Lead Screw Travel and Speed

WHAT THIS SCREEN ANSWERS

Lead screws turn rotary motion into linear travel, but lead creates a direct speed and torque tradeoff. A higher lead moves a nut farther per revolution and lowers the screw rpm required for a target linear speed. The same higher lead also changes the torque and backdriving behavior. This screen makes those linked consequences visible while the concept is still easy to change.

Enter actual lead, required travel, target linear speed, axial load, and a supplier-supported efficiency estimate. MechPlane derives screw speed and travel time from lead, then uses a simple work relationship to estimate the input torque proxy. It does not silently choose a screw type because ball screws, acme screws, roller screws, lubrication, preload, and loading conditions materially change the result.

Speed should be checked against the real screw layout, not just a motor nameplate. Unsupported length, end conditions, nut configuration, alignment, buckling, whip, and bearing arrangement can govern. A short-stroke concept with a modest rpm may be workable, while a long screw at the same rpm can become a vibration or critical-speed problem. The next useful question is whether the physical arrangement supports the requested rotational speed.

Treat the output as a planning envelope. Verify critical speed, buckling, nut life, lubrication, mounting stiffness, backlash or preload, environmental exposure, and manufacturer installation limits. If vertical motion or retained load is involved, do not infer self-locking or safe holding from this calculation. Add braking, holding, and qualified review where the application requires them.