12 Volt Linear Actuators

Chapter 1: Principles of 12V Linear Actuators

This chapter will discuss what 12V linear actuators are and how they work.

What are 12V Linear Actuators?

A linear actuator is a device that transforms rotational motion into push or pull linear motion, which can then be used to lift, lower, slide, or tilt machinery or materials. They offer effective, maintenance-free motion control that is clean and safe. 12 Volt linear actuators are powered by 12 Volt (Direct Current) DC voltage sources. Screw, wheel and handle, and cam are the three different kinds of linear actuators. The up and down motion of a screw winding and unwinding provides the motion in the screw type.

The force of a belt or chain that is fastened to a shaft causes the wheel and handle actuators to move. An eccentric circle is used to move a shaft in the cam type. The definition of a linear actuator varies depending on the industry. The widely used definition is a tool created to convert rotary force into linear motion. A linear shaft or other mechanism receives the initial force, which may come from an electrical motor or hand crank.

How 12V Linear Actuators Work

The miniature DC gear motor, which uses a screw-drive and gears to supply significant loads by releasing electromechanical motion, is the fundamental component of the 12V linear actuator. These powerful, simple-to-install, and suitably sized 12V DC actuators are quite handy. Two wires (one positive and one negative), mounting holes on either end, and internal limit switches make up each device. 12 volt linear actuators have stroke diameters ranging from 1 inch to 24 inches, and their maximum forces can be 15 lbs, 50 lbs, or 150 lbs. The majority of manufacturers create these linear actuators with specialized sizes, currents, and speeds in order to satisfy particular client needs.

In essence, an actuator that moves linearly in a straight line is called a linear actuator. Although an actuator's fundamental purpose remains the same, there are various methods for achieving motion. From wheelchair ramps, to toys, to technological equipment for spaceships, linear actuators are used in a variety of applications.

An actuator works in a pretty straightforward manner. Depending on the performance needed, a screw, such as a lead screw, ball screw, or roller screw, is used to generate motion by rotating either clockwise or counterclockwise, which causes a nut on the screw to move and provide linear motion. Roller screws work best for strong forces, whereas ball screws are best for quick, dynamic applications requiring precision alignment. The power to turn the screw comes from the motor, which is located above the actuator.

A DC motor serves as the power source. The voltage range for a typical motor is 12V DC. The polarity of the motor can be reversed using a switch on brush DC actuators, which causes the actuator to change its motion. Control electronics are necessary for servo motors and stepper motors in order to electrically control the direction of current within the motor. Rotor feedback is also required for BLDC and servo motor commutation utilizing a Hall effect sensor or encoder.

An actuator's control electronics may be externally accessible or integrated. The speed of the actuator determines how much force is applied. Since there is a relationship between speed and force, a gearbox that reduces the actuator's speed delivers more force. The length of the screw and shaft, which determines the actuator's stroke, is one of the fundamental differences between actuators.

The gears that connect the motor to the screw determine speed. Limit or micro switches, encoders, linear potentiometers, and LVDT transformers are a few of the devices used to end an actuator's stroke. The top and bottom microswitches on the shaft are activated by the up and down movement of the screw.

Chapter 2: 12V Linear Actuator Considerations

This chapter will discuss the design considerations for linear actuators and the considerations required when choosing linear actuators.

• Power: The first factor to take into account while developing a linear actuator is power. It is important to have power in order to get mechanical power out. The force or load that has to be moved determines how much mechanical power is expended. The force (F), speed (V), and current draw (I), which decide what load the actuator will be able to move, are found in performance graphs and charts that the various manufacturers provide data on.
• The duty cycle determines how frequently and for how long the actuator will operate. Since power is lost through heat, the duty cycle is determined by the actuator's temperature while it is in motion. By adhering to the duty cycle recommendations, you can prevent motor overheating and component damage in the actuator. There is variance in the duty cycles of actuators because they are not all created equally. Age, loading characteristics, and ambient temperature are all important variables to consider that might affect duty cycle motors.

• Understanding an actuator's efficiency will help you predict how it will behave when in use. The effectiveness of a ball screw actuator will determine whether holding brakes are required. Calculating an actuator's efficiency involves dividing the mechanical power generated by the electrical power and the resulting number is its efficiency rating expressed as a percentage.

