What Is an ACME Screw?
An ACME screw is a type of trapezoidal screw that adheres to standardized specifications in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Key characteristics of ACME screws include a trapezoidal thread profile with a thread angle of 29 degrees and the use of inch measurements (fractions) to denote the screw’s outer diameter. The pitch of the screw is determined by the number of threads per inch. ACME screws come in two main variations: external threads (male threads) with helical threads on their outer cylindrical surface and internal threads (female threads) with helical threads on the inner surface of a hole.
One notable advantage of ACME screws is their cost-effectiveness, as they do not require balls, making production relatively inexpensive. Additionally, they are resistant to self-loosening due to their trapezoidal profile. ACME screws with low leads are particularly suited for applications such as valve control.