1. What is Screw Pitch?

Screw pitch is the distance between screw threads and is typically measured in millimeters. It represents the axial movement of the screw per complete revolution and is a fundamental parameter in mechanical engineering and manufacturing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the screw pitch formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Screw pitch (mm)
• \( L \) — Lead (mm) - axial movement per revolution
• \( N \) — Number of starts - number of independent threads

Explanation: The formula calculates the distance between adjacent threads by dividing the total lead by the number of thread starts.

3. Importance of Screw Pitch Calculation

Details: Accurate screw pitch calculation is essential for proper thread engagement, mechanical advantage determination, and ensuring compatibility between mating threaded components in various mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter lead in millimeters and number of starts. Both values must be positive numbers (lead > 0, starts ≥ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between pitch and lead?
A: Pitch is the distance between threads, while lead is the axial movement per revolution. For single-start screws, pitch equals lead.

Q2: How do I measure screw pitch?
A: Use a pitch gauge or measure the distance between adjacent thread crests. For multiple-start screws, divide lead by number of starts.

Q3: Why are multiple-start screws used?
A: Multiple-start screws provide faster linear motion per revolution while maintaining finer thread engagement and strength.

Q4: What are common pitch standards?
A: Common standards include metric (mm pitch), UNC/UNF (threads per inch), and various specialized thread forms with specific pitch requirements.

Q5: How does pitch affect mechanical advantage?
A: Finer pitches (smaller distance between threads) provide greater mechanical advantage but require more rotations for the same linear travel.