A number of trends in the motion industry are impacting lead screw design and implementation. One of these is the miniaturization of components. For instance, applications in optics as well as medical devices demand high precision, and smaller miniature lead screws can meet high precision specifications and can fit where space is limited and where […]
lead screw
Leadscrews: Motion system mainstays
Among the methods available for converting rotary motion to linear, leadscrews are a mainstay. A leadscrew, or power screw, is a threaded rod or bar that translates rotational motion into linear motion. Leadscrews generate sliding rather than rolling friction between a nut and the screw. Consequently, higher friction means a lower overall efficiency. And efficiency, […]
Three easy ways to reduce maintenance costs for linear systems
If you’ve read many articles on this site, you probably recall that inadequate lubrication can cause bearing failure. But while lubrication is the most important maintenance factor in linear bearing life, there are other things that users can do to reduce maintenance costs and ensure they get the most life from a linear bearing, ball screw, or […]
New miniature lead screws
Helix Linear Technologies today unveiled its Ultra Miniature lead screw product line. Helix designed the new range of lead screws for applications that demand micron level positioning and impressively small envelopes. Helix is matching these new screws with their proprietary internally lubricated anti-backlash nut designs to produce a precision lead screw assembly with zero backlash […]
Helix Linear automates PTFE coating of its precision lead screws
Helix Linear has announced the acquisition of a Robotic Coating System (RCS) for applying its proprietary H4X PTFE coating to lead screws. This is the most advanced coating system in the industry and allows Helix to precisely apply the highest quality PTFE coatings to their precision lead screws. The PTFE coating acts as a dry […]
New video helps engineers service the Thomson Motorized Lead Screw
Thomson Industries, Inc. has released a new educational video to help design engineers correctly service the Thomson Motorized Lead Screw in the field. The precision-engineered units combine a hybrid stepper motor and lead screw in one compact envelope to provide clear advantages with a solution that is smaller, stronger, and more efficient than alternate technologies. […]
Compact Stages for Scanning and Indexing
The Velmex XSlide assembly is a compact positioning stage highly suitable for high performance incrementing and scanning of smaller loads. Its compact design makes it ideal for limited space applications. Constructed with hard-coat anodized aluminum dovetail ways and smooth motion PTFE bearings, XSlide assemblies deliver higher rigidity for longer life and more precise movement when […]
How to determine if a screw will back drive
Screw assemblies are generally preferred over belts or linear motors in vertical applications. This is because a screw will prevent the load from catastrophically crashing if there’s a loss of power to the motor. But a vertical load can still cause a screw to back drive, allowing the load to drop, albeit at a slightly […]
Can Lead Screws Outperform Ball Screws?
Lead screws are often regarded as the less expensive alternative to ball screws – suitable only for light-duty applications with low precision requirements. While it’s true that ball screws often have the advantage over lead screws when it comes to load capacity and rigidity, lead screws’ reliance on sliding, rather than rolling, motion makes them the better choice for […]
Micro Series Lead Screw Assemblies from Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions
Hollis, NH – Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions introduces their Kerk® Micro Series Lead screw Assemblies. Haydon Kerk has applied their experience and knowledge of precision thread rolling to a new range of micro-sized lead screws. Standard configurations include 2mm diameter screws with leads ranging from 0.3mm to 2mm per revolution and a variety of nut […]
