Linear axes with lead screw drive

The lead screw drive is one element of the drive systems. The linear movement of the moving body is generated by a rotating lead screw and transmitted to the lead screw nut. So it is a rotary movement converted into a linear motion.

drylin® linear axes with lead screw drive are designed for positioning tasks of all kinds. The linear adjustment takes place via trapezoidal lead screws of different sizes or via high helix lead screws, which can be set in motion either manually or electrically. The max. travel speed is up to 1.6m/min, depending on thread and load. Stroke length is freely selectable for any linear drive system. A plain-bearing-mounted lead screw has a maximum stroke of 1,500mm, a ball-bearing-mounted one 1,000mm.

What you will find on this page

Our lead screw axes at a glance

Here you will find an overview of our product portfolio of linear axes with lead screw drives. Whether with round shafts or linear rails - you will find the right lead screw unit here.

Linear axes SHT

Drive: Trapezoidal or high-helix lead screws
Lead screw drives with plain ball bearings
Lead screws made from steel, stainless steel or aluminium
Carriage in either quad block or compact design
Configurable online

More about drylin SHT linear axes

SLW linear axes

Linear axes based on drylin W guides
Drive: trapezoidal or high helix thread
Torsion-resistant double shaft systems
Many carriage and rail options
Manual and motorised adjustments possible

More about drylin SLW linear axes

SAW linear axes

Linear axes based on drylin W guides
Drive: trapezoidal or high helix thread
Robust design
Ready to install with electric motor
Ball bearing

More about drylin SAW linear axes

Miniature linear axis SLN/SLNV

Based on drylin N low-profile linear guide
Drive: Trapezoidal or high helix lead screw
Compact design
Clearance adjustment on carriage
Precise with pre-load

More about drylin SLN linear axes

Single-tube linear axis SET

Lubrication-free single-tube adjustment
Drive: trapezoidal thread
Simple, smooth design
Low weight due to aluminium and polymer
Temperature-resistant up to +50°C

More about single-tube axes easytube

Low-profile SLT linear axes

Based on drylin T miniature guides
Drive: Trapezoidal or high helix lead screw
Low-profile and compact design
Carriages with individual clearance adjustment
Variable lead screw options

More about drylin SLT linear axes

Advantages of lead screw axes

When a cost-effective, ready-to-install solution is desired, lead screw axes are often the first choice. You can see here what other advantages the linear drive has over other systems with the aid of a lead screw:

Precise positioning

By directly converting the rotating motion from the lead screw to linear motion, very accurate and repeatable positioning is achieved, which is critical in tight tolerance and high precision applications.

Compact design

Particularly small versions of lead screw axes are also available. Their compact design makes them perfect for all applications where installation space is scarce. Also discover our complete drylin miniature series.

High load capacity

Lead screw drives in linear modules are able to carry and move very high loads. In contrast to flexible toothed belts, for example, lead screw axes can ensure efficient force transmission thanks to their low rigidity.

Low-friction movement

Linear modules with lead screw drives are low-friction. The constant, precise movement of the lead screw drive minimises friction and wear on the components. This ensures a longer service life for the entire lead screw axis.Limit switches directly on the shaft end support

Structure of a lead screw axis

A lead screw axis contains several complex components that must fit together perfectly. A precise structure plays a key role in the performance and accuracy of the linear axis. Here you can see the most important components at a glance.

Lead screw axis of igus in cross section

1. Bearing
High-quality bearings minimise coefficient of friction and ensure a uniform rotary movement. As a rule, roller bearings, ball bearings or plain bearings are used here. igus® relies on plastic bearings and plastic nuts without lubrication for all linear rails with lead screw drive.

2. Shaft
Linear axes with lead screw drives can be equipped with unsupported round shafts or also fully supported with linear rails. igus® offers three different shaft materials, depending on the application: aluminium, stainless steel or carbon.

3. Lead screw
The lead screw is the centrepiece of the lead screw axis. It rotates around its own axis and thus transmits the movement. It is a cylindrical component that is available in a variety of designs. igus® offers trapezoidal and high helix threads with numerous pitches.

4. Base structure
The base structure of the linear axis with lead screw drive holds the individual components together reliably. It can be made of different materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, zinc or plastic. We will be happy to work with you to find the right material for your application.

5. Lead screw end
The lead screw end helps to keep the lead screw in a steady position. It makes sure that the lead screw does not move sideways or wobble during rotations or linear movements. It therefore plays a particularly important role in terms of precision.

6. Accessories
When the lead screw axis is fully assembled, the matching accessories are of course still missing. Here users can choose between mechanical and electrical options. The classics are the hand wheel, as shown in the example, along with the suitable electric motor.

Different materials within the axis

Lead screw materials

igus uses self-locking trapezoidal lead screws consisting of steel and stainless steel for all drylin linear units. Lead screws made of hard-coated aluminium are also available upon request for special applications. For some series, high helix lead screws made of stainless steel are also available and can be configured as an option. This makes it possible to achieve significantly higher travel speeds and pitches.

Shaft materials

Shafts made of hard-anodised aluminium belong to the standard range and are the most frequently used version. The reason is a low coefficient of friction and wear and short delivery times. If the linear axes with lead screw drive (SHT) type is used, steel or stainless steel shafts are conceivable in addition to aluminium. We would be happy to work with you to find the right version.

Bearing materials

Without the use of external lubricants and also maintenance-free? This applies to all bearing points of the drylin linear units for drive technology. The high-performance polymers are optionally available for applications with high temperatures up to +180°C (iglidur X). If FDA-compliant components are required, iglidur A180 bearing materials will help.

Drive technology configurator

Individual lead screw axes according to your wishes

With the online configurator for drive technology, after entering your requirements, you will receive linear drives with lead screw, toothed belt or rack and pinion drive, which you can configure according to your needs. Motors, motor control systems and other accessories for your linear drives can also be ordered directly.

Fast and easy configuration
Optional accessories
Detailed parts list
Fast delivery*

To the drive technology configurator*You can also find pre-configured linear drives in our online shop.

Application examples with lead screw axes

Special measurement setup with lead screw axes

Research and development in the field of sustainability requires innovative, cost-effective, cleanroom-compatible solutions. In combination with the motor and control system, our lubrication-free lead screw axes ensure a cost-effective turnkey solution.

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Drive technology application example Art Robotics

3D printer for concrete l Lubrication-free solution for dusty environment

The use of cement creates a high level of dust load in the 3D concrete printer, which the products have to withstand. Furthermore, the longest possible service life and fast maintenance are required. Our bearing solutions and lubrication-free linear drives ensure a long service life despite dirt and contamination.

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Electric drive technology in an automated positioning system

Unlike traditional recirculating ball bearing systems, drylin® linear plain bearings operate on sliding elements. This application overview shows you the most diverse areas of application for maintenance-free linear drives from the drylin® product range.

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Drive technology in an order picking unit

More application examples

Here you will find many more application examples from our customers from all industries. Discover the applications in which the linear units from igus® have already been used.

To the application examples