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Linear actuator help

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:51 am
by Nefarious
Does anyone know about linear actuators?

I'm looking for an actuator with a c. 40mm throw, a sub 1/2s speed, and a load of c. 4kg (at full extension). In an ideal world, it would also be compact and cheap.

Specs seem to be in the hole between different types. The solanoid ones have the speed and compactness, but rarely that the throw, and are very weak at full extension. The screw type ones have the force and the throw, but struggle for speed.

Bright ideas?

Re: Linear actuator help

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:58 am
by scotta
Nefarious wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:51 am Does anyone know about linear actuators?

I'm looking for an actuator with a c. 40mm throw, a sub 1/2s speed, and a load of c. 4kg (at full extension). In an ideal world, it would also be compact and cheap.

Specs seem to be in the hole between different types. The solanoid ones have the speed and compactness, but rarely that the throw, and are very weak at full extension. The screw type ones have the force and the throw, but struggle for speed.

Bright ideas?
Give adrian newey a shout.

Re: Linear actuator help

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 10:07 am
by mik
The BadObsessionMororsport boys are bound to know someone…. Ask Richard Brunning on teh twitters?

Re: Linear actuator help

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:34 pm
by Simon
Sounds like one of the larger RC servos might do the job?

Re: Linear actuator help

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:08 am
by Nefarious
TBH, an RC servo is probably the best bet. It's a bit of a pain, as I wanted simple linear movement, and adding arms etc gives me a packaging problem.

Either that or use a pair of solanoids (one push, one pull) to smooth out the force curve.

Other bright ideas warmly received.

Re: Linear actuator help

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 12:02 pm
by integrale_evo
I want to use a pair to make my front splitter adjustable. Need about 100mm throw and would like it moveable by switch to 4 positions, and be weatherproof. Speed of movement isn’t a priority.

All the actuators we use at work where you need swift action are pneumatic.

Re: Linear actuator help

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 3:52 pm
by Nefarious
Yeah, going pneumatic makes everything easy. Except installation.

If speed isn't important, ebay has loads of worm-gear type ones for much cheapness - Comme ca
If you need 4 positions, a linear servo might be the sensible way to go, though