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Linear Actuators

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About Linear Actuators

Electric linear actuators provide linear motion via a motor-driven ball screw, lead screw, or acme screw assembly. The load is attached to the end of the screw and is unsupported. Acme screws are lead screws with matching threads on both the screw and nut. Ball screws are lead screw and ball nut combinations that enable the balls in the nut to circulate when the actuator is in motion. Electric linear actuators with belt drives, geared drives, and direct drives are also available. Belt drives connect the motor to the actuator with a belt. Geared drives connect the motor to the actuator with a set of gears. With direct drives, the motor is connected directly to the electric linear actuator. In terms of performance, important specifications include stroke, rated force or load, system backlash, and rated speed. Stroke is the maximum distance that the shaft travels from a fully extended position to a fully retracted position. Backlash is the position error due to directional change. The maximum rated speed is typically a low or no load amount. 

Electric linear actuators vary in terms of motor type, power, and features. DC brush motors feature built-in commutation so that as the motor rotates, mechanical brushes automatically actuate coils on the rotor. By contrast, brushless DC motors use an external power drive that allows commutation of the coils on the stator. DC servomotors have an output shaft that is positioned when a coded signal is sent to the motor. Electric linear actuators also use a variety of AC motors. Common types include single, multiphase, universal, induction, gear, and synchronous motors. AC servomotors are permanent magnet synchronous motors that have low torque-to-inertia ratios for high acceleration ratings. AC stepper motors use a magnetic field to move a rotor in small angular steps or fractions of steps. Motor voltage and continuous power are important performance specifications for both AC and DC motors. Motor features include motor encoder feedback, linear position feedback, position switches, and integral brakes.  

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Products & Services Related to Linear Actuators

Air Cylinders
Air cylinders are pneumatic linear actuators that are driven by a pressure differential in the cylinder's chambers. They may be single-acting (with a spring return) or double-acting.
Hydraulic Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders are actuation devices that utilize pressurized hydraulic fluid to produce linear motion and force.
Linear Thrusters
Linear thrusters use double-acting pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrohydraulic cylinders mated to plates and shafts to provide cyclical linear motion. They are used in conveying, positioning and inspection systems.
Rodless Cylinders
Rodless cylinders are linear devices that use pressurized fluid to move a load within many power transfer operations.

Other Topics You Might Be Interested In

  • Linear actuators get a servo look
    New actuators borrow ideas from linear motors to provide controlled displacement on a budget. Vice President Copley Controls Corp. Canton, Mass. Historically, industry has depended on ball screws,...
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  • Back Driving Forces on Linear Actuators
    Back driving force refers to the force value, that when applied to the leadscrew on a linear actuator that is not energized will result in linear travel of the leadscrew. Several factors are...
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  • Hybrid Linear Actuators: Technical Overview
    Converting the rotary motion of a stepping motor into linear motion can be accomplished by several mechanical means, including rack and pinion, belts and pulleys and other mechanical linkages. All of...
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Engineering Web: Linear Actuators

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Part Numbers for Linear Actuators

Part # Distributor Manufacturer Product Category Description
1DAV6 Grainger Industrial Supply DUFF-NORTON Electro Mechanical Actuators Linear Actuator,115VAC,450 Lb Load
1DAV8 Grainger Industrial Supply DUFF-NORTON Electro Mechanical Actuators Linear Actuator,115VAC,450 Lb Load
1DAW3 Grainger Industrial Supply DUFF-NORTON Electro Mechanical Actuators Linear Actuator,115VAC,675 Lb Load
5ZC34 Grainger Industrial Supply DUFF-NORTON Electro Mechanical Actuators Actuator,Linear
1XFX8 Grainger Industrial Supply DAYTON ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO. Electro Mechanical Actuators Linear Actuator,115VAC,1000 Lb Load

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