Threaded rod
Vitamin
| Threaded metal rod, used as lead screws and for the frame. | |
| Wikipedia | none |
A threaded rod is a metal rod with threads welded on or rolled out. It is usually used as a frame construction part and as lead screws for the Z-axis. The most commonly used type of threaded rod is a steel M8 (8 mm diameter) one.
Leadscrews
Leadscrews are threaded rods used to lead a component on, for example the X-axis assembly on the Z-axis. For most RepRaps a common (straight!) threaded rob is sufficient, but for higher precision and reduced wobble you might want to use real leadscrews.
There are two main thread profiles for leadscrews, both of which are trapezoidal: Trapezoidal and Acme. The important but subtle difference is the angle of the thread flank. Be sure to get matching nuts.
Preloading
A common problem when using leadscrews (also for common thread rod ones) is backlash. Because the nut has to be able to rotate freely around the rod, its threading is ever so slightly wider than the rods. Even when the rod is not turning, the nut can move a tiny bit up and down, which is the backlash. Reducing this improves the accuracy of the machine.
A common way to reduce leadscrew backlash is to preload: ensure the nut is in contact with the thread at all times. You can do this using two nuts with a spring in between. This keeps each nut pressed against the thread, reducing backlash. However, it will also make the rod harder to turn. More information and pictures in the article Backlash in Lead Screws: What It is and What to do About It.
Vendors
Normal threaded rods and corresponding nuts are widely available, so there is no vendor table for those.
Leadscrew
The following table lists Trapezoid and Acme leadscrew vendors:
| Vendor | Loc. | Product | Diameter | Length | Pitch | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPC Europe | FR/IT | Trapezoidal rolled leadscrew | 10-120 mm | 1000-3000 mm | 2-16 mm |
Leadscrew nuts
The following table lists Trapezoid and Acme leadscrew nut vendors.
| Vendor | Loc. | Product | Diameter | Pitch | Smallest outer diameter | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPC Europe | FR/IT | Trapezoidal nut | 10-60 mm | 2-9 mm | 17-90 mm |
External Links
- Z Motor setup with leadscrews on the forum
- Acme versus Threaded rod on the forum
