Ultimate Electric Actuators Guidebook
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ULTIMATE ELECTRIC ACTUATORS GUIDEBOOK TECHNICAL HANDBOOK

SUMMARY • Introduction Chapter 1: What is an electric linear actuator and how to choose it? • What is an electric linear actuator? • How to choose the right electric linear actuator for your application? Chapter 2: Comparison of different actuator systems • Three types of actuators Chapter 3: Components of an electric linear actuator Chapter 4: Electric linear actuators' safety feature options Chapter 5: Electric linear actuators' load and speed features • Different types of spindle • Mechanical power required • Different types of IP Ratings Chapter 7: Electric linear actuators and feedback...

INTRODUCTION Anywhere a machine pushes or pulls, raises or lowers, positions or rotates a load, an electric linear actuator can be used. Electric linear actuators are devices that provide reliable and precise movement of your equipment, offering total operator control. They have the advantage to be maintenance-free, having a long-life span, and being energy efficient. The need for electric actuation has increased exponentially in recent years. Wherever modernity takes hold, automated equipment adjustment and electric actuation are emerging. So, wherever you look, you will often find at...

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC ACTUATOR AND HOW TO CHOOSE IT? What is an electric linear actuator? An actuator is a device that converts a source of energy into a physical mechanical motion. A linear actuator is an actuator that can move something in a straight line. Compared to the other two main types of actuators – hydraulic and pneumatic – electric actuators are the most reliable and require zero maintenance. It’s also much easier to integrate positioning feedback into an electric solution over pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. An electric linear actuator converts an AC or DC motor's...

Parallel drive actuators The motor is directly parallel to the drive spindle. Typically, these types of electric linear actuators are spur or spiral gear with more gear ratio options. Parallel drive actuators allow for a broader range of loads and speeds. However, parallel drive actuators with spur gear can operate louder than spiral gear and worm gear driven actuators. Some examples of parallel drive actuators that TiMOTION manufactures can be seen in our MA4, MA5, TA16, TA2P, TA29 and VN1 models. Right-angle or “L” drive actuators The motor is set perpendicular to the drive spindle....

Gear motors Gear motors allow for flexible designs when matching them with various external spindle assemblies. The compact design is typically worm gear driven and an excellent choice for mechanical synchronization. TiMOTION’s TGM1, TGM2, TGM3, TGM4, TGM5, and TGM7 models are examples of gear motors. Electric lifting columns TiMOTION manufactures lifting columns for industrial, medical, and ergonomic markets. An electric column's primary advantage is its ability to lift high loads vertically while retaining a high degree of stability and bending movement compared with linear actuators. Our...

How to choose the right electric linear actuator for your application? An essential part of any successful automation project is choosing the right electric actuator. As you’ve just learned, there are many actuator models – parallel, L-shaped, or inline motor – used in a wide range of applications. Each project need is unique. To help you select the right actuator, consider the application and its technical constraints: speed, load, duty cycle, available space, environment, and more. DEFINE THE REQUIRED LOAD The load to be supported is a determining factor in the actuator choice and will...

DEFINE THE AVAILABLE SPACE The system’s available space also informs the choice of the actuator. In addition to load, stroke, and speed, it is necessary to consider whether the actuator will have to operate in a restricted space and if there are any space restrictions to allow integration into the application. For example, inline electric actuators, due to the motor's alignment with the spindle, are more compact, making them ideal for tight installation spaces. An actuator's mounting dimensions depend on the mounting configuration (inline, L-shaped, or parallel motor). DEFINE THE...

CHAPTER 2: COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ACTUATOR SYSTEMS There are many misconceptions or outdated notions involving the three types of actuator motion systems – pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric. While you may think that your application's actuation needs depend on one specific type of actuator, the march of progress and technological advances permit greater potential interchangeability, creating more than one option for your application project. THREE TYPES OF ACTUATORS Pneumatic linear actuators Composed of a simple piston inside a hollow cylinder, pneumatic linear actuators are widely used...

ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS Each type of actuator is essential to its appropriate application. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to weigh the options before deciding on the right actuator for your project Characteristics Pneumatic actuator Hydraulic actuator Electric actuator Simple system composition Moderately complex system composition Control systems and motion components can work together in multiple complex configurations Peak power Very high Simple valves User intervention required Flexibility of motion control, capabilities with electronic controller Position...

CHAPTER 3: COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRIC LINEAR ACTUATOR Actuators come in many shapes, sizes and capabilities. TiMOTION is a vertically integrated company, meaning we can customize, design, and manufacture all of these components in-house for our customers, depending on their application needs. To best implement innovative automation solutions, it helps to understand an actuator’s strengths and limitations by becoming familiar with its inner workings. Let’s examine the components that comprise an electric linear actuator. Front/rear clevis Outer tube Inner tube Safety stop Limit switches Motor...