What is the 10×3 Thread Size?
By Zoe Moser (Edited by Kevin Wright and Shizu Yamaguchi)
What is the thread dimension 10×3?
In this blog post we look at one of the common thread sizes: the 10×3 mm. For all questions, please contact Kevin Wright, Country Manager of igus.
Lead screw drives are machine elements that convert rotary movement into linear motion. The thread of a lead screw is the profiled indentation that runs along a helical line wound around the inner cylinder. The type of thread is defined by the profile shape, the pitch, the number of threads or starts, and the direction of rotation.
Question: Hello Kevin, what is meant by the term “thread size” and what does the 10×3 designation tell us?
Answer: The thread size describes the outer diameter and the pitch of the lead screw, i.e., the basic dimensions of the lead screw.
The outer diameter is the distance between the outermost edges of the opposite lead screw flanks. The outer diameter is always defined first in the numerical description of the thread size. In our example, this is 10 [unit of measurement]. The unit of measurement is usually defined by the used thread geometry, for example trapezoid [DIN ISO 103] (TR10x3). In this case, the unit of measurement is millimetres [mm], whereas the ACME thread, for example, is given in imperial measurements.
The pitch refers to the distance between two adjacent threads. Another way to describe the pitch is that it refers to the distance measured parallel to the axis between two adjacent and parallel thread flanks of the same thread. The pitch is the linear travel per revolution of the lead screw. In our example, this is 3mm. The same principle applies to the unit of measurement of the pitch as also to the outside diameter.
Question: What types of lead screws does igus® offer in 10×3?
Answer: We have three main types of lead screws in our product offering. First, we offer metric lead screws, which we classify as our miniature range. The sizes offered are M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, and M10. These are typically combined with our SLN miniature thread system.
Our standard lead screw range includes a huge selection of trapezoidal and acme threads, in sizes TR8x1.5 to TR50x8 for trapezoidal and ¼ – 16 to 1-10 for acme as standard. In special cases, larger sizes are also possible.
The high helix lead screws are part of our dryspin® range, which is specially designed for fast and very efficient applications. Thread sizes from DS4x2.4 to DS20x90 are available here.
dryspin® lead screw technology was developed and patented in 2016 by the igus development team. Emphasis was placed on increasing service life and improving efficiency. The dryspin product portfolio includes high helix lead screws made of stainless steel or aluminium, which are available in pitches from 2.4mm to 100mm. The dryspin high-helix thread geometry is an extension of conventional thread technologies such as metric and trapezoidal threads with numerous benefits.
Question: What are the main general advantages of igus® lead screws in trapezoidal, metric, ACME and high helix threads?
Answer: Thanks to the use of tribologically optimized polymers, we can offer numerous advantages compared to conventional solutions, and in many industries and applications. Our products are maintenance-free and self-lubricating, cost-effective, resistant to dirt and other caustic environments, corrosion-free, and optionally FDA-compliant. Also, over 90% of our products are available from stock and they have a predictable service life.
Our product catalogue includes many standard nut materials that are designed for different environmental requirements. We stock a wide range of lead screw materials from which we can machine standard or customized solutions.
Question: Okay, and what are the advantages of dryspin® technology in 10×3 compared to the other thread geometries?
Answer: We can summarize the advantages in a few key points:
► Up to 25% longer service life due to asymmetry
► Up to 82% higher efficiency due to optimized flank angles
► Ideal sliding properties
► Quiet and vibration-free operation due to rounded teeth
► 100% self-lubricating and maintenance-free
Question: Can the advantages of the 10×3 thread size also be proven with empirical data?
Answer: Of course. All of our products have been put through testing at our test laboratory in Germany. Our products are designed to extend the service life of machines and applications, eliminate maintenance, and reduce costs. For many engineers, the quality and safety of machine elements, i.e., their resilience and service life, are important criteria in development. All this data is essential for the new and further development and predictability of the materials. Online, igus offers numerous tools free of charge to help with the selection and purchase of the right products.
