Manufacturing industries require various tools to design and fabricate products with precise accuracy. Each industry requires a specific type of mechanical device that will provide the right amount of accuracy and speed to create products at a designated quality. Precision linear actuators are devices that are used specifically to perform the industrial tasks required.
What is a Precision Linear Actuator?
To put it very simply, linear actuators are mechanical devices designed to move in a linear or straight motion. They can be used for specific motions such as pushing or pulling, lifting and descending, blocking, ejecting, and clamping. Actuators can be fitted with a feedback sensor to give out accurate readings. They are best used in applications for linear positioning where critical aspects such as high speed, immense thrust, and accurate positioning are required.
The Working Of A Precision Linear Actuator
All precision linear actuators depend on an external power source to help produce the linear motion. A DC motor is attached to a piston that helps to perform the motion. Generally, precision linear actuators are moved using electricity, air pressure, or fluids. However, mechanical forces can also be used to provide the linear driving force.
Variations
The basic variations of actuators provide improvements on aspects such as speed, efficiency, and load capacities. While the size of an actuator may differ by application, manufacturers prefer smaller sized actuators to reduce the overall weight and space of the actuator system.
Combination of Position, Motion, Velocity and Force: Linear actuator systems have specific designs to meets the needs of each application based on motion, position, force, or velocity. For example, in circuit board assembly, electronically controlled linear actuators are used to fit microchips precisely into the board at high speeds. Here, the system must have sensors to account for force, position, and speed.
Electromechanical Actuators: These utilize a combination of electricity and mechanics. The design usually involves a lead or ball screw, which is connected to a DC motor or a sequence of gears. This variation provides more thrust and reduces the speed of the precision linear actuator.
Specialized Linear Actuators: These actuators can be used in applications where highly critical procedures require precise movements. Examples of these would be fine machining equipment and critical medical procedures.
Benefits of Precision Linear Actuators
There are various benefits that come with using actuators.
They are known for their precise and efficient performance and long lifespan.
They are a good replacement for pneumatic cylinders and hydraulic actuators.
Mounting the actuators is not a problem as they can be adapted to rigid mounting, pivoting loads, as well as externally guided loads.
Piezoelectric actuators can create small precise linear motions, making them perfect for microelectronics.
Applications
With their power and versatility, actuator can be applied to applications in a variety of industries.
Probably the most common applications for actuators are drilling, welding, gluing, and thermo forming equipment used in machining and plastic industries.
Industries such as packaging, automotive, and ventilation use the actuators for valve control.
The actuator can be used to provide the pressing and clamping motions for machining and electronic industries.
Actuators are also used for edge guide control applications in industries such as textiles, printing equipment, and paper mills.
Metal, woodwork, and machining industries utilize actuators to adjust the backstop gauge.
The actuators are utilized in loading and unloading applications for medical, electronics, packaging, and handling equipment industries.
As one can see, actuators can be used by a variety of industries to create products of perfect accuracy and quality.
