What are Ball Screw Actuators?

Medical applications have some of the most stringent requirements in terms of precision and reliability. This means that the components used in these applications must also meet the same high standards. One such component that meets the linear motion requirements of the industry is a ball screw actuator. Ball screw actuators are a type of linear actuators that utilize a ball screw to impart motion. The ball screw is a cylindrical shaft with helical grooves around the circumference. Balls travel up and down the grooves, which converts rotational motion into linear motion.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Ball Screw Actuators for Medical Applications

When it comes to selecting ball screw actuators for medical applications, there are a few factors you will need to take into account. First, you need to make sure the actuator is compatible with the type of medical devices used. Second, you need to find an actuator that can handle the required force and speed. The size and weight of the actuator will also need to be taken into account. Moreover, you need to make sure the actuator is safe and reliable. Let us look into these factors briefly.

• Speed: Speed is how quickly the actuator can move the load. Ball screw actuators can achieve both high speeds and high precision, making them a good choice for many medical applications.
• Load Capacity: The other most important is the load capacity of the actuator. Load capacity is the amount of weight or force that the actuator can handle. The actuator must be able to handle the weight of the object being moved, as well as any additional forces that may be exerted on it. It is important to select an actuator that is strong enough to handle the load without becoming overloaded.
• Accuracy: Another important factor is accuracy. Ball screw actuators must be able to move the object with great accuracy. Accuracy is how closely the actuator can move the load to the desired position – in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.
• Wear/Tear: In addition, the actuator must be able to withstand the high levels of wear and tear that can occur in medical settings.
• Cost: You need to consider the cost of the actuator. Not all actuators are created equal, and some are more expensive than others. It’s important to find an actuator that fits your budget.
• Miscellaneous: Other factors to consider include the type of motion required, the size and weight of the actuator, and the environmental conditions in which it will be used.

When selecting ball screw actuators for medical applications, it is also important to consider the following factors:

• Force and torque requirements
• Enclosure and mounting considerations
• Environmental conditions
• Power requirements
  
  Learn more on this topic in our related blog – 5 Popular Medical Actuator Applications

When looking for the best actuators for medical applications, ensure to partner with a manufacturer who has been designing for the healthcare and medical industry. This is because they understand the stringent requirements of this industry and would help you find the best solution for your needs. Many experienced manufacturers can also provide customized linear motion solutions for medical applications, as they understand one-size-fits approach doesn’t work for everyone. 

The post Ball Screw Actuators Selection for Medical Applications: Must-Know Things appeared first on Venture Mfg. Co..

Four Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Power Supply for your 12V DC LinearActuator

12V DC linear actuators work at their best when they get a reliable power supply. Hence, it is very essential to choose an appropriate power supply that will suit your 12V DC linear actuator. Following are some tips that will help you in choosing the right power supply for your 12V DC linear actuator.

1. Voltage Input: There are different types of power supply inputs available for a 12V DC electric actuator. The most common of which are120V AC and 240V AC The choice of the right power supply will depend on your input voltage available and the actuator current requirements. To understand the current requirement, you need to address the maximum and minimum current drawn by the actuator in your particular application.
2. Voltage Output: Most 12V DC actuators will operate best between 11volts and 14 volts. The voltage output of the power supply for your 12V DC linear actuator must be chosen according to the type of application the linear actuator is used in. It is essential to match the right voltage output between the power supply and the actuator. If this is ignored then this will effect the performance of the actuator and may damage the application. If the application is of a more precise nature, you will probably want to choose a regulated power supply. These types of power supplies will maintain a constant 12 volt output regardless of amperage draw. With an unregulated power supply the voltage will drop as the current increases.
3. Current Rating: The power supply must be chosen with current rating higher than the maximum current requirement of the units connected to it. This will help avoid performance failures in the future. As most DC motors have a +/- 10% performance tolerance it is best to choose a power supply with a current rating at least 10% higher than the your actuators amperage rating.
4. IP Rating: IP ratings stands for ingress protection which is effectively used in blocking the foreign bodies like wind, water , dust and so on. If the application is installed in an area that is exposed to dust or other such elements then it is essential to select a sufficient IP rating.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: 12 Volt Linear Actuators- What Makes Them So Popular?

