Today, high precision lead screw and acme screws offer the latest technology for motion control with many opportunities, such as;
- Miniaturization and precision
- More widely used in automated systems
- Product developments with nanotechnology
- Advancements in linear to rotary conversion
- Design customization
Miniaturization and Precision
Miniature lead screws are attractive because of their ability to reduce power consumption and weight reduction without hindering precision, performance, and reliability. Miniaturization within many different markets has opened up new opportunities for lead screws to power applications such as insulin pumps, photonics, auto-focusing optics, medical automation equipment, and more. In many markets, the miniaturization of applications and linear screw products was developed in response to emerging demands for miniaturized mechatronic systems.
Increased precision and accuracy systems have also stimulated advances and improvements in automated guidance systems. From highly complex medical, military, and semiconductor applications to your most straightforward desktop automation systems, high accuracy screws provide precise positional accuracy.
Projected through 2015, the medical and diagnostics industries are the fastest-growing markets for miniature precision screws. The automotive industry is also poised to offer new opportunities for the integration and requirement of precision lead screws.
Wider Use in Automated Systems
The most significant factor influencing innovation within screw manufacturing is the potential and need for these essential components to be integrated into automated machinery.
Some of the factors driving the increased need for automated systems are:
- Increasing labor costs
- Precision
- Safety
- Less human error
- Repetition
- Accuracy
- Efficiency
- Adaptability
- No maintenance
Product Developments with Nanotechnology
New opportunities emerge with lead screw nanotechnology as engineers develop new materials and coatings with better functional properties such as low friction and better wear. These innovations will help increase the life of screws and screw assemblies within industries with high temperature and high humidity environmental demands.
Advancements in Linear to Rotary Conversion
Advanced precision screw manufacturing will improve linear to rotary conversion. This is important in applications that do not utilize electrical power.
Design Customization
Customizing screw designs makes lead and acme screws an even more attractive asset to linear motion. Helix has manufactured hundreds of custom screw diameters and leads for customers who require non-catalog sizes for over four decades. We are also experts in thread rolling non-standard materials, and we can produce screws from aluminum, high-carbon steel, titanium, 300 and 400 series stainless steels, plastics, and special chemistry alloys.
The Helix Advantage
New opportunities will continue to emerge as lead screw efficiency in technology advances and strategically aligns with market demands. Helix services the expanding and evolving customer-driven market for precision linear motion products. When you need Acme, Trapezoidal, or Speedy® (high lead) lead screws with a precision low backlash nut or a state-of-the-art anti-backlash design, we deliver the highest quality and exceptional value to our customers.