Acme screws can be used in applications where durability is not a concern. They are often made of lead, bronze or an alloy. They are used mainly when part of the product must be able to move along the screw's path, such as in a tool.

Although there are many types of Acme screws, almost all require an end fixity. There are three types of end fixity: free; simple-shaft supported at only one point; and fixed-shaft rigidly restrained against axial rotation. Which of these you choose should depend on what type of end fixity your product will require; or, if you're buying a replacement, what kind of head was used on the original screw.

1. Measure the load your Acme screw will hold. You may want to overshoot this number slightly in case more weight must be added later. Design changes or errors can make the exact weight of your product uncertain.

2. Determine how fast the Acme screw assemblies must go in inches or millimeters per minute. Some companies will measure this for you if you bring them your product.

3. Check the distance between the Acme screw bearings measured in inches or millimeters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the right Acme lead screws for your machinery

Acme Screws are often used for screw press tables, Acme screw jacks, clamps, farm machinery, table lifts and other applications. The way in which the screw will be used will help the Acme screw manufacturer decide what materials to make your screw out of, and its dimensions.

I recommend: Contact Thread-Craft for help matching your machine's existing Acme fasteners or screws to their current selection, or creating a custom screw replacement. If you have a sample screw from your appliance, try matching it to its model number with Comptrol's Acme screw chart by diameter or thread count.

Create a prototype of your Acme screw

Once you've established exactly how you'll use the Acme screws, you'll need to custom create a model that can then be mass produced. You can do this using an Acme screw machine or commission it out to an Acme screw company that specializes in manufacture and design.

I recommend: Commission a prototype from Archer Engineering, or request a quote on your custom Acme screw from the Jerpbak-Bayless Company.

Find a manufacturer to mass produce your Acme screw

There are many certified custom screw manufacturers out there. Make sure they can meet your production schedule and quality demands. Most companies will tell you their production's accuracy ratings, which makes it easy to find a company that strikes the right balance between cost and quality.

I recommend: Keystone Threaded Products and Pacific Bearing are just two of many excellent Acme screw manufacturers that could meet your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your Acme screws are being used in a non-critical part of the machine, you can often save money by having them constructed out of a cheaper material, like lead, and requiring a greater degree of defect in their construction.