Gents,

is there a calculation which allows one to choose the minimum lead screw diameter based on the maximum load applied? I've got a 6kg z-axis 'gantry' which will be affected by upward forces up to the maximum of 100N. Currently I'm planning to use an M12 lead screw, but due to various reasons (mostly trying to use low profile miniature linear rails and carriages) I was thinking of dropping this to M10 or M8.

Second question which someone might know an answer to is, what's normally used for miniature lead screw support? Looking at big bearing manufacturers like SKF or Timken, the smallest ID available is 10mm.

Any help is massively appreciated.

Regards,
dsc.