Complete Guide to Linear Actuators
Complete Guide to Linear Actuators
Linear Actuators are commonly used in Bionic Hands/Arms, Wearable Wings, and other bionic and animatronic based projects along with many home automation applications. Here is our complete guide to finding the right linear actuator for your need.
Applications
Instantaneous Push and Pull Motion: Solenoids are the perfect type of actuator when you need instant push/pull motion to push switches, or control valves.
Slow and Controlled Linear Motion: Linear Actuators which can be used with a micro-controller signal are better for linear motion that can be controlled in millimeters/centimeters and have progressive controlled motion. Linear Actuators can be further categorized on the basis of Control Method, Stroke Length, and Max Force that they can handle.
Control Method
R Series: These have standard hobby-type remote-control digital servo (3-pin) interface which is compatible with most RC receivers. These can be operated via Arduino IDE using the in-built Arduino servo library.
S Series: These actuators are operated by reversing polarity on the actuator’s leads (2-pin). Limit switches turn off the unit if it runs into its end stop. It can be run with either a DPDT switch or relay, and are perfect for home or vehicular automation projects.
P Series: These actuators have no built-in controller, but provide an analog position feedback signal (5-pin) that can be input to an external controller like the Linear Actuator Control (LAC) Board [Link] to give them the ability to be controlled via USB (using Utility Software [Link]), 0-3.3V/5V, 4-20mA, RC Servo or PWM. On board adjustment of speed, sensitivity, stroke limits as well as stall protection are available via the LAC.
I Series: Controlled through the on-board software-based digital internal micro-controller. It configures itself for 1 of 4 input modes depending on which leads (6-pin) are plugged in on power up. The available input modes are: RC servo, 0-5v, 4-20mA or PWM.
OS Series: This actuator comes with optical sensor feedback and has no built-in controller, but provides single phase pulses as position feedback signal that can be input to an external controller such as an Arduino.
PO Series: These actuators are equipped with a built-in Bourns potentiometers so you can determine the position of the actuator at any point in time. To connect the Feedback Actuators to a reading device we recommend using an Arduino board. The potentiometer feedback runs on a 10K ohm 3-wire system, and the linear actuator is controlled by a two wire system where reversing the polarity will retract the actuator; this system is easily wired to circuit boards for intelligent control, as well as relays, switches, and more.
S20 Series: The S20 is a rod-style actuator which rather than using a DC motor and gearbox, consists of a NEMA 8 stepper motor mounted directly to the actuator shaft. The S20 offers high-precision positioning in a very compact package that is ideal for mounting in tight spaces.
Stroke Length (in milli-meter)
L12 model comes in 4 different control types: R, S, P, I and has stroke length options of 10mm (for S/P types only), 30mm, 50mm, and 100mm.
L12 EV3 model is the Lego NXT / Lego EV3 kit compatible version of the L12 actuator and has stroke length options of 50mm and 100mm.
L16 model comes in 3 different control types: R, S, P and has stroke length options of 50mm, 100mm, and 140mm.
PQ12 model comes in 3 different control types: R, S, P and has only 20mm stroke length option.
P16 model comes in 2 different control types: S, P and has stroke length options of 50mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm
S20 model has stroke length options of 15mm, 30mm, 50mm, and 100mm.
T16 model comes in 2 different control types: S, P; and has stroke length options of 100mm, 200mm, and 300mm.
FA-OS model has stroke length options of 1"(25.4mm), 3"(76.2mm), 6"(152.4mm), 9"(228.6mm), 12"(304.8mm), 18"(457.2mm), 24"(609.6mm), and 30"(762mm).
FA-PO model has stroke length options of 2"(50.8mm), 3"(76.2mm), 4"(101.6mm), 6"(152.4mm), 8"(203.2), 12"(304.8mm).
Force (in Newton)
L12: 22N, 42N, 80N.
L16: 50N, 100N, 200N.
PQ12: 18N, 45N, 50N.
P16: 50N, 90N, 300N.
S20: 6-15N depending on speed.
T16: 50N, 90N, 300N.
FA-OS: 35lb(155N), 200lb(889N), 400lb(1779N).
FA-PO: 35lb(155N), 150lb(667N), 200lb(889N).
How to Find the right Linear Actuator on RoboRium
Option 1: Type any of the models (L12, L16, PQ12, P16, S20, T16, or FA) above in the search box on the top of the website by clicking on the Search icon (on top right below the cart) if you already know what you are looking for.
Option 2: Visit the page for Linear Actuators under Motors in the Interfaces Menu [Click Here]. And on the left you will see an option to "Filter By" using Linear Actuator Control type, Stroke Length, Force, and Voltage options. Select the right one for you and click on "Refine Search" to see the options that satisfy your requirements.
Calculate force required (in Newton) for the weight of the object you intend to lift/move when the weight is in kilograms (kgs) [Click Here] or in pounds (lbs) [Click Here]. For reference, force required to lift 1kg of weight = 9.8N, and to lift 1lb of weight = 4.45N.
Need an actuator of a custom specification in bulk? Click here to email us your requirement.