If you are looking for a 12V actuator for your application, it is important to source them from a trusted source. Venture Manufacturing offers 12V DC actuators for use in different industrial applications. These actuators can be customized to meet your specific application requirements.

The post Learn How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Your 12V DC Linear Actuator appeared first on Venture Mfg. Co..

The acme screw DC actuators are used in industrial equipment for generating smooth linear motion with high-performance efficiency. These actuators offer several benefits like low operating cost, low maintenance, back-drive prevention, etc. Owing to certain beneficial features, these actuators are utilized in several industrial machines like lathe, robotic devices, automotive setups, mechanized farming, equipment, etc. However, the wide scope of utilization of acme screw DC actuators is only possible due to the acme screw assemblies integrated into these actuators. Let us discuss how acme screw assemblies contribute to the performance and efficiency of acme screw DC actuators.

What are Acme Lead Screws?

The acme lead screws are the screws featuring trapezoidal threads in specific dimensions. The trapezoidal threads on these screws make these acme lead screws truly desirable equipment in several industrial setups. However, not all trapezoidal threads are acme threads. According to the ISO metric standards, acme threads are the trapezoidal threads with a pitch angle of 29° to 30° and thread height half of the pitch. These acme threads are the special types of threads in the lead screws that offer silent, smooth, and back-drive-free operation.

Now let us discuss how acme lead screws enhance the efficiency of acme screw actuators.

Contribution of Acme Lead Screws to Efficiency of Acme Screw DC Actuator

The following features of acme screw DC actuators are due to the integration of acme lead screws in the devices.

• Silent Operations: The acme threads require no rotary or frictional components to operate, therefore the operation is silent.
• Back-drive Prevention: Acme screws are installed in the acme screw DC actuators by using preloaded nut assembly which eliminates the backlash. Due to no backlash, the energy loss is prevented and the power efficiency is ultimately enhanced.
• Operational Safety: The acme lead screws can bear static loads, thus, these actuators are safe to operate on static loads. Also, the acme screw DC actuators require no brakes as the acme threads feature self-locking ability. Due to the self-locking of acme threads, in sudden situations like a power outage, equipment failure, etc the brakes are not required to stop the operation of these actuators.
• Load Carrying Capacity: These actuators are ideal for the vertical load as well as forwarding linear load as acme threads are designed to sustain the vertical and radial loads. Also, the use of polymer nuts in the acme screw assemblies offers negligible friction, which enhances the operational capacities of the actuators.

Being self-lubricating and exposed to minimal frictional forces, the acme lead screws require minimal or almost no maintenance. Also, due to backlash-prevention, the power requirement remains within specific limits. Owing to certain benefits, the operational cost of acme screw DC actuators is still affordable for most businesses. However, to exploit these benefits, it is important to buy high-quality acme screw actuators or acme lead screw DC actuators from reliable manufacturers like Venture Mfg Co. The Company offers Maxi ball screw actuators, which are available in standard and custom models to meet specific industrial needs. These actuators are equipped with 36/24vdc motors and are available with Super Sensor II Hall Effect 30 ppi, Super Sensor II Reed Switch 40 ppi, and Potentiometer feedback 0.25 kpi to handle heavy loads.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: ACME Lead Screws vs. Ball Screws: How Do They Differ?

Acme lead screws and ball screws are two of the most effective lead screws used today, what makes them different? To know more about it you can check our old post- Acme Lead Screws vs Ball Screws.

The post Acme Screw DC Actuators: Why Are They Suited For Your Industrial Applications appeared first on Venture Mfg. Co..

Understanding the Design of Linear Actuators

For better understanding of how linear actuator works, you need to familiar with its design principle. Unlike the other actuators, these actuators have fewer working parts. Hence, these actuators are maintenance free. But, if you use them for couple of years then for sure you need to take of certain things. Linear actuator makes the devices easy to operate. Following are some of the important design parts of the linear actuators. Let’s have a look at these parts:

• Motor:

  This is one of the crucial components of actuators that creates the motion. Linear actuators are vary in terms of motor type, power and feature. Usually, a 12 volt DC motor is used in linear actuators, which interacts with other parts in order to deliver movement.

