Technical Analysis and Selection Guide for 10 Industrial Linear Transmission Mechanisms

1. Trapezoidal Screw

• Transmission Performance:
  • Efficiency: 26%–46% (significant energy loss due to sliding friction; regular lubrication required).
  • Speed: ≤0.5m/s (friction-induced heat limits high-speed operation; temperature rise often exceeds 60℃ during continuous use).
  • Lifespan: 5,000–10,000 hours (dependent on lubrication frequency; lithium-based grease replenishment recommended every 8 hours).
• Core Advantages:
  • Self-Locking: Natural self-locking when efficiency <50% (safety factor 1.5–2.0), ideal for vertical load scenarios.
  • Cost-Effective: Simple processing (rolling forming), with unit cost only 1/3 of ball screws.
• Typical Applications: Lifting platforms, small machine tool feed systems, valve actuators.
• Limitations: Low efficiency, high heat generation, moderate positioning accuracy (IT8–IT10 grade).

2. Ball Screw

• Transmission Performance:
  • Efficiency: 90%–96% (rolling friction coefficient as low as 0.001–0.005, minimal energy loss).
  • Speed: ≤10m/s (sustainable high-speed operation when DmN value ≤1,200,000).
  • Lifespan: 50,000–100,000 hours (adhering to L10 life standard; pre-tensioned types extend lifespan by 30%).
• Core Advantages:
  • High Precision: Positioning accuracy up to ±5μm/m (C3 grade), repeatability ±1μm.
  • Reversible Transmission: Non-self-locking (brake device required for vertical axes); supports micro-feeding (minimum pulse equivalent 0.1μm).
• Typical Applications: CNC machine tools, semiconductor lithography machines, industrial robot linear axes.
• Limitations: High manufacturing cost (5–10x trapezoidal screws), strict dust-proof requirements.

3. Timing Belt Drive

• Transmission Performance:
  • Efficiency: 98% (no sliding loss, only elastic deformation loss).
  • Speed: ≤50m/s (line speed limited by pulley diameter and tension).
  • Precision: Positioning accuracy ±0.1mm/m (pitch error controlled within ±0.02mm).
• Core Advantages:
  • Maintenance-Free: No lubrication needed; operational temperature -20℃–+80℃, oil and aging resistant.
  • Long-Distance Transmission: Maximum center distance 10m (tension pulleys required for lengths >5m).
• Typical Applications: 3C product assembly lines, printer guides, automated warehouse sorting systems.
• Limitations: Low impact resistance; strict tension control needed to prevent tooth skipping.

4. Electric Actuator

• Performance Parameters:
  • Thrust Range: 50N–5,000N (ball screw type up to 10,000N).
  • Speed Range: 10mm/s–100mm/s (dependent on gear ratio and motor speed).
  • Stroke Range: 50mm–1,500mm (customizable up to 3,000mm).
• Core Advantages:
  • Self-Locking Protection: Built-in electromagnetic brake or worm gear mechanism (safety factor ≥2.5).
  • Plug-and-Play: IP54 protection rating, suitable for civil and light industrial applications.
• Typical Applications: Smart doors/windows, stage machinery, medical bed adjustment systems.
• Limitations: Weak radial load capacity; moderate positioning accuracy (error ±0.5mm).

5. Electric Cylinder

• Performance Parameters:
  • Positioning Accuracy: ±0.01mm (servo feedback resolution 1μm).
  • Thrust Range: 500N–50,000N (roller screw type up to 200,000N).
  • Dynamic Response: Acceleration ≥10g (short-stroke high-speed type).
• Core Advantages:
  • Modular Design: Supports servo/stepper motor adaptation; integrated force sensor (thrust control accuracy 1%).
  • High Rigidity: Housing made of high-strength aluminum alloy (stiffness ≥50N/μm), anti-tilt torque ≥200N·m.
• Typical Applications: Automotive press-fitting stations, lithium battery coating machines, aerospace testing equipment.
• Limitations: High cost (single-axis cost >10,000 RMB); strict coaxiality requirement (≤0.02mm).

6. Linear Motor

• Transmission Performance:
  • Efficiency: 90%+ (no intermediate transmission loss).
  • Speed Range: ≤10m/s (standard type), high-speed type up to 50m/s (with air-bearing guides).
  • Acceleration: ≥5g (peak thrust 3x continuous thrust).
• Core Advantages:
  • Zero Backlash: Non-contact motion (air gap 0.5–1mm), positioning accuracy ±1μm (with grating feedback).
  • High Dynamics: Mover weight <5kg (miniaturized design), suitable for high-frequency reciprocation (≥20Hz).
• Typical Applications: Semiconductor wafer handling, precision coordinate measuring machines, high-speed packaging machinery.
• Limitations: Magnetic and dust isolation required; high power consumption (cooling system accounts for 30% of cost).

7. Rack & Pinion

• Transmission Performance:
  • Speed Range: ≤5m/s (precision grade), heavy-duty type up to 10m/s.
  • Load Capacity: Radial load ≤50,000N (rail support required).
  • Precision Grade: Ground rack positioning accuracy ±0.1mm/m, standard grade ±0.5mm/m.