Compact Linear Actuators

Detail: Small-sized linear actuators (often 12V/24V DC, potentially using lead screws, belt drives, or voice coils) providing precise linear motion. Essential for automated pipetting systems, sample tray positioning, focusing mechanisms in microscopes or scanners, and moving sensor heads. Precision and smooth motion are key requirements.

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What types of tasks in a lab rely on compact linear motion (pipetting, scanning, sample movement)?

In laboratory use, compact linear actuators are used to automate small repetitive motion tasks with speed, accuracy, repeatability and low error margins. Typically, we need better throughput without sacrificing precision across a range of different tasks.

Here are a few examples of tasks in a lab using compact linear motion:

Automated pipetting systems

Linear actuators create the vertical and lateral travel to accurately aspirate and dispense small volumes in a laboratory environment.

Sample tray positioners

Actuators provide movement of the trays containing samples to get them into, or out of, scanners, dispensers, or analyzers with repeatable positions.

Focusing movements for microscopes or scanners

Create smooth micro-adjustments to allow for the same section / area of the sample to create the same sharp, focused imaging of a specimen.

Sensor head movements

Products can be scanned, or detected, by providing controlled and repeatable movements of the sensor head across the sample.

Slide handling and transfer systems

Compact actuators can provide the accurate movement of large glass slides to maintain consistent transfer, during a diagnostic workflow, between workstations supplied with different resources.

What technologies drive these compact actuators (screw, belt, voice coil)?

In laboratory automation applications, compact linear actuators use a variety of motion technologies, and the appropriate technology will be chosen according to speed, force, precision, and space limitations:

Voice Coil Actuators

Voice coil actuators are an ultra-smooth direct drive motion, where there is no mechanical contact between moving parts, and therefore give about the highest level of precision tolerance to the application. The types of applications suited for voice coil actuators include: extremely precise applications like a fine focusing mechanism in a microscope, or moving a sensor head with the fastest response and smallest amount of backlash.

Lead Screw Drives

Lead screw drives are systems based on the coupling of a rotating screw into linear motion, due to this simple rotating mechanism; lead screw drives are often used for high precision load carrying activities such as pipetting or positioning specimen trays(lead screw drives are mechanically simple and accurate) at low speeds.

Belt Drives

Belt drives are systems that use timing belts and pulleys to create smooth linear travel at high speeds at distances longer than that attained from other systems. Common in fast tray or stage movement where speed is critical and vibration should be minimized.

There are several motion technologies used to ensure the compact linear actuators in laboratory automation systems meet and exceed laboratory demands for precision, quietness, and long-term reliability.

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Working with Norck Robotics reduces dependency on manual labor, increases production consistency, and secures your operations against unforeseen disruptions, quality issues, and fluctuations. This enhances your company's supply chain resilience.

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Why are small size and precise motion critical for these actuators in a lab setting?

Small size and precise motion are critical for compact linear actuators in a lab setting because they directly support automated lab process accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness. Small linear actuators often fit into equipment, like pipetting robots, sample analyzers, or optical instruments, designed to minimize space.

Spatial Limitations

Lab Tools are small. Small-sized linear actuators can be accommodated easily, without redesigning the instrument's size/layout.

Micron-Level Accuracy

Pipetting; tray positioning; focusing samples. All tasks, fundamentally, rely on precise movements to ensure consistency and to limit human error.

Minimal Risk of Damage

Smooth controlled motion limits stress on samples and sensitive components (glass slides or micro-plates).

Improved Repeatability

Precise actuation equals tasks being performed identically, which is particularly important with high-throughput screening, or for diagnostic testing.

All these points are necessary for constructing reliable, scalable laboratory automation equipment.

What typical voltage requirements do these actuators have?

Typically, compact linear actuators used in laboratory automation are used at voltages for low-voltage operation modes to maintain proper usage in vulnerable low-voltage applications. The voltage levels most commonly seen in lab automation are:

12V DC - Commonly found in compact actuators using mode with reduced voltage characteristics during light duty applications (e.g. fine adjustments, small dispensing applications, motion controlling handheld devices, etc).
24V DC - More preferably used in actuators requiring higher speed and force and greater travel. Commonly found when motion control in automated pipetting systems, heavy sample tray movements or multi-axis laboratory robots are desired.

These voltage levels are common for lab-grade power supplies and offer very efficient modes with restricted risk to sensitive biological or electronics systems. This directly contributes to repeatable and reliable motions while mitigating noise and electromagnetic disturbance.