Helix Linear Technologies' Blog - Acme Screws, Lead Screws, metric lead screws, Linear actuators

Lead screws and ball screws have been the most trusted and cost effective means of translating rotational energy to linear motion.

Lead screws are an excellent linear motion product that converts rotary motion to linear motion very economically and until recently offered only moderate accuracy and repeatability.

We are laser focused on making it easier for engineers to use our lead screws and linear actuators. Our new site has calculators, CAD Models, Part Number Configurators, Case Studies and many great videos.

Backlash (lash) is the relative axial clearance between a screw and nut without rotation of the screw or nut. Lash will always increase with use. Helix has developed several unique ways to reduce or remove the lash between the screw and nut.

The Acme thread form, established over 100 years ago, replaced square thread screws. Square thread screws had straight-sided flanks and were difficult to manufacture, so that makes the Acme thread form a great improvement.

Acme lead screws are a desirable piece of machinery. What makes them so great? Some of the reasons are: no braking system required, anti-backlash, low maintenance, and cost effectiveness.

After you have selected the right lead screw for your application, it becomes a matter of choosing the best nut to meet the demands of your particular application.

Helix Profile Rail Linear Actuators feature smooth, clean and quiet linear positioning. The PRA linear actuator utilizes a precision ground profile rail for guidance to deliver pitch, roll and yaw guidance. We compiled the top profile rail systems and blocks questions we get asked.

Linear motion applications utilizing a ball screw or an acme screw require high tolerance screw end machining matched with precision bearing mounts. Helix Linear Technologies has designed a family of standard machined ends applicable to a variety of bearing arrangements.

If you've ever wondered about the construction of slide systems and their functions, scroll below to read the top four most frequently asked questions.