Considerations When Selecting a Linear Actuator

• It's critical to consider the sort of motion needed while analyzing the location of the actuator. Starting a procedure on a machine is different from simply opening and closing a door or valve. Actuators can move things in a circular motion or in a straight line. It is crucial to evaluate these motions and how they fit within your workflow.
• Electrical actuators have been refined and enhanced to match any application. Despite being the most well-liked and often-used type of actuator, this does not guarantee that they are suitable for all circumstances. When power is scarce or unavailable, it could be important to take a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator into account.
• Even though speed is crucial when choosing an actuator, it's also crucial to take the weight that needs to be moved into account. An actuator will move more slowly when a lot of force is needed to move a weight. An actuator measures speed in terms of distance traveled per second. By calculating the required duty cycle, you can get information that will assist you when choosing the suitable actuator for the job.

• Most actuators struggle to function in surroundings that are unclean, wet, moist, or dusty. Although there are actuators that are made to function underwater, most require some kind of cover or enclosure to function in dirty, rough, or demanding environments.
• Given that aerospace equipment needs extreme precision and accuracy, an actuator that is used to activate equipment in space may not be the best choice for heavy duty use in a factory. The type of actuator required is frequently determined by the amount of the work it used for. Operating a valve or stacking pallets, for example, may not require the same actuator as tasks performing precise,l sensitive actions.
• Delivering force in the form of work is one of an actuator's primary roles. Actuators are devices that move, lift, tilt, activate, and slide materials and objects. In order to move a weight, an actuator needs to exert a certain amount of force, which is specified by its load capacity. Manufacturers supply statistics and information on the load capacities of their products, which should be examined to see if the capacity offered is appropriate for the task.
• You might assume that you can't install an actuator because of its size or length if the area where one is required seems constrained and limited. There are actuators that are made specifically to work in small areas. Telescoping actuators come in a variety of designs from various manufacturers, and they can be used in nearly any size setting. Maximum misalignment tolerance is possible when pin-to-pin attachment is used, together with spherical bearings on both sides. Design elements of higher quality limit roll about the actuation axis by giving one of the spherical bearings only two degrees of freedom.

Chapter 3: Types of 12V Linear Actuators

The different types or orientations of linear actuators which 12V linear actuators can be found in include:

Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Linear Actuators

The fundamental task of mechanical or electromechanical linear actuators is to translate rotating motion into linear motion. They perform the conversion utilizing one of the screw, wheel and handle, or cam types typically used in linear actuators.

An AC or DC motor provides the power for mechanical linear actuators. The ball screw, roller screw, or another type of screw design is used in mechanical linear actuators of the screw type. Driven straight ahead is a revolving screw-type shaft. The shaft is turned in the desired direction by a stator assembly.

A belt, chain, rack, or cable that is attached to the shaft is used in the wheel and handle variant. This kind of linear actuator employs a variety of guide systems, including recirculating bearings, cam roller guides, and plain bearings. They are typically housed because they have long strokes and high operating speeds. The eccentrically formed wheel that revolves in the cam variant generates linear motion. A shaft is moved by the generated thrust. Automobiles typically use this kind of linear motion.

Servo Linear Actuators

A servo controller is a component of a servo linear actuator that continuously checks the actuator's state and compares desired and actual outcomes. When disparities are found, the actuator is turned on to make up for them. They are employed in automated and remote activities. An actuator that flips a switch or modifies the placement and focus of a lens is controlled by a servo linear actuator. Adjustments handled by servo linear actuators can range from moving tons of material to very minute adjustments of a fraction of an inch. A servo linear actuator's operation and output are both determined by the information it receives.

The controller evaluates the received data in comparison to the expected ideal circumstances. The data input is provided by a wide range of equipment, including various kinds of sensors. Because of its characteristics, servo linear actuators can be used in advanced automation, robotic control, beam steering applications, remote-controlled vehicles, marine applications, and aerospace manufacturing. Servo linear actuators are becoming increasingly commonplace and essential as a result of manufacturing's technological improvements.

Lead Screw Linear Actuators

Lead screw linear actuators are made to provide linear motion from rotary motor rotation. A lead screw actuator's thread profile and rolled thread structure provide great strength and efficiency. A lead screw actuator's nut must be constructed from low-friction materials or a lubricated metal.

