Updated August 2017 || Linear actuators come in myriad configurations to suit almost any application, environment or industry. They’re primarily categorized by their drive mechanism; then manufacturers use other features such as the type of guide and housing to further differentiate them. Below is an explanation of the most common linear actuator categories. Belt-driven and […]
Linear Actuator
Moog Animatics expands actuator line
Moog Animatics, a division of Moog Inc., has announced the release of three new high-performance models to its actuator product line. These fully integrated actuators bring SmartMotor™ capabilities (ease of use, compactness and speed to market) to today’s actuator applications. They are designed for precise motion, long life and minimal maintenance. Typical applications include material […]
Warner Linear debuts electric actuator video series
A series of informative Warner Linear electric actuator videos has been produced to clearly show proper installation steps, troubleshooting, and maintenance tips for various actuator models. Topics include limit switch adjustment, basic selection guidelines, and best practices for mounting. The short how-to videos can be viewed on the Warner Linear website at www.warnerlinear.com or on […]
New Thomson Electrak HD Linear Actuators
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has developed an entirely new platform of electric linear actuators which enable design engineers to convert a wider range of hydraulic applications to electric and substantially improve application control. The new Electrak HD™ electric linear actuator offers a new level of electronic functionality with […]
Servo motor basics
Technically, the term “servo” refers to a function rather than a specific type of device. A servo system is one in which the system’s error (in positioning, speed, or torque) is corrected through feedback that compares the system’s actual performance with its commanded performance. A servo motor, then, is one that incorporates a feedback device […]
Linear actuators: Pneumatic or electric?
Updated May 2018 || Electrons or air molecules? That’s not a question you hear very often, but it’s one that engineers and designers wrestle with when developing a new machine or process. That’s because a wide range of linear actuators, especially rod-type versions, are available either electrically driven or pneumatically driven. The choice of which […]
Five things to consider in vertical applications
Mounting orientation is one of the core considerations when sizing and selecting a linear actuator. Depending on the type of linear guides used, some actuators can support higher downward or lift-off loads than side loads, or can handle pitch and yaw moments better than roll moments—all important factors when evaluating an actuator for vertical duty. […]
Parker announces North American production of high moment rodless linear actuator series
Now manufactured in the USA, the HMR attains greatly improved lead times and new customization options. Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division, a leading supplier of motion control technology, is pleased to announce the domestic manufacturing for the complete line of High Moment Rodless (HMR) electromechanical linear actuators. “This move will serve to greatly improve product lead times […]
Linear encoders for motion applications
Whether a linear system uses servo or stepper motors, adding a linear encoder can improve the performance of the machine and the quality of the process. In servo applications, the motor’s rotary encoder monitors its speed and direction, but a linear encoder monitors the load’s actual position. When stepper motors are used, position monitoring is especially important, […]
A user’s guide to sensors and switches
Users have an array of choices when it comes to choosing sensors for electromechanical actuators. Some actuator manufactures offer one or two varieties of sensors as standard options, depending on the construction of the actuator and its most common uses, while others leave the selection entirely to the user. Whether you’re choosing among the options […]
