Every linear motion design starts with the same choice: How do you convert rotary motor motion into linear travel? The two most common answers are the Lead Screw (simple, cheap, friction-based) and the Ball Screw (complex, expensive, rolling-based). Making the wrong choice here is costly. Use a lead screw where you need precision, and you get backlash. Use a ball screw in a vertical lift without a brake, and your load crashes to the floor. In this guide, we compare them side-by-side. Table of Contents 1. The Physics: Sliding vs. Rolling 2. Efficiency & The "Back-Driving" Danger 3. Accuracy and Backlash 4. Selection Table Advertisement 1. The Physics: Sliding vs. Rolling The fundamental difference is friction. Lead Screws rely on Sliding Friction . The nut (often bronze or plastic) slides directly against the steel screw threads. This generates heat and wear. Ball Screws re...
Timing belts solve the slippage problems inherent in flat, O-ring, and V-belts by utilizing a flexible tooth molded to a belt with internal tension members. These teeth are flexible, allowing the load to be distributed across all teeth in contact with the pulley, ensuring precise power transmission. Advertisement Timing belts belong to a larger category of power transmission devices known as synchronous drives . Unlike friction-based drives, these belt or cable-based systems have the distinct advantage of zero slip . This "positive drive" capability means these belts perform reliably even in wet or oily conditions, provided the pulleys are made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or plastic. Figure 1: Timing belts maintain an exact speed ratio, crucial for engines and automation. Tooth Profiles: The Evolution of Design Timing belts are categorized by their tooth profile and manufacturing method....