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Linear Actuation Systems

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Linear actuators from EMS

What is a small linear actuator?

These electromechanical components convert a motor's rotational motion into pull or push linear movement.

The simplest example of a miniature linear actuator contains a motor, lead screw and threaded nut. The motor's rotation drives the nut along the screw to create linear movement. The resulting motion is useful for pushing and pulling, as well as lifting, tilting, sliding and lowering.

This actuation system plays a key role in a variety of industrial applications that require precise, repeatable linear movement. For example, the linear movement enables manual movement of medical equipment such as hospital beds and patient hoists.

Types of electric actuators

EMS supplies two types of electric linear actuators — geared and direct drive.

Geared linear actuators contain a rotating motor, reduction gearbox and spindle with a matched nut. You can integrate brushed and brushless DC motors and stepper motors of appropriate diameter.

Geared solutions reduce leadscrew rotational speed while increasing force. They support high input speeds and can produce high output forces. For high precision applications, these components are ideal. This includes industry, robotics and laboratory equipment.

EMS is the UK’s exclusive FAULHABER distributor. We supply high quality geared linear actuators ranging from six to 32 millimetres (mm) in diameter, with an average continuous axial force between three and 1920 newtons (N). The reduction ratio available ranges between one and 1294.

EMS also supplies direct drive linear actuators, also known as linear stepper motors. They consist of a rotating electric motor with an integrated lead screw. These actuators operate without a gearhead or an encoder. As a result, they are a simple and compact actuation solution for low-load, high-precision applications.

Due to the quick acceleration of stepper motors, direct drive linear actuators can reach full force with limited delay. Even when switched off, these actuators hold their position, making them preferable for demanding, space-limited positioning tasks. Applications include positioning lenses and fine dosing in medical and laboratory technology.

EMS supplies direct drive linear actuators with lead screws ranging between 1.2 and three millimetres in diameter.

Miniature linear actuator buying guide

When buying a miniature linear actuator, it is important to consider the features offered in different linear actuation solutions.

For complex positioning applications, it is best to look for a miniature linear actuator equipped with position feedback. This means that the actuator can accurately communicate its position to the control system, allowing for closed loop motion control. They are well-suited for positioning applications or where the actuator needs to synchronise its movement with another.

Motion controllers are also an essential feature for efficient precision control. These controllers use feedback to calculate the required speed and adjust the control accordingly.

When selecting a small linear actuator, another useful alternative control system component is a speed controller. Compatible with DC and brushless DC motors, speed controllers regulate the motor’s rotational speed.

Ready to buy a linear actuation system?

EMS supplies a range of high quality miniature linear actuators from leading manufacturers including FAULHABER and Ewellix. Find out more on our dedicated product pages, or get in touch with our expert team.