Tech Guide: What are Linear Actuators?

There are four main types of linear actuators: hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and mechanical. Hydraulic linear actuators rely on compressed fluid for movement while compressed air powers pneumatic actuators. PBC Linear specializes in electric and mechanical linear actuators meaning our actuators are driven by lead screws, ball screws, and belt drives as well as options for motor driven systems.

We offer a variety of carriage types, drive components and motor options so customers can customize the linear actuator solution that is best suited for their linear motion application. 

Carriage Options: 

• Plain Bearings: Self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® surfaces ensure maintenance-free operation with smooth, quiet performance, vibration damping, shock resistance, and contamination resistance. 
• Cam Roller: High-speed capability with support for cantilevered loads, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel raceways, and contamination resistance. 
• Profile Rail: High precision, rigidity, and speed, offering increased stiffness, preloaded bearings, and low friction for enhanced support of cantilevered loads. 
  

Drive Options: 

• Lead Screw: Delivers precise, smooth, and quiet operation with self-lubricating and maintenance-free properties, available with standard or anti-backlash nuts. 
• Ball Screw: Designed for high-load applications, providing stiffness and support for cantilevered loads with various accuracy classes and preloaded nuts. 
• Belt Drive: Ideal for high-speed, long-stroke tasks, offering contamination protection and minimal maintenance with lubrication-free operation. 
  

Motor Options: 

• Integrated Lead Screw Stepper: Compact design eliminates the need for a coupler, reducing overall cost. 
• Servo & Step Servo: High torque density, low inertia, and IoT compatibility for enhanced performance. 
• Integrated Stepper (Smart): Space-saving design with built-in motor and drive, reducing wiring complexity and enabling IoT support. 
• Hand Crank/Wheel: Cost-effective option for short-stroke, low-duty applications.  

More aboutthe wide range of linear actuators offered by PBC Linear. 

Every linear actuator is a device which converts some type of rotary force and applies it to achieve an in-line or linear movement. This force could be coming from a hand crank or electric motor transferred through some type of screw for example. This motion can be used to move, position, or control various mechanical systems in applications ranging from industrial machinery to medical equipment. 

Linear actuators are advanced systems built with high-precision components and a durable design, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. Their superior technology and engineering contribute to the higher cost, but they offer significant value. Most linear actuators are ready to use right out of the box, requiring minimal modifications, which helps reduce downtime and saves on installation costs, providing a seamless, plug-and-play solution for customers. 

Simplified and Flexible Mechanical Design

Combining the mechanical, electrical, and control elements of engineering creates a simplified design that is flexible and more user friendly. A one-unit, compact design reduces the number of components as well as space needed for installation. Less components means less labor invested, reduced time spent in setup and maintenance, and maximized operational uptime.

Optimized Performance, Productivity and Reliability

In a variety of situations, linear actuators have proven to be a more reliable solution due to their enhanced features and functionality. For example, in the internet of things (IoT), linear actuators provide the following benefits:

• Reduced Troubleshooting
  With fewer components and less wire connections, the job of tracing down problems that may arise is greatly reduced.
• Streamlined Commissioning
  Pre-programmed homing routines and distributed control reduces installation times and allows report progress via internet connectivity. It also allows an operator to make in-process adjustments at an individual axis without affecting the PLC or entire production line.
• Automated Adjustments
  Increase manufacturing flexibility and speed. In addition, adaptive control is possible with conditions monitored and adjustments made locally, in real time, and right at the actuator level, without having to route instructions through the PLC.

Combining various engineering subfields into the same design not only makes it safer, more efficient, and cost effective. Examples of efficiency and cost effectiveness of mechatronics in an IoT environment include:

• Maximized Uptime
  Real time monitoring of temperatures, friction, motor torque, and other performance related data can be routed to a mobile device allowing the human decision maker to proactively handle issues related to maximizing machine uptime.
• Preventative Maintenance
  Established timeframes for periodic maintenance based on cycles, number of pieces run, or other dynamic conditions can be monitored and reported to any IoT connected device such as a work station, tablet, or mobile phone, allowing teams to proactively keep machine running at peak efficiency.
• Increased Output
  Mechatronics solutions drive greater flexibility, less down time, increased performance, and greater bottom-line output for manufacturers, assembly lines, packaging equipment, and production equipment.