Lead Screw Uses Plastic Nut to Eliminate Lubrication

Lead screws from igus, Providence, R.I., use high-performance self-lubricating plastic material nuts, eliminating the need for lubrication and making the motion-control devices suitable for clean rooms and other hygienic environments. Matching plastic nut and spindle properties offer excellent service life and high efficiency for high-helix lead screws.

The lead screw nut withstands temperatures from 32° to 122°F, but a high-temperature version is available that handles temperatures to 300°F. An FDA-compliant nut is also available. Backlash can be minimized by using the optional zero-backlash thread nut with built-in spring pretension from igus. Lead screws can be up to 3,000 mm.

The rounded tooth flanks on the shaft reduce the contact area between the nut and screw. This reduces noise and vibration.