Lead screws supplied in both a right handed and left handed thread format can readily be supplied by Abssac limited. A redesigned food packaging machine was originally using the opposing screws to operate a high speed gripper. Since the machine operated within a food grade environment, there could be no lubrication with the system, which contributed to the premature failure of the nuts after only 50,000 cycles. It was also a concern that the existing lead accuracy matching between leadscrews could also be a factor in the excessive wear of the nuts.
By utilising a PTFE impregnated plastic as the antibacklash nut base material and ensuring matched pitch accuracy of the screws in both the right handed and the left handed screws, initial tests cycles of up to 56,000 cycles were completed without any sign of wear to the nuts.