Linear actuators are typically characterized by their drive mechanism – belt drive, ball or lead screw drive, pneumatic drive, etc. But it’s not unusual for rod style electric actuators to be classified by the input voltage – commonly 12 or 24 volts – of their integrated motors. These actuators provide thrust force, much like a […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
What are can stack linear actuators?
Can stack linear actuators are based on can stack stepper motors, which are a form of permanent magnet steppers that consist of two stators (and therefore two coils) stacked on top of each other. The poles of each stator are “claw tooth” design and are offset from each other by one-half of the pole pitch. […]
Cyber dynamic linear actuators with integrated ball screw from WITTENSTEIN
Ideal for packaging, food & beverage, medical and semiconductor applications, the latest addition to the cyber® dynamic line from WITTENSTEIN cyber motor offers maintenance-free precision positioning in compact space. As part of its cyber dynamic line product series, WITTENSTEIN cyber motor has launched a new series of linear actuators designed with an integrated ball screw […]
When are voice coil actuators the best linear motion option?
Voice coil actuators are most commonly used for micro- or nano-positioning applications, with strokes from 10 nm up to 100 mm. In addition to very precise positioning capabilities, voice coil actuators provide extremely smooth movement. They’re often paired with air bearings, crossed-roller guides, or linear shafts and round bearings to provide assemblies that are backlash-free. […]
What does RMS stand for, and how does it apply to linear systems?
Let’s answer the first question: What does RMS stand for? RMS, or root mean square, is a statistical term that is used for determining the mean (or average) of a set of values. It’s especially useful when the values vary as a function of time. The technical definition of root mean square is the square […]
Linear actuator designs for vertical lifts: How to size a jack?
Linear actuator designs for vertical lifts often take the form of worm screw jacks. There are several criteria by which a worm screw jack can be sized properly — six primary factors, to be exact. First is the basic tonnage rating of the jack. This is simply the overall capacity that a jack can handle […]
On location: Parker Hannifin manufacturing and design services — future of integration
Recently I made a day trip from Cleveland to the Pittsburgh area for a facilities tour with a leading motion-component supplier. The Parker Hannifin Electromechanical and Drives Division offers engineering expertise as part of their industry support — and designs and produces motion-control systems to meet myriad application requirements. These range from miniature stages for […]
Intelligrated automated palletizing for citrus packer a Top Supply Chain Project for 2017
Intelligrated — a North American-based automated material-handling provider — was recently listed on Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s 100 great supply chain projects for its Bee Sweet Citrus design work. Bee Sweet Citrus is an independent packer and shipper of California citrus to serve a market that stretches from Europe to Australia. Faced with rising […]
What are the six basic parts of a worm-gear jack for vertical motion applications?
Screw jacks are indispensable linear-motion designs for lifts and other vertical-motion applications. They consist of six main components. First there is the housing. This contains all of the internal jack components. Second is the worm shaft – this is an input to the jack and typically where a motor handwheel is attached. The third jack […]
Vertical linear motion: Hoists to lifts to AS/RS reach new heights
New technologies boost the reliability and efficiency of vertical motion designs (including an array of lifts and hoists) for setups of various sizes. In the feature, we get input from one industry expert on the subject and then outline five key parameters that dictate what makes linear actuators suitable for lifting. Mounting orientation — especially […]