Today, electric actuators are easier than ever to specify and install. Value-add services from component suppliers as well as application-specific actuator product lines (especially for battery-powered designs in mobile equipment and consumer use) eliminate many integration tasks for OEMs and end users. These are trends supported in part by a movement Design World has tracked […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
New technologies and applications for linear motors: A Motion Trends report
Depending on the exact technology, typical linear motors can deliver unlimited strokes and (with feedback) accuracies to ±1 μm/100 mm. Speeds range from inches to 1,000s of inches per second. Semiconductor manufacture and assembly as well as machine-tool applications continue to account for the majority of linear-motor applications. However, increased focus on efficiency is spurring […]
LINAK US launches new video series on linear-actuator technology
Now in a new Anatomy of Actuation video series, LINAK engineers help design engineers understand the features and technologies available with its actuator solutions. Two linear-motion experts — Hunter Stephenson and Anthony Fossaluzza — discuss linear-motion feedback, the LINAK Integrated Controller platform, and the BusLink software in an easy-to-understand format. Engineers explain BusLink software This video explains […]
New linear rotary actuator features 35-mm stroke with 5-micron encoder
The LCR16 from SMAC Moving Coil Actuators provides precision Z-theta motion within one small actuator, which is suitable for pick, orient and place applications. A wide variety of LCR16 linear rotary actuators are available with either direct drive or gearbox equipped rotary units. The vacuum-built-in shaft through the rotary motor is available for some models […]
New piezo driver with 1,200 W of power for fast switching applications
PI (Physik Instrumente) has released the new model E-619, a high-power piezo amplifier designed to drive high-capacitance multilayer piezo actuators with rapid rise times or high frequencies. As a special form of electro-ceramics, piezo materials are the gold standard when it comes to speed, force, and precision in a small package. Providing sink/source currents up […]
Moving coil technology: Benefits today (and innovations on horizon)
Moving coils have been around for many years. Now though, market pressures are causing the technology to rapidly evolve and gain in use. This technology competes most directly against pneumatic drives and moving-magnet rotary motors. By Ed Neff • President | SMAC Moving Coil Actuators (MCA) Moving coil technology works in both rotary and linear […]
Moticont high-resolution electric cylinders include integrated encoder
SDLM-025-070-01-01 and SDLM-025-070-01-05 direct drive linear motors from Moticont, also known as electric cylinders, have built-in encoders, and feature high acceleration, high speed, high resolution, zero backlash, and zero cogging. These compact direct-drive linear motors with quiet linear plain bearings are just 1.00 in. (25.4 mm) in diameter and 2.75 in (69.9 mm) long. Protected […]
Parker Hannifin high-precision electromechanical solutions at Photonics West 2019
Parker’s Electromechanical and Drives Division will be exhibiting at SPIE Photonics West 2019 in San Francisco, February 5 to 7, 2019. Every year, more than 20,000 attendees come to the world’s largest photonics technologies event to learn about the latest research as well as find the latest devices and systems that use new technologies to […]
When did the most common linear-actuator options come about?
This is the first of several technical notes on the technology known as moving coil actuators. Here we provide a brief history of linear actuators used in automation — and hint at where moving coil actuators are suitable. By Ed Neff • President | SMAC Moving Coil Actuators (MCA) Hydraulic actuators came first. These devices […]
Enclosed PHD Plus Series ESU electric-belt-driven base slides
PHD Inc. now sells PHD Plus Series ESU electric-belt-driven base slides. The Series ESU Electric Belt-Driven Base Slides feature a robust, enclosed design with a high capacity rail bearing system delivering exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes, with travels lengths up to 5,500 mm and speeds to 5,000 mm/s, these electric base […]