Leading Linear Actuator Manufacturers

More Linear Actuator Manufacturers

Linear actuators are versatile devices capable of functioning in extreme conditions, such as underwater environments or vacuums. Furthermore, they frequently serve as precise transmitters of energy, seamlessly delivering specific amounts to other mechanisms or equipment within a system.

Manufacturers of linear actuators play a crucial role in enabling robotic processes across a variety of industries. Their contributions are vital in sectors such as automotive, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food production, packaging, and electronics.

The History of Linear Actuators

While the precise birthdate of the linear actuator remains shrouded in mystery, its early ancestors began emerging during the Industrial Revolution. By the 1800s, craftsmen and manufacturers in both America and Britain were harnessing tools that relied on linear actuators. Throughout the century, these innovators not only utilized but also invented, refined, and standardized numerous basic linear actuator types and their close kin.

Leap ahead a century, and we arrive at the creation of the first electric actuator. In 1979, Bent Johnson invented this device to enhance the functionality of a friend’s wheelchair. His innovation quickly gained traction, revolutionizing automation across various sectors, with a significant impact on agriculture.

Decades have passed, and we now find ourselves in an era where actuators have evolved to a remarkable level of sophistication. These advanced devices vary greatly in size, extending down to the intricate micro linear actuators, showcasing a wide spectrum of complexity.

Design

Manufacturers of linear actuators produce a variety of standard models tailored to the most common application needs. Additionally, they offer custom solutions. If a standard actuator doesn’t fulfill your specific requirements, you might want to consider requesting a custom design.

When manufacturers embark on custom designing a linear actuator, they meticulously consider numerous factors. They tailor the actuator’s specifics to align with application requirements such as the operational environment, load weight, usage frequency, and standard compliance. The design elements chosen encompass actuator type, material, input voltage, IP rating, load capacity in pounds, load speed, and actuator size. Typically, the materials used are robust, often stainless steel or other strong options like anodized extruded aluminum.

Features

Linear actuators are typically computer-controlled, though some can be manually guided. They can be powered by various forces, including hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electromechanical, and piezoelectric.

In most actuators, linear motion is accomplished through a ball screw design. This involves a screw rod rotating within a housing, producing linear movement. The rotation of the ball screw actuator is powered by a timing belt drive, worm gear, or direct drive. As the screw rotates, it propels a drive nut along its length, causing the rod to extend. When the rotation is reversed, the rod retracts. A protective cover shields the screw from dirt and other contaminants that might obstruct its movement. Even under a load, specialized radial thrust bearings enable the screw to move smoothly.

Types

In specialized applications, it’s common to employ piezoelectric and telescopic actuators.

Electric Linear Actuator

Electric linear actuators are engineered to deliver precise, automated straight-line movement for various functions such as locking doors, braking machinery, and opening or closing dampers. These devices operate through mechanisms powered by thermal expansion, mechanical transmission, or electromagnetism. Their construction features components like linear guides, motors, and a drive system that transforms electrical energy into linear displacement.

Electric Rotary Actuator

Despite their lack of linearity, rotary actuators serve similar roles in automated assembly applications. Electric rotary actuators, true to their name, are driven by electricity. They consist of electric motors, an output shaft facilitating rotary motion, and a limit switch to control movement. These actuators are commonly utilized in automating quarter-turn valves, robotics, and the controlled rotational movement of windows and gates. When used with valves, they are specifically referred to as valve actuators.

Pneumatic Actuator

Pneumatic actuators operate by utilizing gas to apply pressure on a piston. Commonly, users take advantage of air compressors to harness this functionality. While pneumatic actuators are cost-effective and user-friendly, they can be noisy and frequently inefficient. Therefore, if you’re contemplating the use of a pneumatic actuator, it’s crucial to carefully balance the advantages and disadvantages.

Piezoelectric Actuator

Piezoelectric actuators are known for their compact size and remarkable precision. In a piezoelectric configuration, spindle actuators facilitate vertical movement. They are ideal for applications demanding extremely accurate positioning over short distances and for handling fluid films. Often referred to as ultrasonic actuators, they play a crucial role in these high-precision tasks.

Electro-Mechanical Actuator

Electro-mechanical actuators operate using a fundamental mechanism similar to other mechanical actuators, but they distinguish themselves by employing an electric servo motor to create rotary motion, rather than relying on a handle or knob. This type of actuator can be designed in various ways, including compact configurations.

Fluid Power Linear Actuator

These actuators operate mechanically, employing piston and cylinder mechanisms to generate linear movement. They derive their motion power from variations in air pressure, gas, or hydraulic fluid. Typically, fluid power linear actuators are utilized in tasks such as welding, clamping, and controlling the opening and closing of damper doors.

Fluid Power Rotary Actuator

Fluid power rotary actuators operate similarly to fluid power linear actuators, but instead of converting energy into linear movement, they produce rotational motion. This is achieved through a combination of piston and cylinder mechanisms, a gearing system, an output shaft, and varying pressure of air, gas, or hydraulic fluid. Much like their linear counterparts, rotary actuators are commonly employed in applications such as welding, clamping, and opening or closing damper doors.

