The application or use of linear actuators is diverse. There are many appliances that operatore due to linear actuators inside them.
If you’re a mechanical engineer and are working on a project then most likely you’ll be needing a Linear actuator to produce linear motion.
The most important thing to consider while buying a linear actuator is to know your needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I want a linear actuator?
- What is my budget?
- How many linear actuators do I need?
- How much force do you want it to work upon?
- How much further do you need it to travel?
- How fast do you need it to operate?
Once you have answers to all these questions, it will be easier for you to make a decision.
With so many types of linear actuators on the market, it can be daunting to choose the best one for you. This article will help you out pick the best actuator according to your needs.
Here are a few things to consider before buying a linear actuator:
What Is Your Use?
The very first thing you need to understand is why you need an actuator. This is important because there are several types of actuators available that differ from one another when it comes to producing motion.
Let’s talk about some of the most common ones:
- Track Actuators: If you want to use an actuator in a limited space then track actuators are your best bet. They are ideal to work under tight spaces as the sliding block doesn’t affect the retraction or extension of the rod.
They are typically required in general manufacturing, car automation, home automation, and marine automation.
The length of stroke for these actuators varies from 2 to 60 inches.
- Rod-Actuators: If your need is to just produce linear motion then this actuator is the best for you.
- Feedback Actuators: They help to provide feedback on the position of an actuator. Moreover, they also help to increase the accuracy in a system when it comes to having accurate control on a system.
How Much Of Distance Do You Want The Actuator To Cover?
Here’s where you will have to determine the stroke length of the actuator. It will decide how further the rod of the actuator will go. If you need the sliding block to travel 10 inches then you need to go for an actuator that has a stroke length of 10 inches.
Speed Of The Actuator
Lastly, determine how fast you want your actuator to work. If you’re buying your actuators online, then look for these details before you make a purchase. In case of offline purchases, ask the seller.
Cost
There are many companies that manufacture actuators. Make sure you buy from one which is reliable and has good prices too.
Verdict
These are the things that you need to consider before buying a linear actuator. Pay attention to these details so that you can get a perfect linear actuator.
