Choosing a Linear Actuator
Made in the USA
Choose belt drive for long travel and high speed, and screw drive for thrust, fine resolution and vertical axes. Then size from travel, payload and center of mass, the move profile, required accuracy and orientation.
Belt or screw?
| Belt driven | Screw driven | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Long (to 500 ft) | Short to moderate |
| Speed | High (to 600 in/s) | Moderate |
| Thrust | Moderate | High |
| Resolution / holding | Good | Finer; holds under load |
| Vertical axes | Needs brake or counterbalance | Well suited |
| Cost per inch | Lower | Higher |
What to send EAC
- TravelStroke required, plus overall length available.
- PayloadIncluding tooling, and where the center of mass sits relative to the carriage.
- Move profileDistance, time and dwell for each move.
- AccuracyRepeatability needed at the end points.
- OrientationHorizontal, vertical or cantilevered.
- MotorYour motor, or one supplied with drive and controller.
- QuantityOne machine or a repeat design.