Thomson Linear Motion Optmized
Linear Actuators - Design oveview
Design and Theory
Linear actuators are easy to mount and operate, require no maintenance, don’t leak hydraulic fluid, are easy to incorporate into an automated process and once installed they will work reliably under the toughest conditions year after year.
The Components of a typical actuator
The Components of a typical actuator
What Makes up a Linear Actuator?
The main actuating components of a linear actuator are:
- Motor
- Gearing
- Screw assembly
- extension tube
When the motor is powered, it turns the gearing. The gearing
multiplies the torque and reduces speed of the motor. The gears turn a
screw. The nut on the screw is attached to the extension tube and is
moved in or out depending on the direction the screw is turned.
Motor rotates the gears which turn the screw
Motor rotates the gears which turn the screw
In
many actuators, there is a wrap spring brake that will hold the load
when the motor is not running. The wrap spring brake is mechanical and
will hold the load in either direction, pulling or pushing, without
power.
Lead screw vs ball screw
Some actuators are made using a lead screw and some use a ball screw. To learn more about the difference watch the video below.
