Gewindegang

Gewindegang is a term used in mechanical engineering to describe the axial distance a mating part travels along a threaded shaft in one complete revolution. In common practice it is known as the lead of a screw thread. The Gewindegang determines how far a nut or carriage will advance when driven by a threaded spindle and is especially important in applications involving linear motion and lead screws.

Definition and relations: For single‑start threads, the Gewindegang equals the thread pitch—the distance between adjacent thread ridges. For multi‑start threads, the Gewindegang equals pitch multiplied by the number of starts. In formulas: lead = pitch × starts. In metric threads pitch is given in millimeters; in imperial threads lead can be derived from threads per inch (lead = 1/TPI for single‑start, or lead = starts/TPI for multi‑start).

Measurement and standards: The Gewindegang is specified in engineering drawings and standards and can be determined or checked with thread gauges (Gewindelehre) and micrometers. Accurate knowledge of the Gewindegang is important for calculating backlash, efficiency, and the motion of the driven nut or nut carrier in machines such as lathes, milling machines, and other linear actuators.

Applications and implications: Lead screws and threaded actuators rely on a known Gewindegang to achieve desired travel per rotation. Variations in lead affect performance, including speed, precision, and load capacity. While modern systems often use ball screws for smoother motion, conventional screw threads with a defined Gewindegang remain common in many manual and lower‑cost applications.

See also: Gewinde, Gewindesteigung, Gewindelehre, lead and thread specifications in ISO/DIN and UNC/UNF standards.