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.
| 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 |