We also did this before launching the new DS10x3 dimension. Let us take a closer look at this representative test:
Task: Wear analysis (thread 10×3; competition thread/trapezoidal thread/dryspin® high helix thread)
Tested lead screws:
1. Lead screw 10×3 of competitor’s geometry & POM (polyoxymethylene-based) lead screw nut
2. Trapezoidal lead screw Tr10x3 & iglide® J lead screw nut
3. dryspin® high helix lead screw Ds10x3 & iglide® J lead screw nut
Test parameters of the tests:
Lead screw: Competitor’s lead screw 10×3/Tr10x3 DIN 103/Ds10x3
Lead screw length: 20mm
Material pairing: iglide® J/1.4021 (competitor’s geometry) & iglide® J/1.4301 (trapezoidal thread & dryspin® DS thread)
Load: 50N
Stroke: 140mm
Speed: 450rev/min
Test duration:150,000 cycles
Figure: German test results indicating decreased wear with dryspin high helix lead screw system
Question: What about other technical data for the 10×3 dimension?
Answer: What follows is some more technical information.
Dimensions:
Gradient: 3.0mm
No. of threads: 2
Pitch angle α: 5.45°
Outer diameter Ø d1: 10.00mm -0.1
Core diameter Ø d3: 7.9mm -0.1
Max. length: 3,000mm
General specifications:
Material: Stainless steel, AISI 304
Weight: 0.62kg/m
Manufacturing and installation tolerances:
Gradient deviation: 0.1mm on 300mm
Straightness (standard): 0.3mm on 300mm
Aligned: <0.1mm on 300mm
Question: Are dryspin® products supplied as standard types or can customers request them tailor-made for their applications?
Answer: Flexibility is key here. As with all igus products, we strive to offer the customer the best technical solution that works at the best price. In the online shop, customers can choose from a wide range of standard parts, e.g., lead screws in cut lengths and lead screw nuts in various standard geometries. A large number of these parts are available through stock. We also offer custom machining to customers who require it and we do so for any lead screw we sell.
► Go to lead screw online shop
In addition to our online shop, we also offer a free configuration tool: the lead screw configurator. This tool allows you to configure a completely customized lead screw. After completing the configuration, you will receive a price, a CAD file and a PDF drawing generated free of charge and without obligation.
You will find that by using the tool, incredibly complex designs can be created in minutes, saving you hours of design and drawing time.
► Go to lead screw configurator
Here you can see a few examples that can be generated by the tool in a few minutes:
Should you get stuck and not be able to show special processes via the tool, our experts are available for you at any time. Together with you, we will clarify all questions regarding thread sizes, their application and the suitable lead screw nut material. Just fill out the contact form and we will address your concerns. We look forward to your message.
Question: How are these lead screws driven?
Answer: That depends entirely on the customer’s application. Typically, a lead screw drive is driven manually by hand or via a motor. The customer’s requirements determine how the lead screw is driven. In a packaging machine, for example, there may be occasional format adjustments, depending on the product that runs through the machine every day. Irregular movements are usually conducted manually for cost reasons. Repetitive movements, such as product transfer mechanisms which can have many cycles per minute, would then typically need to be motorized. igus offers solutions for both drive options.
One final question: How can a customer find out even more about dryspin® lead screw drives?
Answer: In whatever way is most convenient for the customer. We have many opportunities to help with an application or simply to present the products. This can be in person, virtually or by phone. We have a team of engineers and local representatives at customer sites waiting to assist. You are also welcome to use various digital platforms to obtain further information about dryspin® lead screw technology. From our already mentioned tools, such as the expert system or the configurator for lead screws, and further blog articles and FAQs, to a wide variety of YouTube videos. For me, nothing beats personal contact. So, if you need assistance with anything to do with lead screw drives, feel free to give me a call.
For more information, please get in touch with us via phone at 905-760-8448 or by Live Chat at www.igus.ca. Alternatively, please reach out to Kevin Wright, Country Manager for Canada, here.
Request a free dryspin sample card here.
