Overview
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions has the exact size and type of linear actuator to solve your motion application.
Linear actuators are motion devices that create force and motion in a straight line. A linear actuator consists of a rotary motor (stepper, brush DC or brushless servo) and a threaded lead screw with a precision nut. As the motor’s rotor spins, the linear actuator converts the motor’s rotation into linear motion by moving the nut in a straight line. The push or pull linear motion is achieved directly through the nut and the lead screw.
The straight-line movement provided by linear actuators can be used to lift, drop, slide, adjust, tilt, push or pull objects with the simple push of a button. Linear actuators provide the back-and-forth movement for thousands of items that people use every day, in numerous industries including manufacturing, robotics, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, home automation and many others.
A linear actuator actuates - or moves - in a straight line. The primary reason for designing a linear actuator into a system is to address the need to accurately move a payload in a linear fashion, rather than a rotary one. The operation of a Linear actuator is simple. A lead screw (or ball screw) acts to translate the clockwise and counterclockwise rotary force (torque) of the motor into back-and-forth linear motion for a nut traveling along the length of screw.
Linear actuators come in several configurations to fit different applications. Linear actuators are categorized by their mechanical drive mechanism, guide and housing. The most common types of linear actuators include:
Hybrid Stepper Motor Linear Actuators – are preferred by equipment designers who require high performance and endurance in a very small package. These high-performance hybrid actuators directly drive a rotor drive nut on a stainless steel precision acme lead screw. This patented interface reduces tolerances and noise while increasing efficiency and durability over v-thread and bronze nut configuration commonly used in other linear actuators. Actuators are available in captive, non-captive and external linear configurations.
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Dual Motion Hybrid Actuators - provide independent linear and rotary motion from a single compact actuator package. This type of actuator is an ideal replacement for bulky and complex mechanisms.The Haydon Kerk line of dual motion hybrid actuators provide independent linear and rotary motion in either Size 14 or Size 17 actuators. Each actuator incorporates two stepper motors which can be controlled independently using a standard two axis driver. Dual motion actuators integrate precise 2 axis motion in one simple and compact actuator.
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Can-Stack Stepper Motor Linear Actuators - provide a broader range of thrust and speed to address a wider range of applications. Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions patented design accepts a larger rotor than conventional units, improving efficiency and eliminating the need for massive heat sinks. Unique features impart ruggedness and reliability that assure long life and consistent performance. Rare earth magnets are available for even higher thrust. All units are built with dual ball bearings for greater motion control, precise step accuracy and long life.
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Hybrid Stepper with IDEA Drive - Available in size 17, single or double stack, the 43000 series Hybrid Linear Actuators with integrated IDEA™ Drive offers high performance and exceptional endurance in a compact package. The integrated IDEA™ Drive features a fully programmable control unit that uses an intuitive patent-pending Graphic User Interface (GUI). IDEA™ Drive software is simple to use with on-screen buttons and easy-to-understand programming guides. Offered in either USB or RS-485 communication.
How To Choose the Right Linear Actuator:
The performance, capacity, speed, force and precision of linear actuators is dependent upon a wide range of configuration aspects - including the size of the motor, the diameter of the lead or pitch of the drive screw, the gearbox ratio (if there is one), and any other accessories, such as limit switches and position sensing encoders.
In order to correctly size a linear actuator, the following variables must be considered:
- How much linear force is needed to move the load?
- What is the linear distance that the load must travel?
- How much time is required to execute the movement?
Criteria for Evaluating Linear Actuators:
The following capabilities should be analyzed when selecting a linear actuator:
- High repeatability
- Positioning accuracy
- Smooth operation
- Long life
- Easy (to no) maintenance
- Ruggedness and reliability for harsh environments
- Compact design
- Safe operation
- Versatility.
In Summary:
- Linear actuators convert rotational motion into push or pull linear motion, which can be used for lifting, dropping, sliding, or tilting machines or materials.
- Linear actuators come in several configurations to fit any possible application, environment, setting or industry.
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions has the exact size and type of linear actuator to solve your motion application. To learn more, Contact HKP today.
Industries & Applications
Linear Actuators are used in the following industries:
- Packaging
- Lab diagnostic devices
- Medical equipment
- Food & Beverage processing
- X-Ray imaging equipment
- Robotics
- Pharmaceutical
- Semiconductor
- Factory automation
- HVAC
- Material handling
- Clean energy
- 2D and 3D Printing
- Automotive & industrial vehicles
- Machine tools
- Marine
- Aerospace