When it comes to electromechanical linear actuators, integrated designs offer space savings, reduced complexity, and lower total cost of ownership with fewer parts required for repair or replacement. One such design that’s found multiple uses in medical, 3D printing, and assembly applications is the hybrid stepper motor linear actuator, which combines a ball or lead […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
How axial and radial loads affect linear motion systems
In any motion system, understanding the type and direction of applied and resultant loads is important for determining bearing life and analyzing deflection. In linear motion systems, we typically use Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, and Z) to define the placement and direction of loads. But for rotating components such as screws, rack and pinion drives, […]
Piezo motors vs. voice coil actuators for micron and sub-micron positioning
Applications that require micron or sub-micron level positioning with extremely smooth motion and control often call for a direct drive system — linear motor, piezo motor, or voice coil actuator. Linear motor stages are typically used when high forces are needed over stroke lengths greater than a few hundred millimeters. But for high-precision applications with […]
New motor/actuator with integral controls from Curtiss-Wright
The newest motor/actuators with integral controls from Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division, the Exlar SA-R080 rotary and SA-L080 linear actuator, are the first 80-mm frame size in the harsh environment control and sense family of industrial electromechanical actuators from Curtiss-Wright. The SA series actuators offer force, precision, energy efficiency, and control while minimizing the additional cabling, external […]
Actuator delivers high-performance linear positioning at an affordable price
SCHNEEBERGER Inc.’s new SLA Actuator delivers high-performance linear positioning at an economical price. SLA Actuators use recirculating ball linear guides that ensure smooth motion and high load capacity. They feature a lightweight precision aluminum base, offer easy assembly, and are stackable without additional brackets. The actuators are highly customizable to meet the demands of virtually any precision linear […]
NEMA 23 frame size added to ElectroCraft stepper linear actuator line
ElectroCraft, Inc. has added a new NEMA 23 frame size to its AxialPower Enhanced Series Stepper Linear Actuator product line. ElectroCraft enhanced series linear actuators have been available in a NEMA11 frame size for several years but are now being offered in both NEMA17 and NEMA23 frames for greatly enhanced performance capabilities. In addition to […]
How to account for rack and pinion inertia during system design
Rack and pinion drives are often used in applications that require stroke lengths beyond the practical limits of ball screws and thrust forces that exceed the capabilities of belt drives. And in some applications, rack and pinion systems can also provide lower total inertia than a suitable ball screw or belt drive alternative, which can […]
Low-cost linear actuators feature zero cogging, high throughput
Moticont has added their highest force linear actuator to their DDLM Linear Actuator Series. The DDLM-038-051-01 Linear Actuator is a low-cost, non-commutated linear actuator that easily integrates into new and existing applications, and is the ideal choice when upgrading from a pneumatic system. Compact, clean, and quiet, this fully enclosed linear actuator, also referred to […]
What factors contribute to friction in linear motion systems?
Designers and engineers typically try to avoid or mitigate friction in linear motion systems. Although friction isn’t always bad — in some applications, it can provide a damping effect and help improve servo tuning — when it comes to linear motion systems, it increases the amount of force required to move a load, creates heat, […]
New sense-and-control actuator model added to Curtiss-Wright Smart Actuator series
Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division announced the release of its newest motor/actuators with integral controls, the Exlar SA-R080 rotary and SA-L080 linear actuator. The SA-080 is the first frame size (80 mm) in the harsh environment control and sense family of industrial electromechanical actuators from Curtiss-Wright. The SA series actuators offer force, precision, energy efficiency, and control […]