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

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.

As you know, the performance of lead screw assemblies doesn't just rely on the type of screw used, but in matching the given screw with the proper nut.

While lead screws provide cost, performance, and dependability advantages for many of today’s linear actuation requirements, some motion control applications present challenges that require the use of plastic acme nuts, which are engineered to provide internal lubrication, to make lead screws operate more smoothly, quietly, and reliably.

High-end, motion control lead screw applications only perform as anticipated when the screw is matched with the right acme nut—whether the acme nut be available as a standard component or produced from a specific custom design.

The acme thread form, established over 100 years ago, replaced square thread screws, which had straight-sided flanks and were difficult to manufacture.

Not sure which material to use for your acme nuts? Learn the basics of the materials used in acme nuts and how to compare them with our helpful PowerPoint that we have created for you. Please note that all Helix materials used have been selected for low friction, minimum wear, long life and clean operation.