A servo electric cylinder screw lead should be chosen from the speed and thrust required at the same operating point. A larger lead moves farther per screw revolution, but that does not mean it delivers more thrust. Compare the complete actuator, motor and transmission against the machine cycle before choosing a configuration.
What electric cylinder screw lead means
Lead is the linear travel produced by one revolution of the screw or nut. Pitch is the spacing between adjacent threads; the two can differ on a screw with multiple starts. Confirm which value a quotation specifies. Check lead, torque and speed together when reviewing the proposed configuration.
Electric cylinder screw lead: speed and thrust
At the same screw rotational speed, a larger lead produces more linear speed. At the same screw input torque and efficiency, a smaller lead produces more theoretical axial force. These are conditional relationships, not permission to exceed the selected screw, bearing or actuator ratings.
Ask which shaft the quoted speed and torque refer to. A motor value cannot be treated as a screw value without accounting for the configured transmission. Request the actual combination rather than comparing two isolated catalog maxima.
For example, a supplier may offer one option for a rapid approach and another for a loaded working stroke. Your comparison sheet should show whether each option can complete both segments. Do not assume that the fastest option also satisfies the loaded segment.
Build a quotation comparison worksheet
| Record for each segment | What to ask the supplier |
|---|---|
| Useful travel and move time | Which lead and transmission are proposed? |
| Axial force and speed together | Can this operating point be sustained for its stated duration? |
| Acceleration, deceleration and dwell | Are peak and continuous motor demands both checked? |
| Stroke and mounting arrangement | Which critical-speed, buckling and guidance limits apply? |
| Cycles per hour and operating hours | What thermal and service assumptions support the proposal? |
Use separate rows for approach, loaded motion, dwell and return. Leave unknown fields visibly unresolved until the machine team supplies them. This worksheet is a way to compare proposals consistently; it is not a sizing certificate or a substitute for configuration data.
Check the rest of the axis
Lead is one selection variable. Review load, force and velocity, duty and screw critical speed together. A lead change should therefore trigger a review of the full proposal, rather than an automatic acceptance of a new speed figure.
For a wider starting checklist, use NEFEIT’s servo electric cylinder selection guide. If screw diameter is also under discussion, see the separate ball screw diameter guide. Keep those questions distinct: lead defines travel per revolution, while diameter selection requires its own mechanical checks.
Request a configuration review
Browse NEFEIT servo electric cylinders, then send your application requirements. For an electric cylinder screw lead review, include the segment worksheet, installation drawing, orientation, available motor and drive details, and acceptance requirements. Ask the proposed supplier to identify the assumptions and limiting segment in its response.
This article does not specify an available lead, force, speed or accuracy for a NEFEIT model. Those values require the selected configuration and its documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a larger lead always better for a faster machine?
No. Greater travel per revolution can help with speed, but the loaded operating points and the complete proposal still need verification.
Does a finer lead guarantee positioning accuracy?
No. Do not replace a measured positioning requirement with a lead choice. NEFEIT’s selection guide separates accuracy from repeatability and calls for defined acceptance conditions.
Can I select from maximum force and maximum speed alone?
No. Ask whether the required force and speed are available together, for the required duration, in the proposed configuration.
