3D printed lead screw threads and nuts

• Quick manufacture of individual threads without a tap
• Maintenance costs are reduced because solid lubricants have been incorporated, eliminating the need for additional lubrication
• Ideal for moving applications: laboratory tests show very low coefficients of wear and little friction
• Individual lead screw nut geometries available
• Free-of-charge CAD configurator for trapezoidal lead screw nuts

Additively manufactured threads offer almost unlimited opportunities for customized geometries. igus® 3D printing materials are suitable for any type of drive thread and expand the scope for innovative solutions and optimization for any machine.
 
While threads can theoretically be manufactured from any plastic with any additive method, iglide® I3 has been specially developed for this type of application. Threads made from it have up to 18 times the abrasion resistance of identical parts made of standard 3D printed plastics, since high-performance igus® plastics are slide-optimized and wear-resistant. Their use also greatly reduces the necessity for maintenance, since iglide® materials contain solid lubricants that eliminate the need for additional lubrication.

Test stand for lead screw nuts

We have compared 3D printed lead screw nuts made of iglide® 3D printing materials and ABS (standard 3D printing material) to determine the wear rates of the different plastics. Of the igus® 3D printing materials, nuts made of iglide® I180, iglide® J260, and iglide® I3 were tested. The 3D printed parts were also compared with a milled nut made of iglide® J. The test was run with the following parameters: F = 129 N; I = 370 mm; n = 290 rpm

iglide® I3 is 18 times as wear-resistant as ABS

The durability of igus® special plastics is also outstanding in the 3D printing manufacture of lead screw nuts. Compared to the classic 3D printing ABS plastic, the lead screw nut printed from iglide® I3 friction-optimized polymer made a good showing – the wear rate of a lead screw nut printed from the iglide® I3 laser sintering material is lower by a factor of 18. The test results for the laser sintered nut are also very similar to conventionally manufactured nuts made from iglide® J.

Printed female threads:
female threads can be additively manufactured starting at size M6. Smaller threads require a check by our engineers, but there will be an additional charge for the necessary cleaning.  The thread design must be finished in the 3D model upon order. Observe the 0.1 mm clearance for female threads.

Cut threads:
Small threads can be cut later in mechanical processing. The blind hole must be taken into account in the 3D model during design. About $1 per thread will be charged extra for rework.
 
Metallic inserts (fastening threads only):
For greater tightening forces, 3D printed components can be equipped with metallic thread inserts. Size M3 to M6 inserts are always available.