ML Miniature Linear Actuator Series

ML Miniature Linear Actuator Series
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ML Miniature Linear Actuator Series

Driven to excel in confined systems

The ML Series are the smallest and most compact line of linear actuators offered by PBC Linear. With actuator stroke lengths available up to 650 mm (25.6 in), this design incorporates feature advancements not offered by other competitors in this size range of actuators. Three (3) models are available:

  • MLB – with integrated motor
  • MLC – motor mount only
  • MLD – hand driven knob or shaft


Easy Flush Mounting for the ML Miniature Linear Actuator Series

The distinctive outer profile of the anodized aluminum housing makes use of dovetail slots on all sides making installation quick and easy, allowing this actuator to be mounted more commonly from its underside or uniquely from its side. This feature increases the users options for mounting, highlighting its flexibility while being ideal for mounting orthogonally in gantry style applications. The dovetail slot design also helps to eliminate the potential for loose mounting by inducing tension when tightening it down with its wedge style clamping (being superior to the conventional square T-slot toe clamp), thereby holding its grip through strenuous forces and vibrations over long cycling. The actuators outer precision machined surfaces, processed through our patent pending SIMO® (Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation) process, provide for flush mounting on any of its four sides to facilitate a qualified and clean installation.

Linear motion is provided through the use of lead screws.

The user can choose from a wide selection of screw leads (from 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 25 mm and 1.5 in) to offer the optimum velocities needed for the application. The diameter of our lead screws are of the largest available in the industry for actuators of this size, which help to overcome the detriments of the phenomenon known as ‘critical speed’. The lead screws are Teflon coated to increase life while lowering friction and drag on the motor.

A wide range of motor sizes are available

The ML Miniature Actuator Series come in 20 mm (NEMA 8), 28 mm (NEMA 11), 35 mm (NEMA 14), Metric 40, 42 mm (NEMA 17) and 56/58 mm (NEMA 23). Our actuators incorporate two independent thrust bearings which help to guarantee long life and reliability by keeping the thrust forces of the load out of the motor.

High Load Linear Actuator

To help keep the system compact, the slider (carriage) has an integrated screw nut. Being composed of PTFE impregnated polymer and having six plane bearing surfaces per side, our slider offers one of the highest load capacities for an actuator of this design type. The load capacity exceeds our competitions even when their system uses an external linear support rail. The geometry for the slider top surface is offered with a standard flat top or dovetail mount which aids in mounting alignment and holds the part in position during assembly. Threaded brass inserts ensure a secure and tight mount to its top surface. The system is available either with an anti-backlash nut having thrust capacity of 89 N (20 lbf) or with a standard nut having thrust capacity up to 267 N (60 lbf).

Additions are available

A seal strip can be added which facilitates its use in environments of high contamination and in medical applications, by keeping dirt and grime out of the system while also keeping particulates from exiting the unit. For systems requiring higher moment capacity, a single or double external linear guide system can be added.

Performance
  • Stroke lengths up to 650 mm (25.6 in)
  • Single carriage load up to 178 N (40 lbf)
  • Maximum moments up to 10 Nm (88 lb•in)* [*with optional external rails]
  • Speeds up to 1.9 m/s (75 in/s)
  • Repeatability ± 0.02 mm (± 0.0008 in)* [*with anti-backlash nut]

Hard Coat Anodized Aluminum Housing
  • Strong yet lightweight
  • Precision machined profile – qualified mounting surfaces on all four sides and internal slide profile using SIMO®...± 0.025 mm (± 0.001 in/ft)
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Usable as a structural component in larger systems

Polymer Slider (Carriage)
  • Standard flat top or dovetail design offered
  • PTFE impregnated polymer for low stick-slip
  • High load capability – achieved by utilizing 6 angular plane surfaces per side
  • Threaded brass inserts for strength anchor the mounting screws

Lead Screw Driven
  • Teflon coated for low friction and long life
  • High accuracy and repeatability
  • High load
  • Moderate speed

Motor (Options)
  • Stepper motor
  • Servo motor
  • NEMA and metric sizes

Dovetail Slots for Mounting
  • Integrated in actuator housing on all four sides
  • Provides greater clamping stability than regular flat toe clamp method
  • Direct sensor mounting

Accessories & Additional Options:
  • Dust seal strip (requires additional bracket)
  • Standard or Anti-backlash nut
  • One or two external linear guide supports
  • Manual driven (knob or hand crank)
  • Servo or Stepper motor (High torque available)
  • Controllers
  • Motor mounts & couplings
  • Parallel motor mount, pulleys & belt
  • Straight gear reducer
  • Sensors & mounting
  • Cable carrier
  • Mounting brackets (for surface mounting, end mounting, carriage to carriage mounting, side to side mounting, gantry configurations)

Target Market
  • Medical industry
  • Pharmaceutical & bio-tech applications
  • Gantry systems