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Low Cost Automation Tutorial

#059 Various Actuators

Category : Hints on designing
November19, 2010

Consider an LCA-nization (simplified automating) scenario using an actuator on a single axis manual slide mechanism. The Vol. 19 discussion was based on an premise of manually moving the work holders, and durability in slide mechanism design and material selections were not concerned. However, the reliability design becomes of an importance focus for LCAs using actuators.

[Fig.1]

The discussion will be based on a structure where a single axis slide mechanism replaced with a miniature linear guide (FA Mechanical Catalog P/N: SEB, etc.)

Various actuator characteristics [Table 1] and classifications [Fig.2] are shown below. Hydraulic cylinder types are not included since LCA scheme generally does not require the large actuating forces of the hydraulic driven schemes.

For an LCA actuator selection process, which of either the drive or the controls is more important must first be considered. Since the pneumatic systems use compressed air and not well suited for the control of velocity. When controllability is of more importance, electrically controlled systems are the better choice. In this discussion, an air cylinder was chosen since the application does not require velocity or position control capabilities.

[Table 1] Actuator Characteristic Comparisons

 Actuating ForceResponsive-
ness
Controll-
ability
Ease of UseCostSize
Pneumatic
Linear motion is directly utilized

Inferior Position Control

Easy to Maintain

Increased Length
Electrical
Rotary Motion Utilized

Requires ball screws, etc. for linear motion

Position/
Force Control Possible

Requires technical aptitudes

Rather High

Low Profile Possible

[Fig.2] Actuator Classifications (Incl. Linear & Rotary)

[Fig.2]

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