MTB Linear Actuator | FAQs

Yes, MTB actuators can back drive in certain circumstances unless their drive train is designed to prevent it. MTB actuators are highly efficient, utilizing belts and pulleys to drive the carriage and linear guides with ball bearings to maintain linear motion. For example, in a vertical application with a weight load on the MTB carriage, the carriage may drop if power is removed from the drive motor unless a brake or other device is installed.

Yes, MTB actuators can be used in vertical applications. A brake on the drive motor or other device may be required to prevent a weight load from dropping if power is removed from the drive motor.

Yes, motor mounts are available for MTB actuators. Contact PBC Linear application engineers for more details.

Yes, users can specify the side for the male drive shaft or request a male drive shaft on both sides of the actuator.

Yes, the MTB042, MTB055, MTB080, and MTB105 models can be ordered with hollow drive shafts.

The maximum length is 6000 mm. For lengths exceeding 1500 mm, consult PBC Linear engineers.

Yes, MTB actuators can be supplied with multiple carriages, all moving in the same direction. The number of carriages and their spacing must be specified at the time of order. Opposing movements in the same actuator are not possible.

Yes, multi-axes systems can be created by mounting the body of one MTB actuator to the carriage(s) of another. Contact PBC Linear engineers for information on mounting plates.

Inside the MTB actuators, there is a linear guide rail and bearing blocks to guide the actuator’s carriage. Lubrication should periodically be applied to the linear guide rails to keep the ball bearings and raceways lubricated. The frequency of lubrication will depend on the duty cycle, speed, and load. The guide rails can be accessed by removing the holders of the seal strips at the end of the actuator and moving the seal strip. The belt can be flexed out of the way to allow grease to be applied to the rail beneath it.

Yes, sensors can be installed in the t-slots on the sides of the MTB actuators to sense carriage positions. Mounting brackets for barrel-style proximity sensors can also be mounted to the t-slots. Contact PBC Linear engineers for more details and part numbers.

Yes, users can request or install connections for pressurized air. However, the air pressure and flow rate must be controlled carefully. Excess pressure or flow will cause the seal strip to rise off the magnets that hold it to the actuator body.

A 400 series stainless steel is used to ensure compatibility with the magnetic strips along the opening.

Currently, the female (hollow) shaft version is not timed between the hollow shaft and the pulley. However, the male shaft version maintains timing because the internal and external keyways are manufactured simultaneously. In the future, the female shaft version will also be manufactured with timed keyways.