With several motor types, including stepper motors, a lead screw actuator can be used for open loop control. Linear actuators powered by brushless DC motors are available in a variety of sizes and offer excellent speed efficiency at a reasonable price.

A threaded rod and a corresponding nut are part of the lead screw actuator's construction. The motor turns either the rod or the nut by mounting them directly, connecting them through gears or a belt, or both. The component that has to be moved is connected to the element that is not a part of the motor.

Electric Linear Actuators

Electric linear actuators are machinery that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to produce linear motion. This type of linear actuator is frequently used with valves that are powered by an outside source. Electric linear actuators often use single-phase, three-phase, AC, or DC motors as their actuation methods.

The same fundamental elements are found in the majority of electric linear actuators. In many instances, these parts consist of an electric motor, a screw, a nut, and gears. When the nut rotates along the screw in an electric actuator, it enables the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy. Electric rotary actuators spin from open to closure using butterfly, ball, and plug valves.

Pneumatic Linear Actuators

Similar to hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators move a piston using air pressure rather than a fluid. In a pneumatic linear actuator, the piston is housed inside a cylinder and is sufficiently large enough to create a tight seal against the cylinder walls. The piston must rise when pressurized air enters the cylinder housing. In a pneumatic linear actuator, the size of the piston and the pressure of the compressed gas determine how much force is applied.

The strength of the actuator rises when the piston is under more pressure. This procedure is clear-cut, easy to follow, and it is finished swiftly and effectively with pneumatic linear actuators. Pneumatic linear actuators can be utilized to make electrical and microprocessor components because they are not sensitive to magnetic force. They can function between -40°F and 250°F and are adaptive to environments with drastic temperature variations. They have no explosive or incendiary potential since they do not produce magnetic interference.

Ball Screw Linear Actuators

Ball screw actuators, also known as drive screws, turn rotary motion into mechanical energy by using a combination of a ball screw and ball nut. This produces mechanical linear motion. Due to their close production tolerances and the incompressibility of the ball bearings, they are extremely accurate and precise.

Ball screw actuators are extremely robust and can last 5,000 km at moderate loads and speeds or 3,000 km at high loads and speeds. The pitch of the actuator controls its speed. The screw lead, which establishes the linear travel of the ball nut per rotation of the screw, is the screw pitch multiplied by the quantity of threads.

Ball screw linear actuators with a lower screw lead create more linear thrust, whereas those with a higher screw pitch move a nut more axially and more quickly for a given screw rpm. Using a belt, direct, or worm gear drive, the ball bearings move in opposing, hardened rod tracks or grooves that are carved out inside the axially translating ball nut at a specific helix angle.

Ball screw linear actuators are employed in the manufacture of aircraft, missiles, and laboratory and medical apparatus. They can be found in dialysis machines and blood separation devices' pumps. They can withstand larger dynamic loads and transform a motor's torque into thrust.

Hydraulic Linear Actuators

The components of a hydraulic motor, including a cylinder, a piston, and an incompressible liquid that exerts uneven pressure on the piston, are shared by hydraulic linear actuators. Hydraulic linear actuators are typically used when a lot of force is required and applications that require the most mechanical energy from linear actuators use them. These linear actuators are used in the lifting mechanisms of machines that can lift tons of material.

There is a very good chance that the machinery contains a hydraulic linear actuator wherever significant lifting, or the transportation of huge goods, is required. A hydraulic linear actuator obtains its power from fluid. The actuator's movement can be adjusted by altering the fluid level. Different types of oils have been created for this purpose. Hydraulic linear actuators feature outstanding accuracy and dependability, just like all other linear actuators. They may be made to move like an arm to push and pull a machine's appendages since they are nimble and adaptive.

Chapter 4: Advantages and Applications of 12V Linear Actuators

This chapter will discuss the applications and advantages of linear actuators inclusive of 12V linear actuators.