• Cylinder:

  The form of linear motion created by motor, allows the part of the cylinder to move, as it does not move itself. However, the inside parts of cylinder do.

• DC Brushes:

  They are used to convey the current in between the stationary wires. They efficiently bring the current into the linear actuators.

• Lead Screw:

  They are known as a power or translation screw. Lead screw is a part of linear motion system, which convert the rotational motion into linear motion. They come up with the cylinder, and travel upward and downward that facilitates the linear motion.

• Gears:

  Gear bridges the motor and the lead screw. Most of the gears are made of plastic or steel and mates with other one’s to alter the relation between the speed of the driven parts and the speed a driving mechanism.

What are the Types of Linear Actuators?

Four types of linear actuators are used in various applications to produce motion. All of them perform the same job, however, they do it differently and with different results. Thus, it is important to know about them.

• Electrical Actuators:

  This is one of the important type of linear actuators with a simple working mechanism. They equipped with a motor that creates power when current is passed. The electric motor offers sufficient power to the lead screw. Thus, it can move in a rotatory motion and generate motion. Vowing to their versatile design, they offer a wide range of motion profiles. These actuators can reprogrammed quickly than other, and offer an instant response. Electric actuators are commonly used in cruise control and DRS.

• Pneumatic Actuators:

  They are known for converting compressed air into linear or rotary motion. They are ideal for the applications where cleanliness is necessary. They feature no motor that mean there is no any magnetic interference at high temperatures. This makes them suited for the application involving high temperatures. Pneumatic actuators feature valves that controls the flow of liquid when required.

• Hydraulic Actuator:

  They are known as hydraulic cylinders, which operates on oil pressure. They are specially designed for high force applications. They feature with a working piston cylinder system, which make use of hydraulic power to produce motion. A reservoir, a pump, and a valve make up a hydraulic system. However, the valve directs the piston motion by giving way to oil. After applying oil pressure to the piston, it will move in the opposite direction. The piston give a return stroke through spring that is attached to it. This is the way the piston operates in and out.

• Vacuum Actuator:

  They are ideal for an activation or switching mechanism. That means, these actuators offer motion to the secondary device once joined to a vacuum source. They are ideal for an activation or switching mechanism. Vacuum actuator feature a small chamber where vacuum forms. They also consist of springs connected to a piston that offers a push, which forces the piston to go out that chamber and join to a secondary device. Vowing its uses, they are widely used in air conditioning systems, automobiles engines and more.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: All Important Questions Answered on Linear Actuators Part 2

That’s definitely not an end of the questions about linear actuators. All the outlined information covers the basics of actuators. Let’s discuss few more points in the next post. Stay connected to update your knowledge.

The post All Important Questions Answered on Linear Actuators: Part 1 appeared first on Venture Mfg. Co..

A linear actuator – as the name suggests – is a device, which converts rotary motion into linear motion. Components such as wheel, screw, and axle or cam form the basic building blocks of a linear actuator. When the screw of the actuator is rotated, it is held in place by the nut. This helps produce a linear motion, which makes the screw of the actuator travel in a straight line. You can do this with or without the use of motor. When a motor is used to produce linear motion, the actuator is called electric linear actuator. On the other hand, when linear motion is produced without a motor, then it is referred to as a mechanical linear actuator. These actuators are widely used in almost every industrial process. They cover a vast span of application areas. One such major application of linear actuators is conveyor system. The conveyor belts make use of linear actuators for material handling requirements. This post will discuss in detail the use of linear actuator in the conveyors.

What are the Different Types of Linear Actuators used in Material Handling Industry?

