BuildYourCNC - 1/2" Anti-Backlash Nut

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1/2" Anti-Backlash Nut

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1/2" Anti-Backlash Lead Nut

$37.39

Includes free technical support.

Introduction:

This is an anti-backlash nut that works with the 1/2" 10 TPI (Threads Per Inch) 5 start Lead Screw.

Description:

Mate this anti-backlash nut with 1/2" the lead screw that has 5 starts and 10 threads per inch. The effective turns per inch is two. CNC Machines require precise movement. Backlash occurs in many parts of the linear motion mechanics. With this anti-backlash nut, you will minimize this backlash tremendously. The anti-backlash is also known as a wear compensating nut.

As the machine is used over time, the lead screw may wear, and this nut will mechanically adjust for this wear. The lead screw and nut specifications: 2 turns per inch, 1/2" outside diameter lead screw, 10 threads per inch and has 5 starts (making it 2 turns per inch). The lead screw is ACME precision (same thing as saying the threads are square, not shaped like a "V"). The maximum continuous length is 77".

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Previously answered questions:

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[1/2" Anti-Backlash Nut] What is the diameter of the mounting hole? I'm not sure which size bolt to use with it.

A #6 screw will fit snugly in the mounting hole provided in the 1/2" Antibacklash nut. However, I would recommend tapping the mounting hole for a #8 or a #10 so you can create a jam-nut configuration.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[365] What is the diameter of the mounting hole? I'm not sure which size bolt to use with it.
[1/2" Anti-Backlash Nut] Did you by leftover stock from dumpster cnc or are you manufacturing these now?

We are manufacturing these antibacklash nuts.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[365] Did you by leftover stock from dumpster cnc or are you manufacturing these now?
[1/2" Anti-Backlash Nut] I had ordered 3 and they appear to be left handed threads. I did not see a specification when ordering. Is this mentioned somewhere?

These antibacklash nuts are right-handed acme threads with 5 starts.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[365] I had ordered 3 and they appear to be left handed threads. I did not see a specification when ordering. Is this mentioned somewhere?
[1/2" Anti-Backlash Nut] Do you have any suggestions for alternatives for this anti backlash nut?

You can use a steel version of the nut, but that can seize or get stuck momentarily if you don't keep the lead screw oiled. The Delrin antibacklash nut is naturally lubricative and is a structural plastic developed by Dupont to replace steel mechanical and structural components.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[365] Do you have any suggestions for alternatives for this anti backlash nut?

Related Tutorials

Step 9: Z-Axis Lead Screw and X-Axis Aluminum Angles
This tutorial is dated, if you are considering a CNC for your personal use, we would highly recommend purchasing a kit that is very stable from our wide range of machines available. Instead of using allthread for the lead screw and a standard nut, consider using a 5 start lead screw and anti-backlash nut. It will keep you from pulling out your hair by running much smoother and faster. Lead screws... hmmm... ok, let's talk concepts. The lead screw is the main component for the transmission of power in a linear form. Yes, a little like the transmission in the car, but much simpler. The screw yields a ratio of force to the linear motion, but conversely affects the speed and resolution of linear motion. To explain in more simpler terms, take a regular screw, and a nut. Hold the nut in one hand but don't turn it. Hold the screw in the other hand and screw it in the nut. Your hand is applying a force to the screw in a circular motion, hence the motor turning the shaft, and if the screw is turning at a stationary point in space, it will pull the nut toward the hand turning the screw. If the turning motion of the screw is reversed, the nut is pushed away from the hand turning the screw.

Technique to Minimize Backlash by Gérard C.
Getting rid of backlash seems to be the biggest concern for the CNC hobbyist, especially when milling PCBs since copper traces for surface mount devices are used. Surface mount devices are very small electronic parts that contain leads that are extremely close together, or the leads are found on the bottom of the component and the part usually lays flat on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

Step 7: Z-Axis Transmission Nut
This tutorial is dated, if you are considering a CNC for your personal use, we would highly recommend purchasing a kit that is very stable from our wide range of machines available. Instead of using allthread for the lead screw and a standard nut, consider using a 5 start lead screw and anti-backlash nut. It will keep you from pulling out your hair by running much smoother and faster. We will install the method that provides transmission to the z-axis. The transmission consists of a lead screw and a nut. Very simply, the motor will turn the screw, and the nut is fastened to the z-axis assembly, moving the assembly as the motor spins. That is to say, when the motor turns clockwise, the nut will travel up, and if the motor turns counter-clockwise, the nut will travel down.