Drive mechanism selection

A drive mechanism is the part of a machine that, through power provided by a motor, performs the intended task of a machine. It can for example be a belt moving a box or a ball screw lifting or lowering heavy equipment.

Use the table below to identify the type of drive mechanism that is the most suited for your intended application.

Application factors	Belt drives	Chain drives	Rack/Gear and pinion	Roller Pinon/rack	Leadscrews	Ballscrews	Linear Motors
Accuracy	Low	Low	Low-High	High	Low	Low-High	High
Backlash/Vibration	A consideration	A consideration	A consideration	Near Zero	A consideration	A consideration	Near Zero
Acceleration	Medium	Low	High	High	Low	Medium	High
Speed	Medium	Low	Medium	High	Low	Medium	High
Load capacity	Low	Medium	High	High	Low	High	Low
Length	Shorter	Shorter	Long	Long	Shorter	Shorter	Moderate
High wear and short life	A consideration	A consideration	A consideration	Long life	A consideration	A consideration	Long life
Maintenance	A consideration	A consideration	A consideration	Low to none	A consideration	A consideration	Low to none
Noise level	Medium	High	Medium	Low	High	Medium	Low
Dust and dirt emissions	High	High	Moderate	Low to none	Moderate	Moderate	Low to none