Intro to Linear Actuators: Part 2

Part 1 discussed the basics of a stepper motor-based linear actuator, one of the most effective ways to convert rotary into linear motion for a wide range of applications. Part 2 explains how to accurately size a linear actuator. 

How Is a Linear Actuator Sized?

Sizing a linear actuator is quite easy once you understand the basic needs of the application. The following is the minimum information needed to begin sizing the proper device.

1. Linear force needed to move the load, expressed in Newtons (N)
2. Linear distance the load needs to be moved, expressed in meters (M)
3. Time required to move the load, expressed in seconds (s)
4. Table 1, below
5. Performance curves illustrated in Haydon linear actuator catalogs.

Power Requirements

The power required to meet the application is now calculated using the parameters above. This will allow the user to easily choose the correct motor frame size needed.

P _linear     =  (distance traveled in Meters) (force in Newtons)

                        (Time to travel the distance in Seconds)               =  watts

Once the power is known in watts, choose the proper frame size of the actuator as listed in Table 1. All stepper motor linear actuators require a drive to send the pulses to the motor. As seen in Table 1, the power for both an L/R drive and a chopper drive is listed. Most applications today use an electronic chopper drive. Unless the application is battery-powered (as in a handheld portable device), a chopper drive is highly recommended to get maximum performance from the linear actuator.

Table 1. Frame Sizes and Performance Based On Required Output Power

 Velocity

After calculating the mechanical power needed to meet the application requirements, the linear velocity in inches per second is calculated using the following equation:

            Velocity _linear     =   required travel distance (in)        

                                            Time to achieve travel (s)        = in / s

Force vs. Linear Velocity Curves

Once the required actuator frame size is determined and the linear velocity is calculated, the “force vs. linear velocity curve” is used to determine the proper resolution of the actuator lead screw.

Actuator Life

Many variables ultimately determine life of the actuator. The best way to predict life is through application testing, which is highly recommended. There is, however, a first approximation technique that can help estimate this value. The stepper-motor prime mover contains no brushes to wear out and also utilizes precision, long-life ball bearings. The main wear component is the power nut. The number of cycles can be summarized as a function of load. 

Example #1

Application Requirements:

Req’d Force (lb) =                               15 lb
Req’d Travel (in.) =                              3 in.
Time To Achieve Travel (s) =   6s
Desired Cycles =                                  1,000,000
Linear Velocity (in/s) =                         3 in. / 6 s = 0.5 in./s

COMPUTATION: Calculate the initial rated force based on required # of cycles:

Step 1: Determine the correct sizing factor needed in order for the actuator to achieve the required 1,000,000 cycles. 

Step 2:  In order to get 1,000,000 cycles, a factor of 0.5 must be used when sizing the actuator.  The initial rated force required in order to meet the load after 1,000,000 cycles is therefore…

15 lb / 0.5 = 30 lb

Step 3: Convert lb to Newtons (N)

30 lbs / (0.225 lbs / N) = 133 N

COMPUTATION: Determine required travel in meters

                 3 in. x (0.0254 M / in.) = 0.0762 M

COMPUTATION: Choose the proper frame size actuator using the selector chart

Step 1: Determine the required linear mechanical power in watts

P _linear = (133N x 0.0762M) / 6s = 1.7 N-M / s = 1.7 watts

Step 2: Use Table 1 to determine the correct frame size actuator. As discussed earlier, most applications will use a chopper drive to supply the required input pulses to the stepper motor.  The 43000 (Size 17 Hybrid) was chosen for this application, as highlighted in the “Hybrid Single Stack” section of Table 1.

COMPUTATION: Determine the proper resolution

An initial load of 30 lb is to be moved at a velocity of 0.5in./s.  The resulting lead screw resolution required in the Size 17 hybrid motor is 0.00048 in. (J resolution).

COMPUTATION: Verify selection by checking force at the required step rate

Earlier in the paper, it was discussed that the lead screw advances based on the number of input steps to the motor. Haydon performance curves are expressed in both in./sec and also in steps/sec. As an effective check, verify the selection by checking the force at the required step rate.

Resolution chosen                0.00048 in./step (J screw)
Req’d linear velocity             0.5 in./s
Req’d step rate                     (0.5 in./s) / (0.00048 in./step) = 1,041 steps/s

Conclusion

Through the use of stepper motor-based linear actuators, rotary-to-linear motion takes place inside the motor itself. This method offers unique advantages over alternative approaches, such as fewer components, smaller overall footprint size, high force output, and long stroke lengths.  What’s more, the high precision, repeatability, long components are especially attractive, as are the high resolutions possible.

In addition, use of the stepper motor translates to a lower overall cost for OEM equipment builders in terms of development and production. Most importantly, this method can be utilized in a variety of vertical markets, including medical, laboratory instrumentation, semiconductor, aerospace, and virtually any other application where precision linear motion is required.

Get full details, including Haydon performance curves, here.