A screw joint is a one- degree-of-freedom

kinematic pair In classical mechanics, a kinematic pair is a connection between two physical objects that imposes constraints on their relative movement (kinematics). German engineer Franz Reuleaux introduced the kinematic pair as a new approach to the stud ...

used in mechanisms. Screw joints provide single-axis translation by utilizing the threads of a

lead screw A leadscrew (or lead screw), also known as a power screw or translation screw,Bhandari, p. 202. is a screw (simple machine), screw used as a linkage (mechanical), linkage in a machine, to translate rotation, turning motion into linear motion. ...

to provide such translation. This type of joint is used primarily on most types of

linear actuator A linear actuator is an actuator that creates linear motion (i.e., in a straight line), in contrast to the circular motion of a conventional electric motor. Linear actuators are used in machine tools and industrial machinery, in computer perip ...

s and certain types of cartesian robots. A screw joint is sometimes considered as a separate type but it is actually a variation of

bolted joint A bolted joint is one of the most common elements in construction and machine design. It consists of a male threaded fastener (e. g., a Bolt (fastener), bolt) that captures and joins other parts, secured with a matching female screw thread. Ther ...

. The difference is that a screw is used rather than a Bolt (fastener), bolt, thus requiring an internal thread in one of the jointed parts. This can save space, however, continuous reuse of the thread would probably damage the coils, making the whole part unsuitable.

References

Kinematics Rigid bodies {{classicalmechanics-stub

See also

References