The upsides of an acme screw could benefit a range of industrial applications. They offer customizable features to those in need while maintaining the primary goal of motion conversion. Acme screws use trapezoidal threading; unlike ball screws, they use a sliding contact. The characteristics of these unique components are worth understanding when looking for the right manufacturer.

Anti-Backlash Properties

Regardless of the screw’s assembly design, there is a required amount of clearance for optimal performance. In an acme screw with an anti-backlash component, they take up more of the allotted clearance between the screw and the nut mechanisms. This enables them to be suitable where increased accuracy is required.

Significantly Low Maintenance

Ball and lead screws require a specific amount of lubrication for optimal functionality. A unique characteristic about acme screws is they do not, and this is dependent on the material used to manufacture them. Having to apply lubrication continually is a relatively complex and time-consuming feature of other screw assemblies, and acme screws not having that requirement makes them more enticing to respective industries.

Customizable Mechanical Preferences

During the design process, there are many things an engineer and manufacturer can agree on that enable increased customization. Traditionally, the product will fit a specific screw. But with acme screws, you can design the assembly to fit the needed product. Partnering with a certified and reputable ball screw engineering team can help outline the configurations available to you.

Braking System Not Required

An engineer can implement a less than 35 percent efficiency rating, and the acme screws will self-lock. A self-locking screw assembly is optimal for any application that requires a vertical installation. Typically, a self-locking acme screw will reduce the overall number of necessary parts and can help eliminate a braking system from the equation.

Cost-Effective Design

Though the cost-effectiveness of an acme screw is not specific to its design, it does appeal to engineers and developers when they’re considering the most suitable options. An acme screw will cost up to 80 percent less than traditional ball or lead screws; exact values will vary.

This is a noteworthy characteristic because operating and design costs will always trickle down to the customer. Saving costs on screw assemblies can make your product more appealing to the consumer market.