Linear Motion Actuators for Robotic Automation and Precision Motion Control

Linear motion actuators provide motion control for industrial applications. Implementing an industrial robotics solution requires actuators that suit your load, speed, accuracy, and cycle requirement. Norck Robotics can help in locating and developing suitable actuators based on your application requirements.

Quick Answer:

Selection of a linear actuator for your application depends on various parameters such as load, stroke length, speed, accuracy, repeatability, environment, and controls. When you need positioning of robots accurately, then you can go for a precision linear actuator, and when your applications demand lifting, pressing, and clamping, then you need high-force linear actuators.

Choose the Right Linear Motion Actuator for Your Automation System

The proper choice of actuator should take into account the real motions and operational environments of the machine rather than simply considering maximum force or cost.

Prior to getting a quotation, the manufacturers need to clarify the necessary stroke, load capacity, motion speed, positioning precision, cycle rate, available space, and environmental conditions. In the case of robotic equipment, the actuator needs to move in sync with other axes.

Applications such as robotic machine tending, material handling, inspection, assembly, and positioning can benefit from an actuator matched to the machine’s specific requirements. 

Key Specifications to Compare Before Buying a Linear Actuator

Buyers should compare the specifications that directly affect machine performance, reliability, and service life: 

• Stroke: Required linear travel distance

• Load: Continuous and peak load requirements

• Speed: Required travel speed

• Accuracy: Ability to reach the commanded position

• Repeatability: Ability to return consistently to the same position

• Duty Cycle: The frequency and duration of use

• Mounting: Space availability and mechanical configurations

• Control: Compatibility with PLCs, motion control, sensors and feedback systems

• Environment: Operating conditions like temperature, dust, moisture, chemicals, etc.

Comparing all these specifications will help the manufacturer to avoid purchasing an underperforming actuator or one that is too big.

Select Actuator Force and Speed for Your Application

Force and speed should be computed using the entire motion profile. A lifting motion vertically may require considerably more force than positioning horizontally since the actuator not only has to lift the load but also has to fight against the force of gravity.

The factors such as acceleration, friction, mechanical advantage, orientation, and even other external forces can influence the amount of force needed from the actuator.

When to Use a Precision Linear Actuator

A precision linear actuator is ideal for cases when accurate positioning is crucial for the quality of the end product or machine performance.

Some of the typical uses are robot positioning, automatic inspection, accurate assembly, electronics manufacturing, machining, and custom automation equipment.

It is important to consider accuracy and repeatability for the purchaser. The accuracy refers to the degree to which the actuator can get to the required point while the repeatability refers to the degree to which the actuator returns to the same point repeatedly.

In multiple-axis automation, precision needs to be considered together with acceleration, synchronization, feedback, and controller compatibility.

When You Need a High-Force Linear Actuator

A high-force linear actuator is designed for applications requiring substantial thrust or load capacities. They can be utilized in automated pressing, lifting, clamping, heavy-duty positioning, handling of materials, and industrial machinery.

There are several factors to consider in selecting an actuator; these include the factors of maximum force, sustained force, stroke length, speed, duty cycle, friction, and safety factor of application. Using the maximum force as the criterion for selecting an actuator can result in inefficiency in operation.

Choose the Right Actuator Technology for Your Machine

Actuator selection should take into consideration the force requirements, speed, precision, control requirements, environment, and infrastructure of the machine. It is normally advised to use electric actuators in situations where programmable motion control is needed. They may be used with controllers for accurate motion control.

Pneumatic rotary actuators are also a good choice in fast repetitive operations with the presence of compressed air infrastructure. Hydraulic actuators may also be recommended in cases with force requirements.

Electric actuators can be used in cases of robotic automation and precision manufacturing because of the flexibility of motion control and synchronization with other automated axes.

Check Mounting and Control Compatibility Before Ordering

Compatibility with mechanics and controls should be established prior to procurement of the actuator.

The manufacturer should establish compatibility with mounting dimensions, mounting orientation, installation space, stroke, connectors, cable layout, feedback, and controller. 

When dealing with robot mechanisms, the actuator may have to communicate or synchronize with PLCs, servo drives, sensors, motion controllers, or other linear axes. Establishing such a need prior to purchase will save on reconfiguration expenses.

At Norck Robotics, we can determine these application needs when creating a custom actuator for special automation machinery.

Custom Linear Actuators for Specialized Automation Requirements

Standard actuator designs may not be suitable for the OEM equipment, robot work stations, automated assembly lines, or machines that have limited mounting space.

An actuator design can be custom-built using non-standard stroke length, force rating, mounting configuration, dimensional constraints, control interface, or environmental specifications.

The manufacturer, when ordering a customized actuator, needs to supply the actuator designer with the CAD drawing and other details such as load, stroke, speed, precision, cycle rate, mounting needs, and environment.

Why Actuator Selection Matters for Long-Term Automation Costs

The low price of purchase does not always translate to the lowest cost overall. It is imperative that buyers look into the life of the product, maintenance needs, power consumption, compatibility issues, replacements needed, and possible machine stoppage.

Matching the right actuator with the job makes sure that there will be no unnecessary mechanical stress. Reliable movement will also decrease possible disturbances that may happen during automated production.

It is better for original equipment manufacturers and manufacturers to consider the overall cost of ownership than to just compare the price of actuators.

Get a Linear Motion Actuator Designed for Your Application

The process of selecting a linear motion actuator involves more than just considering the actuator’s stroke capacity and maximum force.

Be it a linear actuator for precision positioning applications for robots, an actuator with high-force capabilities for industrial robotics solutions, or a specially made actuator for specific applications, Norck Robotics can assist you in evaluating your needs for motion.

Need a linear motion actuator for your automation project? Contact Norck Robotics with your load, stroke, required speed, positioning accuracy and operating environment. We can review your application, suggest an appropriate custom actuator setup and get a quote.