Selecting the optimal linear actuator or pneumatic air motor to power mechanical movement in industrial equipment requires careful consideration. The component must align with key specifications and environments to achieve reliable automation performance. This article provides guidance on properly sizing these technologies for your unique application needs.
Defining Your Linear Actuation Requirements
Before selecting a linear actuator, clarify details regarding:
Load Capacity
What amount of push/pull force is needed? Consider weight of objects being moved, inclination angles, friction resistance and other factors that impact the force requirement. Heavier loads demand more powerful actuators to avoid overload issues.
Stroke Length & Speed
Over what distance and at what velocities will the linear motion occur? Short, quick strokes or long, slower extensions? The actuator’s stroke length range and speed/power rating must accommodate your work envelope and pace demands.
Duty Cycle
Will the actuator movement be intermittent or continuous? Light duty cycles simply require meeting peak load capacity and speeds. More frequent cycling necessitates an actuator rated for higher duty to avoid overheating and premature wear.
Environmental Conditions
Will the actuator be exposed to dust, moisture, vibration, shocks, explosions or other hazards? Specialty actuators with protective housings, filters and intrinsic safety ratings suit these demanding situations.
Control Interface
What level of movement control do you require? Basic open/close actuators have simpler interfaces, while programmable motorized actuators enable positioning flexibility via automated control systems.
Clarifying these key criteria steers you toward the most sensible linear actuation configurations.
Pneumatic vs. Electric vs. Hydraulic
The three most common actuator power sources – pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic – each have pros and cons to weigh:
Pneumatic:
- Simple, clean, efficient power
- Good for hazardous areas
- Lower hardware costs
- Limited force capacity
- Requires compressed air infrastructure
Electric:
- Precise programmable control
- Higher speeds & forces
- Eco-friendly
- Less maintenance
- More expensive hardware
- Not intrinsic safety rated
Hydraulic:
- Extreme heavy load capacity
- Long stroke lengths achievable
- High starting torque
- More maintenance
- Infrastructure requirements
- Higher costs
- Messy oil leaks
The optimal choice depends on your performance priorities and budget. Skillful sizing and selection squarely targets your application needs.
Air Motor Selection Considerations
As with linear actuators, matching air motor capabilities to application requirements saves headaches down the road:
Torque & Power Needs
What rotational force output is required? Can a small fractional horsepower motor fulfill it, or is a large 5HP+ motor necessary? Consider gearing reductions if the torque demand exceeds motor capabilities.
Speed Control Precision
Do you require precise velocity regulation, frequent speed adjustments, or a constant pace? The motor technology – vane, piston or turbine – and onboard control interface must provide this.
Environment & Duty Cycle
Will the motor withstand high temperatures, volatility, moisture or debris if so? Is it cycling frequently or in continuous motion? High duty cycle, harsh conditions dictate more ruggedized constructions.
Sound Levels
Noise is a byproduct of compressed air exhaust. If sound levels need to remain low, note dB ratings during motor selection. Mufflers can further reduce noise.
Getting the specifications right ensures your air motor adequately powers mechanisms with ample torque, speed regulation and durability.
Popular Linear Actuator Models
The following electric linear actuators cover a range of industrial capacities worth consideration:
Rollco STS Series – Compact & Mighty
The STS series of ISO standard rod-style actuators pack impressive power in small frames for their class. Available in 12, 24 and 36VDC configurations spanning 44lb to 3300lb push/pull force, they suit light assembly automation to heavy lifting tasks. Ball screws and lead screws pair with stepper, servo or DC motors. IP65 ratings protect against dust ingress.
Exlar GSM Servo Motor Actuators – Dynamic & Programmable
When high precision positioning and speed control are essential, these high performance actuators shine. Onboard servo motors and controllers enable dynamic thrust up to 7400 lbf, with accelerations exceeding 60 G’s! Aftermarket modifications like brakes suit impact applications. Feedback devices provide position verification.
Tolomatic RSA Rod Style Actuators – Heavy Load Handling
Hefty loads moving slowly over longer strokes are no problem for these ruggedactuators. Ballscrew RSA’s manage thrust capacities approaching 100,000 lbfwith near perfect efficiencies! Large diameter ballscrews, roller guides and beefymotor drives provide this muscle. Customization options abound.
Recommended Air Motors
Gast AT Vane Air Motors – Light Duty & Compact
Capable of providing constant torque at high speeds with low noise, these fractional horsepower motors excel for light duty indexing and control applications.Available from 1/500 – 1/4 HP, encased in protective metal housing, they standup well to workshop conditions. Inline mufflers reduce exhaust noise.
Globe IP66 Turbine Air Motors – Rugged & Powerful
When exposed to moisture or particles, hazardous environments, or heavy shock loads, these specially constructed turbine style motors endure it. IP66 rating protect against dust/debris and high pressure spray downs.From 1⁄4 – 25+ HP power levels suitmost heavy material handling demands.
FIAM PB Series Piston Motors – Control Freaks
Serious speed/torque regulation is this motor’s specialty thanks to an efficient piston design.the onboard throttle valve adjustment enables accurate control of speed/torque curves to suit variable application needs.Rugged grey iron housings allow mounting in any orientation.Fractional to 3 HP models available
Why Flexible Assembly for Actuation Solutions?
For over 30 years Flexible Assembly has equipped manufacturers with an immense selection of linear actuators and pneumatic components backed by stellar customer service. Here is what sets us apart:
1. Extensive In-Stock Selection
Our vast inventory includes popular electric rod actuators ready to ship today. Or select custom air motor and actuator packages tailored to your unique specifications, like stroke length, mountings and controllers calibrated per your application. Inventory levels and quick lead times prevent costly lag.
2. Top Brand Name Suppliers
From Exlar servo motor actuators displaying superior precision control to Gast’s quiet and reliable air motors, you’ll find leading quality suppliers under one roof. This saves sourcing and compatibility headaches. Ask us to recommend models suiting performance goals.
3. Value Value Added Services
Beyond quality components at reasonable prices, tap into our complimentary application engineering expertise for sizing assistance and integration help. We can walk thru calculations or controls programming, recommend accessories like shock absorbers or load limit switches, and ensure optimal function. Consider us an extension of your project team.
The Bottom Line
Specifying the correct linear actuator and pneumatic air motor is fundamental to creating reliably performing automation. Carefully assessing your load capacity, control interface, duty cycle and environmental needs against available product specs allows confident selection. Simplify the process by tapping into Flexible Assembly’s extensive experience outfitting manufacturers with actuation components explicitly meeting demands. Contact us to keep your next application running smoothly 24/7!