The material handling industry makes use of different types of linear actuators. Some most commonly used actuators for material handling, or to be specific, conveyor systems are as follows:

1. DC Actuators
2. Commercial Actuators
3. Electric Actuators (12V, 36V, and 90V)
4. RV- Slide Out Actuators

Significance of Linear Actuators in Conveyor Systems

Linear actuators play an important role in the material handling industry. These devices are crucial in the proper operation of conveyor systems. Here is how these devices contribute to the functioning of conveyor systems:

• In the packaging industry, the finished products are moved through conveyors. The conveyor system consists of linear actuators that are fixed in different positions, which makes these movements easy.
• These actuators are widely used in food and beverage industry for a number of processes, including food separation, packaging, and bottling.
• Apart from the above applications, these actuators find their importance in the rocket manufacturing industry as well. The electric linear actuators ensure proper clamping procedures.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: Venture Mfg. Co. – Leader in Linear Motion Technology Since 1971

All the information given in the post is the reason why linear actuators are so much important in conveyors and material handling industry. However, the quality of linear actuators is a factor that should not be left unaddressed. It is very important as the overall performance of a conveyor system is based on the quality of the actuator. To get the linear actuator of good quality, you must approach trusted, experienced, and well-known manufacturers or suppliers. Venture Mfg. Co. is one such experienced and trusted suppliers of linear actuators for conveyor system. The company stocks a wide variety of linear actuators with different capabilities and specifications.

The post How Do Linear Actuators and Conveyors Share a Strong Bond? appeared first on Venture Mfg. Co..

A Brief Explanation on Acme Screw Actuators & Ball Screw Actuators

The most basic difference between these two types of actuators lies in their mechanics.

• Acme screws are distinguished by their trapezoidal thread, which rolls on the lead screw to create a motion. In Acme screw actuators, linear force is transmitted to the nut by the rotating shaft. Efficiency of the linear motion depends on various factors such as lead screw, nut material, and lubrication. Most times, nuts are made from materials such as polymers, self-lubricating plastics, and metals like bronze, or brass. Nonmetallic nuts require no lubrication, and have low coefficient of friction. Both these characteristics contribute to their higher efficiencies. Metallic nuts are well-known for their load bearing properties, but they require lubrication, and high frictional forces.
• Ball screws are distinguishable due to their circular threads on the nut and the screw. These circular threads serve as helical raceway for ball bearings. The ball bearings roll through circular threads when the nut or screw moves. This rolling movement creates a linear motion.

Uses and Advantages of Acme Screw Linear Actuators and Ball Screw Linear Actuators

Firstly, let’s understand the advantages of Acme screw linear actuators.

• Acme screw linear actuators produce no noise because there are no rolling components.
• These actuators are ideal choice for vertical, as well as light load applications.
• The preloaded nut assembly in these actuators help reduce or completely eliminate backlash. This boosts application scope of these actuators.
• These actuators are safe to operate when the unit has a static load to hold.
• Lead screws are self-locking, which means there is no need to apply brakes, even in situations of power outage.
• Acme screw actuators are extremely affordable because they have low manufacturing costs.

Ball screw linear actuators are valued for their following advantages:

• Ball screws can carry heavy loads than Acme screw actuators.
• In these actuators, the screw thread and the nut don’t make a direct contact, but they always move along the rolling ball bearings. Hence, the low friction helps improve its speed, force, and duty cycle rating. Also, the low friction aids to its longer life cycle, and less motor power is required to drive them.
• The most common applications of these actuators include robots, aircraft, power steering, and semiconductors.
• These actuators can turn rotational motion into straight motion, and vice-versa.

As seen, both these variants have their own benefits. Thus, the choice will entirely depend on your application requirements.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: Acme Screw DC Actuators: Why Are They Suited For Your Industrial Applications

Most linear actuator manufacturers in USA provide either of these two actuators in various specifications. However, your applications may have special requirements. In such cases, it is always better to opt for custom designed ball screws or Acme lead screws. There are very few linear actuator manufacturers who can provide you customized actuation solutions. Venture Mfg. Co. is one such Acme lead screw and ball screw linear actuators manufacturer who specialize in customized solutions.

The post ACME Lead Screws vs. Ball Screws: How Do They Differ? appeared first on Venture Mfg. Co..