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.
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.
So, what is the PowerAc™ Acme Screw Efficiency?
The efficiency of PowerAc™ Acme Screw assemblies range from 15% to 85%. These efficiencies are dependent upon nut material, lubrication, lead, and thread form.
Backdriving
Normally, acme screws are used to convert rotary motion into linear motion. Backdriving is the result of the load pushing axially on the screw or nut to create rotary motion.
Generally, a nut with efficiency greater than 50% will have a tendency to backdrive. If a selflocking assembly is required, select a nut with efficiency below 35%.
A Word of Caution
Vibration can cause any acme screw assembly to creep or backdrive. When using lead screws, application should be analyzed to determine the necessity of a brake, especially when the possibility of injury may occur.
Products
Resources
2D/3D Helix Linear Technologies CAD Configurators
Additional Reading
Acme Screws Come in a Variety of Flavors