Screw Jacks: The all-rounders in linear drive technology
Screw Jacks are simpler and more cost-effective drive solutions compared to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They allow a defined load to be moved to an exact position with a specified speed. In a Screw Jack, rotational motion is converted into axial lifting motion.
Important to know: All Screw Jacks can be cost-effectively integrated into a lifting system using connecting shafts and bevel gears.
In this article, you'll learn:
- How Screw Jacks are used to transport a load linearly from point A to point B.
- Why our Screw Jacks are repeatedly used in aerospace applications.
- What loads our Screw Jacks can handle.
With ton-heavy aircraft, every gram counts
In aircraft construction, lightweight design has been a trend for decades, as every gram of weight leads to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, many parts of the structure and wings are made from carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP). Their strength lies in their enormous stability and durability while being lightweight. For the latest aircraft models, such as the Dreamliner and the A350, CFRP content is at 50 percent or more. The aircraft wings are produced on large forming systems.
Hot Drape Former
Challenging task elegantly solved - with a Screw Jack
When AIC Group received an order to manufacture a large forming system for a major Russian aerospace company, they turned to our representative Drive Lines in the UK for advice on the optimal drive system.
The two companies had previously collaborated on similar projects and therefore have substantial expertise in this laminating technology. Forming systems are popular in the aerospace industry because they're used to produce strong yet lightweight parts for aircraft. In this case, the system will be used to manufacture wing spars.
Since its founding in 1990, AIC has been a leading company in this field. It has integrated many advanced features into its systems, including zoned heating beds, precise bed positioning, tool preheating, sophisticated vacuum control, and double membrane technology.
Drive Lines, established five years before AIC, is one of the leading providers of mechanical power transmission components and systems in the UK. Due to its extensive experience, it brings significant expertise to each new project.
The described system is relatively large at 11 x 2 meters and, like every AIC machine, is a custom design. It can precisely form laminates with a thickness of over 20 mm.
Essentially, it consists of a vacuum bed containing the forming tool. Above it is a "Hot Box" that heats the tool. There's also a lamp bank that heats the composite materials so they conform to the tool. The "Hot Box" and lamp bank are mounted on a lifting frame, which can be raised by a drive mechanism specified by Drive Lines to allow clear access to the vacuum bed.
A massive load of over 20 tons needs to be moved - using a Screw Jack
The lamp bank weighs 12 tons, and the "Hot Box" is only slightly lighter at 8.5 tons. Thus, a total weight of around 20 tons needs to be lifted by 1250mm. This must be done in just 75 seconds, equating to a speed of more than 1 meter per minute.
Matt Jones, who worked on the project for Drive Lines, says: "The load was both large and heavy, and we had to ensure that it was always lifted straight up, as any misalignment could potentially cause significant structural damage to the former."
In collaboration with the AIC design team, it was decided to use a single central motor that drives four Screw Jacks via a bevel gear reduction gearbox. To ensure absolutely even lifting, Matt had to specify drive shafts that exhibit no unpredictable play but transfer the exact same torque over the exact same distance.
Cubic Screw Jack MJ4
The proven MJ series Screw Jacks
The selected GROB MJ4 Screw Jacks were supplied by Drive Lines. Each of the 4 Screw Jacks is equipped with a custom safety nut and a pivot adapter specifically developed for this drive. The gearbox chosen was a PowerGear precision bevel gear unit from Drive Lines, connected to the lifts via high-speed elastomer joint shafts from R+W.
The GROB MJ4 Screw Jacks are available from Drive Lines in a variety of designs, sizes, and options to suit the specific application. They're typically used to move a load linearly between positions and can be used vertically or horizontally. The maximum stroke force is up to 500kN, and stroke lengths are available up to 4 meters as standard, but can be extended upon request.
Jamie Hardiment, Head of Business Development at AIC, says: "Such forming systems (known as 'Hot Drape Formers' or HDF in English) are indispensable in the aerospace industry. With our continuous research and development, our forming systems elevate carbon forming to a new level, enabling our customers to produce wings and other composite parts for aerospace more efficiently."
Which spindle is typically installed in our Screw Drive?
Basically, two variants are available:
- With Trapezoidal screw
- With Ball Screw (ball screw drive)
What's the difference between these two variants?
The Trapezoidal Screw is robust, cost-effective, and the right choice for most adjustment tasks. Proper lubrication is important because the spindle and nut are subject to friction.
The Ball Screw is used when the task requires higher positioning and repeatability accuracy. The ball recirculation principle of the screw nut allows for higher duty cycles, more frequent operation, and faster speeds because the efficiency is higher compared to the Trapezoidal Screw. For the customer, this means lower energy consumption and less heat generation.
Excerpt of the Screw Jack in our CAD Configurator
How do designers benefit from working with us?
Designers are usually under time pressure. Deadlines are tight, and much happens under significant time constraints. For designers, it's a huge advantage to quickly and easily access CAD data. This allows them to start designing without delay and saves up to 30% of their time because they can begin immediately. By the way, you can find CAD data for all our products in various formats here.
Another example of the applications of our products in the aerospace industry can be found here.
Additional use cases for Screw Jacks
Where else are Screw Jacks used as actuators?
- For adjusting theater stages and other platforms
- For adjusting parabolic antennas
- For adjusting steel formwork for concrete beams
- In scissor lift tables