws with flanged nut. Stainless Steel
Steel square nuts for lead screws. Standard nuts are right hand thread, single starts.
General Guidance
Compact Rail
Advantages
Easy to install. Allows for some misalignment at installation. Compact system, small footprint compared to other rail systems. Preload adjustable by hand.
Disadvantages
Although it can take very large loads it cannot take anywhere near as much load as the linear guideways rail system.
X Rail
Advantages
Cheaper alternative to the compact rail. Use of T and U rails allows for misalignment at installation. Preload adjustable by hand.
Available in AISI 316L stainless steel suitable for use in applications requiring a high level of corrosion resistance, including sea water.
Disadvantages
Cannot take as much load as other systems. Not suitable for moment loads.
Linear guideways
Advantages
Can take extremely high loads including moment loads. Very smooth in operation.
Disadvantages
Must be aligned very accurately which costs time and money preparing the mounting surface properly.
Shafts + bearings
Advantages
Available in a range of materials and sizes. A length of shaft bar is typically cheaper than the cost of an equivalent size precision linear rail.
Disadvantages
A larger diameter shaft would be required when there are long lengths and high loads involved compared with the size of an equivalent shaft support rail you would need. This is because they would only be supported at the ends and the shaft ends could bend in the middle if the diameter was too small.
Shaft support rail
Advantages
Shaft support rail systems have a shaft support along the full length so are less likely to flex.
Disadvantages
Similar to linear guideways, must be aligned very accurately otherwise any mis-alignment may cause the system to ‘snatch’.
Product Selection
L1380
L1388
L1385
L1390
Standard ball screws
L1380
L1381
L1382
L1383
Miniature ball screws
L1379.F
L1379.C
Rolled ball screws
| Ø | 5 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 40 | 50 |
| 16 | • | • | • | ||||
| 20 | • | • | • | ||||
| 25 | • | • | • | ||||
| 32 | • | • | • | ||||
| 40 | • | • | • | • | |||
| 50 | • | • | • | ||||
| 63 | • | • | |||||
| 80 | • | • |
Miniature ball screws
| Ø | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Nut |
| 6 | • | flanged | ||||
| 8 | • | • | • | flanged | ||
| 10 | • | • | flanged/cylinder | |||
| 12 | • | • | • | flanged/cylinder | ||
| 14 | • | flanged/cylinder |