Manual Actuator

Manual actuators employ rotating screws, hand-operated knobs, or wheels, paired with guided linear motion mechanisms and gearboxes. These motion mechanisms can consist of racks, pinions, and lead screws, or they can be belt-driven. Manual actuators excel in applications requiring precise positioning for manipulating tools and workpieces.

Telescoping Linear Actuator

Telescoping linear actuators, a specialized type of linear actuator, comprise concentric cylinders known as pillars. These actuators collapse or expand to enable a wide range of motion. Often referred to as telescoping pillars, they are ideal for confined spaces due to their compact retracted height and robust load-bearing capacity. These features make them particularly suited for medical equipment and surgical tables where space efficiency and strength are paramount.

Linear Chain Actuator

Linear chain actuators deliver controlled linear motion for various applications by utilizing sprockets and chain segments. They come in a range of sizes and chain styles, typically featuring driving gears to generate the necessary force for movement. These actuators are commonly employed in applications requiring straight-line push or pull motion.

Linear Motor

A linear motor differs from an electric rotary motor by utilizing magnetic field structures along its actuator length to generate motion. Despite its relatively modest load capacity, it excels in environmental adaptability, thriving even in harsh conditions. Its durability ensures a prolonged operational lifespan, and notably, it operates without the need for a lead screw conversion.

Miniature Linear Actuator

Miniature electric linear actuators are common for small-scale applications. Nevertheless, a few opt for piezoelectric power to achieve precise and short-range movements.

Stepper Motor Linear Actuator

Stepping into precision with the force of a DC stepper motor, this type of actuator harnesses the brilliance of brushless DC electric motors. It choreographs a seamless dance of movement, breaking down full rotations into precise, equal steps. With torque and speed finely tuned to the task at hand, it faithfully holds any position without the need for an external sensor. In fields like laser technology and optics, these stepper motor linear actuators are the virtuosos of precise positioning.

Accessories

Depending on its type and your specific needs, your linear actuator may benefit from additional items such as lubricants, monitoring tools, fuses, speed controllers, and digital timers.

Proper Care for Linear Actuators

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your linear actuators, diligent care is essential. This includes regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and careful storage practices.

Linear actuators need regular inspection to ensure smooth operation. They often need occasional adjustments to maintain proper oil distribution. Detecting and reporting issues early is crucial for optimal performance. Adequate lubrication is essential to prevent problems such as corrosion; the specific type and amount of lubricant depend on the actuator type and its application.

Standards

The performance criteria for your linear actuator are contingent upon its specific application. For instance, if integrated within an industrial valve, it must adhere to standards such as ISO 5210:2017, which pertains to attachments for multi-turn valve actuators. Additionally, American organizations like ASME and ANSI provide invaluable guidance and standard protocols for a variety of actuators and their applications. If your application spans healthcare, food processing, or military sectors, compliance with FDA and Mil-Spec standards becomes imperative. For detailed insights into standard requirements, consult industry authorities and your equipment manufacturer.

Things to Consider

Throughout this process, your initial step involves carefully defining your specifications, followed by selecting an appropriate manufacturer.

Be sure to note down your specifications when you’re mapping them out. Specifications include:

Speed:

The speed of the linear actuators determines how fast they can extend and retract. Depending on the application, there might be a need for rapid movement or a preference for slower, more precise motion.

Stroke length:

The actuator’s stroke length dictates its extension distance from the initial position. Smaller-scale tasks often demand a shorter stroke, while machining equipment and larger machinery necessitate a longer stroke for optimal performance.

Load rating:

When employing a linear actuator to push or pull an object, its capacity must match the weight of the object to ensure effective movement. The load rating specifies the maximum weight or load that the actuator can handle.

Programmability requirements:

Linear actuators are primarily employed for automating tasks, necessitating some degree of programming to interface with their operational environment. While certain actuators are limited to basic programming inputs, others offer sophisticated programming functionalities, accommodating more complex operational requirements.

Desired lifetime:

The lifespan of a linear actuator varies based on factors such as the materials employed, environmental conditions, and manufacturing standards. Generally, higher durability and superior manufacturing quality correlate with extended longevity for the actuator.

Type of motor and power:

Linear actuators can draw power from various sources such as electricity, hydraulics, and pneumatics, utilizing a diverse array of motors to generate this energy. They can operate on batteries, AC, DC, or specialized motor systems, offering flexibility in power supply and motor type.

Power-to-weight ratio:

Although not universally true, larger actuators generally offer greater power compared to their smaller counterparts. However, they also occupy more space and typically weigh more. Balancing size, weight, and power is crucial, especially in applications where weight is a critical factor.

Once you’ve compiled your list of specifications, the next step is to locate your manufacturer. To assist you in this process, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide featuring our top picks among actuator manufacturing companies. You can easily find this guide just above these paragraphs. Review the offerings of each company to assess which products and services align best with your requirements. Narrow down your choices to a select group of three or four manufacturers that you believe hold the most promise for your project. Reach out to each one to discuss your detailed specification list. During these discussions, inquire about lead times, pricing, certifications, and delivery options. Your objective is to identify the manufacturer that is most capable and enthusiastic about meeting your needs.

After you’ve spoken with all the suppliers you’re interested in, compare and contrast their proposals with your goal in mind. Once you’ve determined the ideal manufacturer for your project, reconnect with them to initiate the next steps.

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