Is the ZA-I self-locking and when is a motor brake required?

Is the ZA-I self-locking? When a motor brake is required

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Author:

Jonathan Mildner | Head of Sales Technology

Last modified:

14.10.2026

The ZIMM ZA-I is available with a trapezoidal screw or ball screw drive. Whether a load can be held without motor torque depends on the specific screw version and the selected holding concept.

What applies to ball screw drives?

A ball screw drive operates with rolling friction and is not self-locking. A motor brake is therefore required for a ZA-I with KGT. This applies to the DA, P1 and P2 drive variants.

What applies to trapezoidal screws?

Trapezoidal screws operate with sliding friction. Self-locking can occur at small lead angles. The specific screw version must be considered for this. A motor brake is required for two-start screws.

What additional function does a motor brake perform?

A motor brake is also recommended to reduce overrun. The required braking torque depends on the load case and the drive. Particularly with a vertical installation position, the load, movement sequence and braking concept must be coordinated. The load-holding behaviour must therefore be assessed on the basis of the selected screw version and the requirements for load support.

Jonathan Mildner | Head of Sales Technology

Jonathan Mildner heads the Sales Technology department at ZIMM. He is responsible for the design and safe integration of screw jacks, electromechanical actuators, and drive technology – including accessories from the ZIMM modular system, clearly defined interfaces, the safety concept, and complete documentation; he provides technical support for manufacturing to drawing (special parts/adaptations).

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ZIMM develops and manufactures industrial gearboxes and drive technology for precise linear motion and torque transmission in industrial environments. The portfolio includes screw jacks in 14 sizes with lifting capacities from 2.5 to 1,000 kN, electromechanical actuators from 25 to 200 kN as well as ZK bevel gearboxes in 4 sizes with ratios from 1:1 to 3:1. It is complemented by bevel gearboxes of the KSZ-H, KSZ-2 and KST series, connection technology, motor technology and accessories from the ZIMM modular system, which allows gearboxes, spindles, motors and attachments to be combined into complete lifting systems.

In production according to drawings, ZIMM manufactures drive elements from module 0.3 to 12 and up to Ø 1,500 mm, including spur and bevel gears, worms, as well as ball and trapezoidal screws. Casting, series production and mechanical machining cover turned, milled and cast parts up to a unit weight of 500 kg. Gearbox manufacturing and production according to drawings take place at the headquarters in Lustenau in accordance with ISO 9001:2015; CNC machining at the Sincan/Ankara site is certified according to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.