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The chart below compares the primary differences between Ball and Acme Screw drive systems.
Consideration
Acme Screw
Ball Screws
Comments
Rolled
Precision
Ground
Audible Noise
Least audible noise
Most audible noise
Less audible noise than rolled screw
Less audible noise than precision screw
Acme: no rolling elements provide for quiet operation.
Ball: recirculating balls in nut assembly transmit audible noise during motion; due to more accurate machining procedures - precision & ground ball screws are quiter than rolled ball screws.
Back Driving Loads
May prevent back driving
Can easily back drive a load
Can easily back drive a load
Can easily back drive a load
Acme: good for light loads & vertical applications.
Ball: recirculating balls in nut assembly producte a low friction system; vertical applications may require a brake to hold the load when no power is applied to the motor.
Backlash Non-preloaded nut
Will increase with wear
Constant
Constant
Constant
Acme: preloaded nut assembly eliminates backlash.
Ball: preloaded nut assembly eliminates backlash.
Duty Cycle
Low to medium (< 50%)
High (100%)
High (100%)
High (100%)
Acme: low duty cycle due to high sliding friction.
Ball: high duty cycle due to recirculating balls in nut assemble - high efficiency & low friction system.
Life
Shorter due to higher friction
Long
Long
Long
Acme: mechanical wear related to duty cycle, load & speed.
Ball: minimal wear if operated in proper environment, within load specifications, and periodically lubricated.
Relative - Cost
Slightly more than rolled ball
Least expensive
Slightly more than rolled ball
Most expensive
Acme: a little more expensive than the rolled ball screw.
Ball: due to more accurate manufacturing procedures precision rolled & ground ball screws are more expensive.
Screw Efficiency
low (40% Acme, 60% Turcite)
High (90%)
High (90%)
High (90%)
Acme: low efficiency due to high sliding friction.
Ball: high efficiency sue to recirculating balls in nut assembly - low friction system.
Smoothness
Can be smooth
Least smooth
Medium smoothness
Smoothest
Acme: due to friction can start/stop at very low speeds.
Ball: smoothness is constant through a wide speed range; due to more accurate manufacturing procedures precision & ground ball screws are smoother than rolled ball screws.
Speeds
Low
High
High
High
Acme: high friction can cause excess heat & wear at high speeds.
Ball: recirculating balls in nut provide for a high speed system due to low friction & high efficiency.
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