Applications of Linear Actuators

The following applications are suited for 12v linear actuators:

• Auto components
• Kitchenware
• The maritime and aviation sectors
• Knobs and doors
• Drawers and manually-operated gadgets
• Computer accessories
• Dampers and valves
• Pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders

Other applications of linear actuators include:

• Solar panel use has increased at the same time that efforts to develop alternative energy sources have. Traditional solar panels employ hydraulics or other similar technologies, but more recent developments have improved the efficiency of solar energy harvesting. In order to increase the quantity of direct absorption, solar panels can track the sun using electric linear actuators. These practical devices can also resist the hot and demanding working conditions while absorbing more solar energy. So, the most efficient use of solar panel users' money is to install linear actuators. Even high-pressure jets, debris, and dust are no match for linear actuators.
• The many applications for a linear actuator have increased workplace automation. It reduces production costs while streamlining manufacturing. For the best material handling, electric linear actuators have evolved into a crucial and essential instrument. Loads are moved from point A to point B via linear actuators. The capacity to halt the action mid-stroke is an additional feature of the electromechanical version. Industrial, high-speed, and micro models are a few of the other kinds of actuators used in material handling.

• Sorting devices, feed mechanisms, and clamps are a few examples of the obvious applications for various linear actuators. A more specific illustration is the combination of conveyor belts served by pneumatic linear actuators. Since an electric actuator doesn't hinder control skills, meanwhile, it offers more efficiency for other applications.
• Without linear valve actuators, which convert electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic energy into a push and pull motion, modern industry would not be conceivable. An appealing alternative to manual operation is provided by these reasonably priced products. With optional capabilities for integrated control, they use a variety of rising stem valves. Actuators with a diaphragm and a piston are the two main models. A strip of rubber that encircles the edges of a cylinder or chamber is present in the diaphragm version. They are best used in low-pressure environments since their diaphragm's connecting rod moves when the device is under pressure. A piston moves along the cylinder's body in piston actuators. The valve opens and closes as a result of the rod's translation of force applied to the piston. Compared to diaphragm actuators, piston actuators can move further, generate more thrust, and endure higher pressure demands.
• Robotic movement is made feasible by linear actuators. They give robotic technology the wheels, clamps, arms, and legs needed to interact with its surroundings. Take into consideration a robotic arm with a gripper at the end. A sensor tells the arm to clasp the box in position A when the operator clicks a button. The box is moved to position B by the clamp, which secures it there before releasing it to the specified work area or conveyor belt. The linear actuator is what makes the gripping mechanism function. When the clamp reaches the necessary restrictions, it communicates with the smart technology and maintains it to prevent the package from dropping or shifting during travel. A linear actuator is an improved, and more dependable, alternative to a hydraulic actuator.
• Linear actuators protect people since they assist machines that take on laborious or dangerous occupations that call for more stamina and strength than people possess. For example, linear actuators power many devices which perform countless cutting operations while assuring perfect cuts are created with every slice. Cutting devices for wood, glass, metal, and paper are frequent applications for large linear actuators. The actuator's setup will determine whether the blade cuts jigsaw patterns or straight lines. The same is true for cutting metal, which calls for a lot of mechanical strength. Machines employing linear actuators also keep people safer by limiting their exposure to dangerous, unhealthy environments.
• High levels of automation are needed in the food and beverage industry nowadays because of its industrial scale to meet demand. To achieve prompt delivery, manufacturers must streamline the processing, handling, packing, and other procedures. These actions are made possible in large part by linear actuators.The desire for automated sanitation is frequently connected to the processing of food and beverages. For dairy and beverage industries, rod-style linear actuator devices are the best choice since they keep production areas clean. Additionally, one of the underrated advantages of linear actuators in a cutting environment is cleanliness.The quantity of trash and debris that would otherwise slow down manufacturing is significantly decreased, while also helping to maintain a sterile environment by the precise cuts provided by linear actuators. Due to their adaptability and range of profile options, electric rod-style linear actuators are perfect for various food processing instruments. The likelihood of contamination is decreased while efficiency is increased using linear actuators. They can also be found in commonplace applications related to food production like conveyors and bag makers.
• Because of linear actuators, modern agricultural equipment is now more dependable than ever. In addition to withstanding adverse weather conditions and exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, the gadgets help farmers, workers, and other employees complete a variety of agricultural jobs. The fields are where linear actuators start. For extensive and reliable coverage, they provide operators control over the height and angle of sprayers. Actuators can help open and close hatches while reducing the complexity of equipment operation systems. Tractors have linear actuators to enhance productivity and decrease labor; an actuator controls ventilation, adjusts the rearview windows into the proper operational position, and provides precise steering wheel adjustments. Operators may boost control of their tractors without compromising performance thanks to the simple integrations. Both combine harvesters and seed drills use many of the same mechanisms. When planting seeds, drills need to be precise in order for farmers to maximize efficiency and reduce loss. Through the incorporation of linear actuators in grain tank extensions, grain tank coverings, and concave adjustments, combine harvesters gain from the seamless functionality they provide.
• Linear actuators are a component found in cutting-edge medical technology. Lifting patients is a crucial task for healthcare workers, and beds and recliners with linear actuators make this task simpler. The bed's height can be simply changed by nurses to accommodate a patient's therapy. Linear actuators are also used to change the height of monitoring equipment like ventilators and temperature control devices.
• Every component of spacecraft must be used to its fullest potential while minimizing weight. Micro linear actuators are useful for controlling robotics and doing little jobs while saving space. They are used for tracking, fastening locking systems, opening and closing valves, and moving robotic arms.
• Powered tailgates are one of the most typical applications for linear actuators in automobiles. Self-opening and -closing tailgates are becoming very common and practical. Additionally, side doors and air brakes are opened and closed by linear actuators.

