Linear axes with lead screw drive
drylin® linear axes with lead screw drive are designed for positioning tasks of all kinds. The linear adjustment takes place via trapezoidal lead screws of different sizes or via high helix lead screws, which can be set in motion either manually or electrically. The max. travel speed is up to 1.6m/min depending on thread and load. The length of the stroke is freely selectable for any drylin® linear drive system. A stroke of max. 1,500mm is possible for a plain-bearing mounted lead screw, and a stroke length of 1,000mm for a ball-bearing mounted lead screw.
Would you like more information about igus® linear axes with lead screw drives or do you need an individual consultation? Our experts will be happy to get in touch with you.
Would you like more information about igus® linear axes with lead screw drives or do you need an individual consultation? Our experts will be happy to get in touch with you.
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Leadscrew linear axis options
SHT Linear axes
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- Drive: trapezoidal or high-helix lead screw
- Lead screw drives with plain ball bearings
- Lead screws made from steel, stainless or aluminium
- Carriage in either quad block or compact design
- Find out more
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SLW linear axes
- Linear axes based on drylin W guides
- Drive: Trapezoidal or high helix lead screw
- Torsion-resistant double shaft systems
- Many carriage and rail options
- Manual and motorised adjustments possible
- Find out more
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SAW linear axes
- Linear axes based on drylin W guides
- Drive: Trapezoidal or high helix lead screw
- Robust design
- Ready-to-install with stepper or DC motors
- Ball bearing
- Find out more
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Configure your custom linear system online
- Customise your linear system in just a few steps
- Optional configuration of an individual drive pin
- Automatic generation of a 3D model of the linear system
- Export of the linear system in many different 2D and 3D formats
- 2D dimensional drawing of the module as a PDF
- Download parts list as PDF file
- Add to shopping cart and submit order or request a quotation online
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Advantages of lead screw axes
When a cost-effective, ready-to-install solution is desired, lead screw axes are often the first choice. You can see here what other advantages the linear drive has over other systems with the aid of a lead screw:Precise positioning
By directly converting the rotating motion from the lead screw to linear motion, very accurate and repeatable positioning is achieved, which is critical in tight tolerance and high precision applications.Compact design
Lead screw axes are also available in particularly small versions. Their compact design makes them perfect for all applications where only a small amount of installation space is available. Also discover our complete miniature series.
High load capacity
Lead screw drives in linear modules are able to carry and move very high loads. In contrast to flexible toothed belts, for example, lead screw axes can ensure efficient force transmission thanks to their low rigidity.
Low-friction movement
Linear modules with lead screw drives are exceptionally low-friction. The constant, precise movement of the lead screw drive minimises friction and thus also wear on the components. This ensures a longer service life for the entire lead screw axis.Structure of a lead screw axis
A lead screw axis contains several complex components that must fit together perfectly. A precise structure plays a key role in the performance and accuracy of the linear axis. Here you can see the most important components at a glance.
1. Bearing
High-quality bearings minimise coefficient of friction and also ensure a uniform rotary movement. As a rule, roller bearings, ball bearings or plain bearings are used here. igus® uses plastic bearings and plastic nuts without lubrication for all linear rails with lead screw drives.
2. Shaft
Linear axes with lead screw drives can, for example, be equipped with unsupported round shafts, and also fully supported with linear rails. With igus® you can choose from three different shaft materials, depending on the application: aluminium, stainless steel or carbon.
3. Lead screw
The lead screw is the actual heart of the lead screw axis. This rotates around its own axis and thus transmits the movement. It is a cylindrical component that is available in a variety of designs. At igus® you will find trapezoidal threads and high helix threads in numerous pitches.
High-quality bearings minimise coefficient of friction and also ensure a uniform rotary movement. As a rule, roller bearings, ball bearings or plain bearings are used here. igus® uses plastic bearings and plastic nuts without lubrication for all linear rails with lead screw drives.
2. Shaft
Linear axes with lead screw drives can, for example, be equipped with unsupported round shafts, and also fully supported with linear rails. With igus® you can choose from three different shaft materials, depending on the application: aluminium, stainless steel or carbon.
3. Lead screw
The lead screw is the actual heart of the lead screw axis. This rotates around its own axis and thus transmits the movement. It is a cylindrical component that is available in a variety of designs. At igus® you will find trapezoidal threads and high helix threads in numerous pitches.
4. Base structure
The base structure of the linear axis with lead screw drive holds the individual components together strongly. This can also be made of different materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, zinc or plastic. We would be happy to work together to find the right material for your application.
5. Lead screw end
The lead screw end helps keep the lead screw in a fixed and strong position. It ensures that the lead screw does not move sideways or wobble while rotating or moving linearly. It therefore plays a very important role in precision.
6. Accessories
Once the lead screw axis is fully assembled, what is left are, of course, the right accessories. Here users can choose between mechanical and electrical options. The classics here are the hand wheel, as shown in the example, along with suitable electric motors.
The base structure of the linear axis with lead screw drive holds the individual components together strongly. This can also be made of different materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, zinc or plastic. We would be happy to work together to find the right material for your application.
5. Lead screw end
The lead screw end helps keep the lead screw in a fixed and strong position. It ensures that the lead screw does not move sideways or wobble while rotating or moving linearly. It therefore plays a very important role in precision.
6. Accessories
Once the lead screw axis is fully assembled, what is left are, of course, the right accessories. Here users can choose between mechanical and electrical options. The classics here are the hand wheel, as shown in the example, along with suitable electric motors.
Different materials within the axis
Lead screw materials
igus uses self-locking trapezoidal lead screws made of steel and stainless steel for all drylin linear units. Lead screws made of hard-coated aluminium are also available upon request for special applications. For some series, high helix lead screws made of stainless steel are also optionally available and configurable. These options make it possible to achieve significantly higher travel speeds and pitches.
Shaft materials
Shafts made of hard-anodised aluminium belong to the standard range and are the most frequently used version. The reason is a low coefficient of friction and wear and short delivery times. If the linear axes with lead screw drive (SHT) type is used, steel or stainless steel shafts are conceivable in addition to aluminium. We would be happy to work with you to find the right version.
Bearing materials
Without the use of external lubricants and also maintenance-free? This applies to all bearing points of the drylin linear units for drive technology. The high-performance polymers are optionally available for applications with high temperatures up to +180°C (iglidur X). If FDA-compliant components are required, iglidur A180 bearing materials will help.
* If you want things to go very quickly: You can also find preconfigured linear drives with and without electric motors in our drive technology online shop.
Application examples with lead screw axes
Special measurement setup with lead screw axes
Research and development in the field of sustainability requires innovative, cost-effective, cleanroom-compatible solutions. In combination with the motor and control system, our lubrication-free lead screw axes ensure a cost-effective turnkey solution.
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3D printer for concrete l Lubrication-free solution for dusty environment
The use of cement creates a high level of dust load in the 3D concrete printer, which the products have to withstand. Furthermore, the longest possible service life and fast maintenance are required. Our bearing solutions and lubrication-free linear drives ensure a long service life despite dirt and contamination.
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Electric drive technology in an automated positioning system
Unlike traditional recirculating ball bearing systems, drylin® linear plain bearings operate on sliding elements. This application overview shows you the most diverse areas of application for maintenance-free linear drives from the drylin® product range.
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More application examples
Here you will find many more application examples from our customers from all industries. Discover the applications in which the linear units from igus® have already been used.
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Miniature lead screw sample
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