Non-Captive Motorized Lead Screw

Lead Screw Linear Actuators - LSR Series - Non-Captive and External-Nut Assemblies with Anti-Backlash Nuts and NEMA motors

Non-captive and external-nut lead screw actuators in the anti-backlash LSR Series use programmable stepper motors, precision lead screws, and Constant Force Technology™ anti-backlash nuts to move and accurately position loads.

In the non-captive configuration the lead screw passes completely through the motor and the nut is integrated into the motor rotor. The screw is typically fixed at both ends and rotates so the motor and its attached load travel along the screw; alternatively the motor can remain stationary while the screw translates through it and moves a load attached to the end of the screw.

In the external-nut configuration the motor stays fixed, the screw extends from one side of the motor only (it does not pass through), and a separate external Constant Force anti-backlash nut is restrained from rotating so it travels along the rotating screw and moves the attached load.

An anti-backlash lead screw nut minimizes clearance between the nut and screw threads, reducing lost motion when travel reverses. The LSR Series uses PBC Linear’s Constant Force Technology™ nut, which maintains consistent thread engagement for better positioning accuracy and repeatability and provides more than twice the backlash compensation of conventional designs. Available in NEMA 11, 14, 17, and 23 frame sizes, these actuators support lead screw diameters of 3/16 in, 1/4 in, 6 mm, 3/8 in, and 10 mm.

Optional PTFE-coated or uncoated screws suit different friction, wear, and environmental needs. The self-lubricating polymer nut reduces maintenance, and lead accuracy up to three times better than standard supports repeatable positioning in automation, robotics, packaging, and other linear motion applications.

More About Lead Screw Linear Actuators - LSR Series - Non-Captive and External-Nut Assemblies with Anti-Backlash Nuts and NEMA motors

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26 products
Miniature non-captive lead screw linear actuator with a 6mm screw diameter, 2mm lead, and 250mm length, featuring a non-rotating lead screw that passes completely through the motor assembly to move and accurately position loads. The programmable NEMA 17 single-stack stepper motor (42mm frame size, 39.8mm motor length) incorporates a rotating..
$179.53
Miniature non-captive lead screw actuator with a 6mm screw diameter, 1mm lead, and 250mm length, featuring a non-rotating lead screw that passes completely through the motor assembly to move and accurately position loads. The programmable NEMA 17 single-stack stepper motor (42mm frame size, 39.8mm motor length) incorporates a rotating internal..
$179.53
Miniature non-captive lead screw linear actuator with a 6mm screw diameter, 5mm lead, and 200mm length, featuring a non-rotating lead screw that passes completely through the motor assembly to move and accurately position loads. The programmable NEMA 14 single-stack stepper motor (35mm frame size, 36mm motor length) incorporates a rotating..
$191.99
Miniature non-captive lead screw linear actuator with a 6mm screw diameter, 2mm lead, and 200mm length, featuring a non-rotating lead screw that passes completely through the motor assembly to move and accurately position loads. The programmable NEMA 14 single-stack stepper motor (35mm frame size, 36mm motor length) incorporates a rotating..
$191.99
Miniature non-captive lead screw linear actuator with a 3/16in screw diameter, 0.5in lead, and 8in length, featuring a non-rotating lead screw that passes completely through the motor assembly to move and accurately position loads. The programmable NEMA 11 stepper motor (28mm frame size, 41mm motor length) incorporates a rotating internal..
$208.69
Miniature non-captive lead screw linear actuator with a 3/16in screw diameter, 0.05in lead, and 8in length, featuring a non-rotating lead screw that passes completely through the motor assembly to move and accurately position loads. The programmable NEMA 11 stepper motor incorporates a rotating internal round anti-backlash nut that converts motor..
$208.69
26 products

Lead Screw Linear Actuators - LSR Series - Non-Captive and External-Nut Assemblies with Anti-Backlash Nuts and NEMA motors

26 products

Non-captive and external-nut lead screw actuators in the anti-backlash LSR Series use programmable stepper motors, precision lead screws, and Constant Force Technology™ anti-backlash nuts to move and accurately position loads.

In the non-captive configuration the lead screw passes completely through the motor and the nut is integrated into the motor rotor. The screw is typically fixed at both ends and rotates so the motor and its attached load travel along the screw; alternatively the motor can remain stationary while the screw translates through it and moves a load attached to the end of the screw.

