Lead Screw vs Ball Screw: 10 Differences Between Lead Screw and Ball Screw

Lead Screw

Ball Screw

• They are reasonable as compared to the latter.

• More expensive as compared to lead screws.

• Lead screws are more efficient for vertical applications.

• Ball screws gives problems when used in vertical applications.

• They are self locking and hence do not require a braking system.

• These require a braking system to function which needs to be greased at regular intervals to achieve longer work life.

• These have a higher friction rate and run at very hot temperature.

• These have a lower friction rate and run at considerably cooler temperature.

• Less efficient as it requires greater torque and motor and drive.

• Considered much more efficient than lead screw as it requires lesser torque.

• Lead screws do not contain anything that might help to get rid of high friction.

• Contains ball bearings which help the screw to keep friction under control and the system efficient.

• Due to its friction rate which is high it is not suited for high throughput or high speed conditions or those with long cycle times.

• Ball screw is better suited in the aforesaid mentioned conditions.

• They do not create any noise.

• These are considerably noisy.

• These needs to be replaced more frequently.

• These work well and are usually rendered efficient for the long haul.

• These are cheaper.

• More expensive with respect to lead screws.

• Lead screw is useful for simple transfer applications in which rigidity, precision etc does not matter much.

• Ball screw is useful when precision and rigidity and efficiency are a big factor.