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Design and Theory

What are motorized lead screws or stepper motor linear actuators?

Motorized Lead Screw

A motorized lead screw is a stepper motor with an integrated lead screw. Having the screw as an integral part of the stepper motor eliminates couplings and unnecessary bearing supports, while simplifying mounting, assembly and maintenance. 

Motorized Lead Screw

Motorized Lead Screw with Rotating Screw

A motorized lead screw with rotating screw is actuated by the motor rotating the screw. The nut would be attached to the load and constrained from rotating. This would translate the load as the motor rotates the screw.

Motorized Lead Screw with Rotating Screw

Motorized Lead Screw with Rotating Nut

The integration of the lead screw can also be done by integrating the nut of the lead screw into the stepper motor. In this situation, the nut would spin inside the motor, and the screw would translate back and forth. Rotating nut assemblies actuate by rotating a nut within the motor body. Motion is achieved by constraining the motor and translating a load attached to the lead screw or constraining the lead screw and translating a load attached to the motor.

Motorized Lead Screw with Rotating Nut

Motorized Lead Screw Actuator

A motorized lead screw actuator is a fully housed solution. A motorized lead screw actuator is a motorized lead screw assembly with the addition of a cover tube and guiding system. The actuator configuration offers a complete housing and integrates easily.

Motorized Lead Screw Actuator

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