Screw Jacks, also known as mechanical actuators, are used to lift, position — such as push, pull, tilt, or roll — and support all types of loads. Mechanical screw jacks are used in machines and equipment to convert rotary motion into linear motion or force. Within a screw jack, translating screws are used to extend and retract a load, while rotating screws are fixed and the load travels along the screw for more positioning options. Screw jacks can range in capacity from 250 lbs. to 300 tons and are used in virtually every industry – from building construction to satellite positioning.
There are two types of screw jack systems:
Duff-Norton, a brand of Columbus McKinnon, has been manufacturing reliable, high-quality industrial screw jacks ranging from mini screw jacks to ACME screw jacks, and everything in between, since 1883. Our screw jacks are subjected to rigorous testing to assure maximum performance and quality for use in agriculture, aerospace, construction, and many other industries. In fact, our screw jacks are in use around the world in industries such as plastics, metals production, beverage bottling systems, aircraft assembly, paper production, e-commerce, and many other applications that move the world forward and improve lives.
Screw Jacks are versatile and commonly found in industrial applications, manufacturing, and machining. They have a high loadbearing-to-effort ratio and the ability to easily adjust heights by turning a screw, either automatically or manually, providing high reliability and synchronization capabilities to the operator. An advantage of our industrial screw jacks is that they can be used in tandem to mechanically lift and lower at the same speed. Some examples of applications where screw jacks are used include:
There are two main types of screw jacks: machine screw jacks and ball screw jacks. Selecting the right screw jack is critical to the performance of your application. When done correctly, your screw jack will have a durable, long lifespan with reduced application failure or damage, and be a cost-efficient solution in the long term. To choose the right screw jack for your unique needs, you must consider the product specifications, which we will cover next. You can also download our helpful screw jack selection white paper.
Machine screw jacks, also known as ACME screw jacks, worm gear actuators, or bevel gear jacks, can be used to push,
pull, and apply pressure as linear actuators manually or by means of gears or motors. Machine screw jack models can be used in single, tandem, or multiple arrangements because many feature the same gear ratio, allowing for unevenly distributed loads to be raised at the same speed. In fact, most of our machine screw actuator models with higher ratios are self-locking and will hold heavy loads in position indefinitely without creep for more stability and increased safety for the load.
Our machine screw jacks feature:
Ball screw jacks, also called ball screw actuators, feature a low-friction ball screw and nut design. The ball nut on the ball
screw jack gearbox is equipped with return tubes for continuous recirculation of alloy steel balls. This results in longer life at load and requires less power to achieve a specified thrust compared to machine screw jacks. Also, due to their design, ball screw jacks move loads and apply force more efficiently than other mechanical actuators. Columbus McKinnon currently has 40 models of Ball Screw Jacks available so there is an option available to meet your unique movement application needs.
Our ball screw jacks feature:
Consult our team to determine the best screw jack for your application.
Both machine screw jacks and ball screw jacks can be manufactured with a variety of features and options depending on application needs.
Some of these special types of screw jacks include:
Contact Our Engineering Team For A Free Application Analysis
Ball screws and acme screws are two of the most popular screw types in the motion industry. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of ball screws and acme screws and which is best for your linear motion needs.
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Yes, but the key is mounted in the shell cap, making it necessary to omit the dust guard as a standard item. If a dust guard is required, a special adaptor must be attached to permit mounting.
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