Advantages of Linear Actuators

• Electric linear actuators only draw energy from electrical sources. The healthcare and medical industries favor these actuators because they can't contaminate anything and don't produce any by-products when used. High-pressure fluids travel through hoses in hydraulic systems, and these hoses must be kept in good condition. Products or the facility itself may become contaminated if one component is broken. Pneumatic actuators, meanwhile, use compressed air that can release pollutants into the surrounding area.
• As a self-contained unit positioned where motion is needed, an electric linear actuator is then connected to the system controller by a short wire. It requires less room than its competitors to operate effectively. As a result, users have additional options when integrating this type of actuator into the space. In comparison, a hydraulic actuator system with the same capabilities would typically require more space since it has more components. A reservoir with a motor needs to be linked through hoses to the main actuator. Planning carefully would be necessary to allocate room for these units, especially for those who have smaller facilities.
• When looking for actuators, noise pollution is another aspect to take into account. Hydraulic systems may produce more power, but because of their powerful motors, they are also noisier. Because of the noise they create when in use, this is the main reason why many people refer to them as "bang-bang" devices. Silent electrical motors are used in electric actuators.
• Since users won't need to deal with pumps and hoses with linear actuators, assembly will be simpler. They merely need simple wiring to be installed. This streamlined assembly procedure allows for a quicker integration into the facility's complete ecosystem. As a result of the time saved, labor costs are also decreased.
• Aside from being simple to install in a facility, an electric linear actuator is also very simple to interface with other equipment and systems. It is simpler to program the controllers that control the facility's machinery than it is to do it with a hydraulic or pneumatic system.
• Owners don't need to have a large supply of spare parts on hand because this type of actuator has few components. Since it's simpler to install, run, and maintain, one can also save labor costs. Finally, since it uses less energy than others, users won't need to invest much. Electric linear actuators can now be found in a variety of sizes thanks to technological advancements. But since they all have a motor, gears, and a leadscrew, they are all essentially the same machine. The size of the internal motor is the only thing that varies. This is one way that this device can be applied in several sectors. Some incorporate it into goods like lift desks, while others employ it in manufacturing and heavy equipment.
• It is unlikely that an accident will occur when a skilled operator is in total control, but it is always preferable to take safety measures. Electric linear actuators excel in this situation. Limit switches are typically included with these actuators. When it reaches full extension and retraction, they are intended to signal the drive to stop motion. When a machine hits its limit, limit switches help prevent the unit from halting. The motors will continue to run if it stalls until they burn out.
• A linear actuator can work for more than 200 million cycles before needing to be changed. With applications finished with outstanding accuracy and efficiency, it won't need to be fixed, adjusted, or given any kind of maintenance during those millions of cycles.
• Linear actuators make motion safe, secure, and precise, especially when users pair them with sensors or other intelligent technologies. This combination enables employees to finish previously repetitious jobs with little physical assistance.

Conclusion

In order to lift, lower, slide, or tilt machines or materials, a linear actuator converts rotational motion into push or pull linear motion. They provide clean, safe, and effective motion control that doesn't require any maintenance. 12 Volt DC voltage sources are used to power 12 Volt linear actuators. The three different varieties of linear actuators are the screw, wheel and handle, and cam. The kind of screw is determined by the upward and downward motion of the screw winding and unwinding. Benefits, design considerations and applications need to be understood when choosing 12V linear actuators.