Linear Actuators Features Styles And Applications
The operation of linear actuators is defined as the conversion of rotary motion into linear motion. And the conversion is made with the help of certain types of mechanisms like screw, cam, wheel and axle. Some devices are specifically designed to push and others to pull.
Hydraulic, piezoelectric, pneumatic and electro-mechanical are major kinds of actuators available in the market. In this article, we'll throw light on features, styles and applications of these devices.
Features
Devices come with a compact size with motor, mechanicals and electronics to reduce the space requirements. If we talk about versatility, they are designed to support a wide range of linear motion applications, coming with different frame sizes and control options.
For easy installation and support, manufacturers try to come with actuators with minimized wiring, production time and user-friendly software to the easy integration of products. Other quality features include compact motor, integrated driver, fully programmable controller, stainless steel screw and internal encoder optional.
Styles
You can check the availability of modern actuators in different shaft styles. In non-captive shaft, a threaded shaft is there that extends through the product and moves axially with the rotation of motor. I external shaft style, one will find a rotating screw that moves the nut axially along the threaded shift. Nut styles are selected as per the general purpose for higher load limit and anti-backlash for higher precision.
Now about operating versions, two control options are available. First control style offers support for motor, mechanical and electronics to support a range of linear motion applications.
For more demanding applications, operating versions come to prevent loss of synchronization, offer torque mode and to save energy. The control options are also available to reduce heat through variable current control and allows for a motor's maximum torque.
Applications
Modern actuation systems have been offering clear advantages in less cost-effective package for various kinds of motion control applications like for printing, paper, packaging, handling, labeling, electronics manufacturing, etc. Along with these, such systems have been proving boon in manufacturing laboratory equipment and medical technology.
And it actually depends on the requirements of applications and the loads for which the systems are designed to move. Like, ball screw actuators are used are used in high speed based applications. It can be said that devices are needed to get purchased after considering the requirements and needs of lifting loads in specific industry.
Thus, the above discussions clearly describe different aspects of linear actuators including features, styles and applications.