---
title: "How does spindle force differ between trapezoidal and ball screw drives?"
url: "https://zimm.com/wiki/how-does-spindle-force-differ-between-trapezoidal-and-ball-screw-drives/"
datePublished: "2025-08-22T06:30:04+00:00"
dateModified: "2025-11-17T13:39:01+00:00"
author: "jonathan-mildner"
lang: en
canonical: "https://zimm.com/wiki/how-does-spindle-force-differ-between-trapezoidal-and-ball-screw-drives/"
markdown: "https://zimm.com/ai/wiki/how-does-spindle-force-differ-between-trapezoidal-and-ball-screw-drives.md"
categories: "Questions and answers about our products, Screw jacks, Electromechanical actuators"
---

ZIMM explains that trapezoidal screws generate more friction, which requires more force but are self-locking. Ball screw drives are more efficient and require less driving force but need additional brakes to secure the system.