A power screw is a mechanical device used to convert rotary motion into linear motion and transmit power.
The power screw has three main parts such as screw, nut, and a part to hold either the screw or the nut.
The power screw operates in two different ways depending on the holding arrangement.
- In its bearing, the screw rotates, while the nut has axial motion.
The lathe's lead screw is an example of this category.
- The nut is kept stationary and screw moves in the axial direction
Screw Jack and Machine Vice are examples of this category.
Applications of power screw :
The main application of the power screw is the following below.
- To raise the load. Example - Screw-jack
- To obtain accurate motion in machining operations. Example - The lead screw of a lathe
- To clamp a workpiece. Example - Vice
- To load a specimen. Example - Universal testing machine