Selecting Compatible Lead Screws and Nuts
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Ball Screws and Nuts
Internal ball bearings provide smooth low-friction travel in applications that require high speeds, accurate positioning, and repeatable movement. Also known as single-start ball screws and nuts, they have a single thread that runs the length of the screw. They operate with more torque than fast-travel ball screws and nuts. To ensure compatibility, select components that have the same thread direction and size. Ball nuts are furnished with a tube to keep ball bearings in place. Do not remove the tube until you are ready to install the nuts onto the screws.
Travel distance per turn, also known as screw lead, is the distance a ball nut moves with one revolution of the ball screw.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Ball screws with one machined end fit into an end support and are ready to connect to a motor. To adjust the length, the non-machined end can be cut to size.
Root diameter indicates the diameter the ball screw will be after machining away the threads.
Machined End | Keyway | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thread Size  | Root Dia. | Lg., ft. | No. of Thread Starts | Travel Distance per Turn | Accuracy for Travel Distance per Turn | Shoulder Lg. | Overall Lg. | Thread Size | Dia. | Lg. | Wd. | Hardness | Tensile Strength, psi | Temp., °F | Each | |
Alloy Steel | ||||||||||||||||
| 5/8"-5 | 0.5" | 2 | 1 | 0.2" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2" | 3 19/64" | 0.469"-32 | 3/8" | 1 1/4" | 1/8" | Rockwell C56 | 72,500 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| 5/8"-5 | 0.5" | 4 | 1 | 0.2" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2" | 3 19/64" | 0.469"-32 | 3/8" | 1 1/4" | 1/8" | Rockwell C56 | 72,500 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 5/8"-5 | 0.5" | 6 | 1 | 0.2" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2" | 3 19/64" | 0.469"-32 | 3/8" | 1 1/4" | 1/8" | Rockwell C56 | 72,500 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 3/4"-5 | 0.65" | 2 | 1 | 0.2" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2 3/16" | 3 3/16" | 0.586"-32 | 1/2" | 1" | 1/8" | Rockwell C56 | 92,500 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 3/4"-5 | 0.65" | 4 | 1 | 0.2" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2 3/16" | 3 3/16" | 0.586"-32 | 1/2" | 1" | 1/8" | Rockwell C56 | 92,500 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 3/4"-5 | 0.65" | 6 | 1 | 0.2" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2 3/16" | 3 3/16" | 0.586"-32 | 1/2" | 1" | 1/8" | Rockwell C56 | 92,500 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 1"-4 | 0.84" | 2 | 1 | 0.25" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2 23/32" | 4 1/32" | 0.781"-32 | 5/8" | 1.13" | 0.188" | Rockwell C56 | 122,000 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 1"-4 | 0.84" | 4 | 1 | 0.25" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2 23/32" | 4 1/32" | 0.781"-32 | 5/8" | 1.13" | 0.188" | Rockwell C56 | 122,000 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 1"-4 | 0.84" | 6 | 1 | 0.25" | ±0.007" per ft. | 2 23/32" | 4 1/32" | 0.781"-32 | 5/8" | 1.13" | 0.188" | Rockwell C56 | 122,000 | -65° to 300° | 00000000 | 00000000 |
Roller Screws and Nuts
Precision ground to create more points of contact, these roller screws and nuts are highly accurate and handle much higher loads than ball screws and nuts of the same size. They're most traditionally used to replace hydraulics in linear actuators but can also be used in place of ball and lead screw assemblies because of their high load capacity and precise motion control. In fact, they're almost four times more accurate than our most accurate ball and lead screws. They also last longer than ball screw nuts in systems with lower loads and can handle higher shock loads. However, because they have more contact points, they’re slightly less efficient than ball screws. To ensure compatibility, select components that have the same thread direction and size.
Roller screws are made of hardened steel for strength and durability.
Travel distance per turn, also known as screw lead, is the distance a roller nut moves with one revolution of the roller screw.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
| Thread Size | Lg., mm | No. of Thread Starts | Travel Distance per Turn, mm | Accuracy for Travel Distance per Turn | Min. Thread Lg., mm | Root Dia., mm | Hardness | Tensile Strength, psi | Each | |
Alloy Steel | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M15 | 642 | 5 | 4 | ±0.023 mm per 300 mm | 522 | 14.59 | Rockwell C60 | 105,000 | 0000000 | 000000000 |
| M15 | 642 | 5 | 5 | ±0.023 mm per 300 mm | 522 | 14.44 | Rockwell C60 | 105,000 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| M20 | 680 | 5 | 4 | ±0.023 mm per 300 mm | 561 | 19.15 | Rockwell C60 | 105,000 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| M20 | 680 | 5 | 5 | ±0.023 mm per 300 mm | 561 | 19.05 | Rockwell C60 | 105,000 | 0000000 | 00000000 |