Ball screw VS lead screw:Self-locking capability

Ball screws do not have a self-locking function.When driving force disappears,due to small friction resistance,ball screw will continue to maintain original motion state until it is stopped by external resistance or load.In some occasions that require self-locking function,such as vertical lifting mechanism,it is necessary to add additional braking devices or use other mechanisms to achieve self-locking to ensure safety and stability of the system.

Lead screw has a certain self-locking property.When driving force disappears,leadscrew can rely on the bevel of its thread to produce a self-locking torque,so as to maintain original position or state.

Ball screw vs lead screw: Price difference

Due to its complex manufacturing process,high precision requirements and long service life and other factors,the price of ball screws is usually higher.The manufacturing process of lead screw is relatively simple,the accuracy requirements and service life are relatively low,so its price is usually low.

Ball screw vs lead screw: Transmission efficiency

Ball screw uses rolling friction principle,and transmission efficiency is as high as 90%,which is much higher than the transmission efficiency of sliding friction.The rolling friction coefficient of ball screw is small,making the transmission smoother and enabling precise position and speed control.Because the wear of rolling friction is much less than that of sliding friction,the service life of the ball screw is longer.

Lead screw adopts the principle of sliding friction,and the transmission efficiency is relatively low,generally between 30%-50%.Due to the large sliding friction coefficient,lead screw will produce large friction resistance in the transmission process.Sliding friction easily leads to the wear of the trapezoidal lead screw, which affects its transmission accuracy and service life.

Ball screw vs lead screw: Temperature rise difference

In the process of high-speed transmission,ball screw and lead screw will generate heat,resulting in temperature rise.Ball screw due to high transmission efficiency,the heat generated is relatively less,the temperature rise is low;Leadscrew produces more heat and higher temperature rise due to low transmission efficiency.

Ball screw vs lead screw: Application

Ball screw is suitable for high speed and high precision applications such as:

●CNC machine
●Precision measuring instrument
●High speed transmission equipment

Lead screw is suitable for heavy load applications such as:

● Heavy machinery
● Lifting platform
● Construction machinery