High speed linear actuator
High speed linear actuator
(OP)
I'm looking for a low cost/high speed linear actuator. At first I started using the http://www.firgelliauto.com/ products, but they are just too slow. Here are my requirements:
12-24 vdc
25 lbf min
4-6 in/sec rate of travel
3+ inches of travel
low cost
The system will extend/retract 3 or 4 times in 30 second, then sit idle for 3 minutes before doing it again. I will only use the device once a month, so I don't need to over-design it for long life.
I've considered trying to build my own using a lead-screw, but don't have any experience with lead-screw design/selection. I would be interested in lead-screw design guide references if you have any. I have done exhaustive research on dc motors, but need more knowlege regarding how to couple the motor shaft to the lead screw and the bearing selection etc...
Thanks in advance.
12-24 vdc
25 lbf min
4-6 in/sec rate of travel
3+ inches of travel
low cost
The system will extend/retract 3 or 4 times in 30 second, then sit idle for 3 minutes before doing it again. I will only use the device once a month, so I don't need to over-design it for long life.
I've considered trying to build my own using a lead-screw, but don't have any experience with lead-screw design/selection. I would be interested in lead-screw design guide references if you have any. I have done exhaustive research on dc motors, but need more knowlege regarding how to couple the motor shaft to the lead screw and the bearing selection etc...
Thanks in advance.





RE: High speed linear actuator
Velocity vs time profile?
Pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder banging a slide against a hard stop meets your criteria.
RE: High speed linear actuator
I am willing to consider 110 vac if I can get the speed I'm looking for.
RE: High speed linear actuator
They basically consist of a mounting block fitted with linear guide bearings/rails and are driven back and forth via a timing belt and electric motor. They are capable of extremely fast speeds and have good accuracy.
I would check Nook Industries or Danaher Motion.
RE: High speed linear actuator
"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
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RE: High speed linear actuator
You didn't specify maximum current (in Ampres).
No limit on size of motor and system?
MadMango
If you will use a lever let say 1:10 ratio the solenoid travel will be 0.3 inch and the force will be 225 lbs. I am looking forward to see that miniature solenoid.
RE: High speed linear actuator
You said "low cost", but did not specify what you mean by that. You need to narrow that down a bit.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: High speed linear actuator
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: High speed linear actuator
I have been through Nook, Danaher and a bunch of other web sites. Almost all of them are too slow and on top of that, too expensive. I was trying to keep the cost below $150, since this is a hobby project. Sourcing in another challenge. I hate to bug these big companies with one-off purchases. Going to thier distributors and then to be pointed to a local vendor is the same thing. When the local guy hears that I just want one or two, they don't want to fool with me. I can't blame them, so I've been looking for web sites that sell one-off via the web.
MadMango: Yes, in fact I have purchased a 12vdc solenoid that has 25 lbf in a 1" stroke. To get 3" of travel out of it using a simple lever, I would need a solenoid with 75lbf. I have not done an exhaustive search on high force solenoids, but I have not found one that will generate that amount of force. Any recomendations?
israelkk: At 12vdc I'm trying to keep the current under 3 amps or i'll have to get a bigger battery. I'm not opposed to using a 110vac power supply to get higher current ratings, but then my PLC will have to control relays instead of thier on-board relays. It all just increases the complexity. Again, complexity = cost and I'm trying to minimize both.
TygerDawg: What I did not tell you is that this 3" of stroke is actually driving a slider crank to yield even more movement on the output of my 4 bar linkage. There is a certain timming involved here. Extend, hold for 3 sec, retract, hold for 4 sec, extend ...
To use rotary motion as the input to a slider crank, I would have to use a stepper motor, driver and controller. Complexity = cost so I'm avoiding steppers.
GregLocock: I have purchased some surplus electric window motors for less than $20 to use on a related project and was thinking of using them as the input to a lead screw. They are cheap and have fairly high torque output.
RE: High speed linear actuator
Also go to the junkyard and take a look at power door lock motors. Maybe you can build an extra long screw for them.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: High speed linear actuator
http://www.linak.com/
have used them before (many, many years ago) and found them reliable
Kevin
“It is a mathematical fact that fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class." ~Author Unknown
"If two wrongs don't make a right, try three." ~Author Unknown
RE: High speed linear actuator
RE: High speed linear actuator
Back to the drawing board.
RE: High speed linear actuator
Try searching on Global-Spec site, you will find more than a dozen mfgrs. that can meet your specs., but be prepared to pay more than $200 for something that will meet your specs without breaking.
RE: High speed linear actuator
RE: High speed linear actuator