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About:
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Generally speaking, ball screws are better for applications that require smooth motion, efficiency, accuracy, precision, and prolonged continuous or high-speed movement. Traditional lead screws are more suitable for simple transfer applications for which speed, accuracy, precision, and rigidity are not as critical.
However, a new generation of precision lead screws—such as those offered by HELIX™ Linear Technologies—significantly increases lead screw accuracy. Using advanced thread-rolling processes and material composition technologies, HELIX offers precision engineering lead screws that are just as accurate and repeatable as ball screws. The primary question to ask yourself about your application is how critical is accuracy? If precision is a priority, you may want to choose a ball screw or a precision-engineered lead screw.
Of course, there are always trade-offs to be made depending on your application. In addition to materials, assembly design, and accuracy, important variables to consider include wobble error, noise, maintenance, efficiency, and longevity. In most cases, evaluating the load, accuracy, and lead for your application will most generally answer the question of ball screw vs. lead screw. If the loading of your application turns out to be too great for a lead screw, use a ball screw or a precision-engineered lead screw instead.
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