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What is an actuator? Linear rail actuator and what applications do they suit?
20/10/2020

What is an actuator? Linear rail actuator and what applications do they suit?

Linear rail actuators are commonly found across a range of industries and are used to move loads from one point to another. Linear rail actuators offer an advantage over other linear actuators by providing a high-rigidity, four-way equal load-carrying ability. We take a look at what is an actuator, linear motion systems, how a linear rail actuator works, and applications they might be used in.

What is an actuator?

An actuator is designed to move a load, usually powered by hydraulics, pneumatics, or electricity. Applications for actuators vary from enormous earth-moving equipment in a construction or mining setting to tiny precision movements required in the manufacture of electronic components.

A linear actuator is designed to move loads in straight lines: forward and/or backwards, up and/or down. Linear motion systems are often powered by hydraulics or pneumatics, as these inherently produce linear motion; however, where precision and control over acceleration and deceleration are required, electric motors are often used to create linear motion from a rotating motor.

Linear rail actuators

A linear rail actuator is a rodless actuator that uses single or parallel rails for the motion guide rather than a solid body like a standard linear actuator. A linear rail actuator is made up of a stationary base and load-bearing carriage that travel along a rigid rail, usually aluminium. One of the more common rail actuators found in linear motion systems is a linear ball screw actuator.

What is a linear ball screw actuator?

A linear ball screw is a mechanical type of linear rail actuator. A threaded shaft provides a helical raceway for ball bearings contained within the load mount. They have very low internal friction and are built to high precision, providing excellent accuracy and repeatability. The reduced friction means they have a much higher mechanical efficiency than a standard screw and nut combination. A linear ball screw actuator unit is also capable of carrying greater loads and achieving a higher thrust force than other types of linear actuators.

Benefits of a linear rail actuator

  • Complete end-to-end axial stability
  • Precise accuracy
  • Contact angle of 45 degrees so that it will bear an equal load in radial, reversed radial and lateral direction
  • Loads are easy to attach to the carriage
  • Smooth movements
  • Low noise output
  • Self-alignment capability
  • Available in specialist configurations such as wide load and heavy load capability, reduced height, miniature and compact options

Applications for linear rail actuators

Linear motion systems are used in many industrial settings, and the rail configuration found in linear rail actuators lends itself to high stiffness for stability and low-friction guidance, with loads ranging from very lightweight at just a few grams to thousands of kilograms. They are also not limited in travel length compared to other linear actuators. This makes them applicable to almost any industrial environment where loads must be moved in a straight line over distances. Some examples of applications for linear rail actuators are:

Overhead transport systems

Loads can be centred beneath the rail and bearing block, transporting heavy loads around a factory setting.

Machine tool

Travel accuracy and stability are key to machine tool requirements, often combined with heavy loads. This makes a linear rail actuator ideal, particularly where dual rails are used to ensure the minimum deflection.

Gantry robots

Often with two or three rail axis working in parallel to ensure greater moment capability, gantry—or Cartesian—robots use rails, often with a linear ball screw actuator, to enable movement across the X, Y, and Z-axis. These devices are found in many industrial plants and used in packaging and semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Processing environments

Electrical linear rail actuators are both clean and quiet, making them ideal for industries such as food and drink, medical device manufacturing, and electrical manufacturing. Linear rail actuators have few places for bacteria or dirt to accumulate and will manage the clean-down process without issue.

Find linear rail actuator solutions at Matara

Matara is an expert in linear motion systems, with nearly 25 years in the industry. We offer a complete solution for a wide range of environments and applications. We have a variety of linear rail actuators, both for standard use and specialist applications, and we also offer a bespoke service for custom requirements.

Be sure to contact us to discuss what you need in a linear motion system. We will work with you to achieve the right result. To learn more about our solutions across a huge range of services and products, be sure to check out our case studies and technical articles.

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