Lead screws and nuts are mechanical components used to convert rotational motion into linear motion. A lead screw resembles a threaded rod with a helical groove, while the nut is a component that engages with the threads of the lead screw.

A lead screw is a type of mechanical linear actuator that transforms rotational motion into linear movement. It operates through the sliding interaction between the screw shaft and the nut threads, without the use of ball bearings. This direct contact between the screw shaft and nut results in greater friction and higher energy losses.