1605 vs 1610 Ball Screw: 5 mm vs 10 mm Lead

Same diameter, different lead

1605 and 1610 normally share a 16 mm nominal diameter. The digits after the diameter are the lead: 5 mm per turn against 10 mm per turn. Comparing the two models is therefore comparing everything that follows from one number — travel per revolution.

Parameter	1605 (5 mm lead)	1610 (10 mm lead)
Travel per revolution	5 mm	10 mm
Linear speed at 1000 rpm	5 m/min	10 m/min
Thrust from 1 N·m of motor torque (efficiency 0.9)	About 1.1 kN	About 0.57 kN
Travel per pulse at 1600 pulses/rev	About 3.1μm	About 6.25μm
Typical bias	Thrust, low-speed smoothness, resolution	Speed, long travel, cycle time

The figures are an order-of-magnitude comparison; exact values depend on the motor, efficiency and duty cycle. The derivation is in how lead changes speed and thrust.

When to choose 1605

Choose 1605 when thrust, low-speed smoothness, positioning resolution or a conservative load matter more. Small CNC machines, router Z axes, fixture adjustment and general positioning often start with 1605. A small lead converts the same motor torque into more thrust, which favours vertical axes and anything that has to push.

When to choose 1610

Choose 1610 when higher linear speed, longer travel or a shorter cycle time matters more. With higher speed, confirm motor torque, support method, critical speed and end machining together: the same acceleration needs more motor torque on a 1610, and the usable rpm drops noticeably as the span grows.

For mixed-model machine cases such as woodworking routers, see choosing between 1605, 1610, 2005 and 2510.

Check critical speed first on long travel

With a large lead and a long unsupported span, the speed ceiling comes from the critical (whirling) speed and the DN value (nominal diameter × rpm). Critical speed is mainly set by the screw root diameter, the unsupported length, the end fixing and the material; it falls roughly with the square of the span, with different coefficients for fixed-fixed and fixed-supported ends, and the DN limit sits in the tens of thousands. Take all of these from the model data and the manufacturer's information, and do not use a fixed length as a universal dividing line.

So on a long span the question is how much rpm is still available, not whether to go to a smaller lead. Inside the same rpm ceiling a 1610 still travels farther per revolution, so its speed advantage does not disappear because of critical speed itself. What can limit a large lead first is thrust margin, drive torque, nut speed limit, vibration and machine stiffness. If those still have margin, the practical answers are a shorter span, a stiffer end fixing such as fixed-fixed instead of fixed-supported, or a larger screw diameter — not a smaller lead: a smaller lead does not raise the ceiling, and at a given linear speed rpm = speed ÷ lead, so halving the lead doubles the rpm demand and brings the limit closer.

Accuracy grade and lead are separate decisions

Both 1605 and 1610 can be supplied rolled in C7 or ground in C5: the lead sets speed and thrust, the grade sets positioning error, and neither replaces the other. For the grade choice see C5 vs C7; for the grade definitions see ball screw accuracy class C3, C5, C7.

RFQ checklist

Confirm whether the model is fixed as 1605 or 1610, or whether either is acceptable.
Describe the axis: X, Y, Z or adjustment axis, and horizontal or vertical mounting.
Provide travel, target speed, load, and the required acceleration or cycle time.
State motor torque, support model and support span.
Attach the support model or end drawing if end machining is required.

FAQ

How do I choose between 1605 and 1610? Start from speed and thrust, then check axis direction, load, motor, support units and end machining. Pick 1605 to push, 1610 to run fast, and calculate the rpm ceiling first on a long span.

Is a 1610 always faster than a 1605? On a short span, yes. On a long span, not necessarily: a 1610 reaches a given speed at lower rpm, but its usable rpm is also capped by critical speed and the DN value, so the check comes first.

Why does doubling the lead halve the thrust at the same torque? Because thrust = 2π × efficiency × torque ÷ lead. Double the lead and the same torque buys half the thrust, while travel per revolution — and therefore speed — doubles.

Next step

Turn this guide into an RFQ

When the specification direction is clear, send the details below together with quantity, lead time, and packing requirements.

Include these details

Model, diameter, lead, accuracy grade, or target application.
Load, speed, travel, mounting method, and matching rail or support-unit needs.
Quantity, lead time, packing, and whether inspection records or shipment photos are needed.

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