In the external-nut configuration the motor stays fixed, the screw extends from one side of the motor only (it does not pass through), and a separate external Constant Force anti-backlash nut is restrained from rotating so it travels along the rotating screw and moves the attached load.

An anti-backlash lead screw nut minimizes clearance between the nut and screw threads, reducing lost motion when travel reverses. The LSR Series uses PBC Linear’s Constant Force Technology™ nut, which maintains consistent thread engagement for better positioning accuracy and repeatability and provides more than twice the backlash compensation of conventional designs. Available in NEMA 11, 14, 17, and 23 frame sizes, these actuators support lead screw diameters of 3/16 in, 1/4 in, 6 mm, 3/8 in, and 10 mm.

Optional PTFE-coated or uncoated screws suit different friction, wear, and environmental needs. The self-lubricating polymer nut reduces maintenance, and lead accuracy up to three times better than standard supports repeatable positioning in automation, robotics, packaging, and other linear motion applications.


  • Integrated lead screw and programmable stepper motor assemblies for controlled linear movement and accurate load positioning.
  • Non-captive configurations allow the lead screw to pass completely through the motor assembly.
  • External-nut configurations use a rotating lead screw and a separate, non-rotating, load-carrying nut that travels along the screw.
  • Non-captive configurations support traveling-motor or traveling-screw arrangements.
  • Constant Force Technology™ anti-backlash nuts provide more than twice the backlash compensation of conventional designs.
  • Anti-backlash nut technology maintains thread preload and compensates for wear to improve positioning repeatability.
  • Available in NEMA 11, 14, 17, and 23 stepper motor frame sizes for non-captive configurations.
  • Lead screw diameters include 3/16in, 1/4in, 6mm, 3/8in, and 10mm.
  • PTFE-coated and uncoated lead screw options available.
  • Self-lubricating polymer nuts reduce maintenance requirements.
  • Lead accuracy up to three times better than typical lead screws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an anti-backlash lead screw nut?
An anti-backlash lead screw nut is a threaded component designed to minimize clearance between the nut and screw threads, reducing lost motion when travel direction reverses. This improves positioning accuracy and repeatability.
How does an anti-backlash lead screw actuator work?
An anti-backlash lead screw actuator converts motor rotation into linear motion while using a preloaded nut to minimize thread clearance and lost motion during direction changes. This improves load positioning and repeatability.
How does Constant Force Technology reduce backlash in lead screw actuators?
Constant Force Technology maintains preload between the lead screw and nut threads to compensate for clearance and wear. PBC Linear's LS Series provides more than twice the backlash compensation of conventional anti-backlash nut designs.
What is the difference between LN and LS Series lead screw actuators?
The LN Series of lead screw linear actuators uses a standard drive nut integrated into the motor rotor, while the LS Series incorporates Constant Force Technology™ anti-backlash nuts to reduce clearance between the screw and nut threads, minimize lost motion, and improve positioning repeatability. Both series offer non-captive lead screw actuators, while the LS Series also includes external-nut configurations.
Does an anti-backlash lead screw nut improve positioning accuracy?
An anti-backlash lead screw nut reduces lost motion when movement reverses direction, improving positioning repeatability. Lead accuracy is a separate specification that measures how closely actual linear travel matches the intended distance.
How does an anti-backlash lead screw nut compensate for wear?
An anti-backlash lead screw nut maintains contact between opposing thread surfaces as wear develops, compensating for increasing thread clearance and helping preserve positioning repeatability.
What lead screw diameters are available for LS Series actuators?
LS Series anti-backlash lead screw actuators support diameters of 3/16in, 1/4in, 6mm, 3/8in, and 10mm.
What is the difference between PTFE-coated and uncoated lead screws?
PTFE-coated lead screws provide a low-friction surface that can reduce wear between the screw and nut threads. Uncoated lead screws are available for applications with different friction, material, or environmental requirements.
Do anti-backlash lead screw actuators require lubrication?
LS Series lead screw actuators use self-lubricating polymer nuts designed to reduce friction and maintenance requirements. Lubrication recommendations depend on the selected lead screw and operating conditions.
What NEMA stepper motor sizes are available for LS Series lead screw actuators?
LS Series anti-backlash lead screw actuators are available in NEMA 11, 14, 17, and 23 stepper motor frame sizes.