Metric Lead Screws & Nuts

A: To choose the optimal polymer material, a number of factors, such as load, RPM, and operating temperatures, must first be considered. iglide® J is the most common igus® material used for lead screw nuts at igus®. It is dry-running with zero lubrication required, rated for max temps of 194°F and loads up to 5076 PSI. We also have a variety of materials for more specific application requirements like FDA compliance and resistance to caustic chemical washdowns.

A: Sleeve, flange, and ACME nuts are just a few of the designs available for lead screws. igus® has a variety of these standard nuts, as well as specialty designs for low clearance and heavy-duty applications.

A: Using the available SLS printing service, custom nuts can be prototyped at a very affordable cost, with lead times of just 2–5 days. Additionally, we can machine parts from our wide selection of polymer bar and plate stock. igus® also has the ability to create custom injection molds for the highest quality possible. Check out our tools and configurators to get started

A: In many applications, lead screws require machined ends to provide a better clamping surface and prevent rotation/slipping. As a result, igus® has an online custom screw designer for all of our lead screw geometries.

A: Metric lead screws are a type of mechanical component commonly used in various engineering applications to convert rotational motion into linear motion. They are characterized by their precise thread dimensions, which adhere to the metric system of measurement.

Unlike traditional fasteners, metric lead screws are designed to provide smooth and accurate linear motion, making them ideal for applications that require precise positioning and movement.

A: There is no difference between fastener bolts and metric lead screws. Metric lead screws are simply metric fasteners such as M5 or M6 that are used to drive linear motion instead of fastening.

A: Metric lead screws are best utilized for small, low duty, low speed, lightweight applications that require high positional accuracy. While metric screws are lacking in complex thread geometry and have reduced lifetime compared to other screws, their small threads are able to create extremely small leads.

A: Lead screws are best used in short stroke applications. This is due to the tendency of the screw to deflect or bend the longer it gets. This deflection can result in loud operating volumes as well as shorter service life.

While max length is determined by the diameter of the screw, it is typically recommended to keep screw length to under one meter if possible. For screws over one meter, please contact an igus representative for a free application review/consultation.