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 […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
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 […]
Dunkermotoren launches compact linear motor with double peak force
With the SA/SC 38 series, Dunkermotoren presents a new modular concept for tubular linear direct drives. The highly dynamic three-phase linear motors deliver up to 3,690 N and accelerate at over 200 m/sec2. The modular design is currently available as actuator version SA (with maintenance-free plain bearing system) and component version SC (for modules). If […]
How to size a rack and pinion drive
In linear motion applications, ball screws are widely recognized for their ability to provide high thrust forces, while linear motors are gaining market share in high-speed applications, and belt drives continue to maintain their reputation as the best solution for long travel lengths. But rack and pinion drives are the often-overlooked workhorses behind gantry and […]
What are walking piezo motors?
Piezo motors that produce linear motion include linear ultrasonic piezo motors, linear stepper piezo motors, and piezo inertia motors. Although their construction and principles of operation are different, all three designs harness the inverse piezoelectric effect — in which a piezo material expands or contracts when electrical energy is applied — to produce linear movement in a […]
Under development: Linear stroke-extending technology from Ascending Power
In a recent email exchange with London-based John Hammerbeck of Ascending Power, we learned more about a novel new linear-motion extension technology from the company. The actuator steps up a short input stroke to a long output stroke using either kinematic linkages or permanent magnets. Below is a SolidWorks animation of the linkage variation; depending […]
Thomson online product sizing and selection tool for linear-motion systems
Thomson Industries has enhanced its Linear MOTIONEERING product -sizing and selection tool for linear motion systems. The tool reduces time for component selection from hours to less than 15 minutes. The upgraded resource also incorporates the RediMount motor mounting adapter kit — the default standard for Thomson linear motion systems and precision linear actuators. The […]
Compact voice-coil motors from Moticont with 1.0-in. diameters for myriad stroke requirements
Moticont now sells linear voice coil motors (LVCMs) in two 1-in. (25.4-mm) diameter motors. • The LVCM-025-022-01 has a stroke length of 0.375 in. (9.5 mm) a mid-stroke length of 1.30 in. (33 mm) and a high-force-to-size ratio of 16.9 oz (4.7 N) and a peak force of 53.5 oz. (14.9 N) at 10% duty […]
New SMAC LBL25 linear actuators — fast, cost-competitive, and stackable
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators now sells LBL series linear actuators — price competitive with ball screw and high-cycle-rate air cylinders thanks to a simple no-milling plate design. The LBL design features flat printed coil and single-piece, screw down magnets. It’s equipped with SMAC proprietary encoder and gives more than 100 million cycle expected life. Starting […]
ANCA Motion expands high-performance tubular linear motor line
The LinX M-series linear motor features an integrated position sensor with 10 um of resolution, eliminating the need for an external encoder, simplifying system design and reducing overall cost. Modular design of the heatsink and end-caps enables flexibility in system integration. The motor produces a continuous force range of 90 to 160 N and a […]