Key Takeaways

• Evaluate force, stroke, speed, duty cycle, and installation space together.
• Check motor, voltage, current, feedback, and control-system compatibility.
• Consider mounting geometry, alignment, side loading, and operating environment.
• For production equipment, also consider reliability, testing, availability, and customization.

Selecting a linear actuator for OEM equipment involves more than choosing a model with the right force or stroke. The actuator needs to work with the machine’s mechanical design, electrical system, operating environment, and expected workload.

Before choosing a model, OEMs should understand how the actuator will be used and what the equipment needs it to accomplish.

Key Specifications OEMs Should Consider When Selecting Linear Actuators

Force and Load Requirements

Force is one of the first specifications to consider. The actuator needs enough force to move the load reliably and, when necessary, hold it in position.

The required force is not always the same as the weight of the load. Mounting position, movement angle, center of gravity, and the machine’s mechanical design can all affect the actual requirement.

OEMs should consider both the force needed during movement and the load the actuator must hold when stationary.

Stroke and Available Space

Stroke determines how far the actuator can extend and retract. But the available installation space matters just as much.

Check the actuator’s extended and retracted lengths, mounting points, and clearance around nearby components. The actuator should be able to complete its full movement without interfering with the rest of the equipment.

Considering these dimensions during the design stage can prevent installation problems later.

Speed and Duty Cycle

The required speed depends on the application. Some equipment needs fast movement, while other systems require slower, controlled positioning.

Speed should be considered together with load because actuator performance can change as the load increases.

Duty cycle is also important. An actuator used occasionally has different requirements from one that operates repeatedly throughout the day. Consider how long it runs during each cycle and how frequently those cycles occur.

For production equipment, document the complete motion profile, including acceleration, travel time, dwell time, return movement, and cycles per hour. Higher loads and speeds can also increase heat generation, so force, speed, and duty cycle should be evaluated together.

Screw Type and Feedback

OEMs may encounter ACME screw and ball screw designs when selecting an actuator. The choice depends on the application’s load, efficiency, speed, and positioning requirements.

Feedback is another consideration. Basic applications may only require limit switches, while equipment requiring more precise position control may use reed sensors, potentiometers, Hall effect sensors, or encoders.

Planning these requirements early can make integration with the machine’s control system easier.

Motor and Power Requirements

The actuator must be compatible with the equipment’s electrical system. Voltage, current, motor type, and controller compatibility should be checked before finalizing the configuration.

Depending on the application, OEMs may consider DC, stepper, or brushless DC motors. The motor should match the way the actuator will operate within the equipment.

Operating Environment

Where the actuator will operate can affect its design and required protection.

Indoor equipment may operate in relatively controlled conditions, while outdoor machinery can face rain, dust, temperature changes, UV exposure, vibration, and corrosion.

This is particularly important for renewable energy equipment. Venture’s solar tracking actuators are designed for applications involving outdoor operation and repeated movement.

Mounting and Integration

The actuator needs to physically fit the machine as well as meet its performance requirements.

OEMs should check mounting dimensions, attachment points, alignment, and clearance throughout the complete stroke. Side loading should also be avoided because it can affect performance and service life.

Consider the Long-Term Requirement

For OEMs, the actuator may eventually be used across hundreds or thousands of machines. Consistent availability, support, and customization can therefore be important.

Some applications may require a particular stroke, mounting arrangement, motor, or feedback system. In these cases, custom actuator design can provide more flexibility than adapting the machine around a standard configuration.

Making the Right Choice

The right actuator depends on how all the specifications work together. Force, stroke, speed, duty cycle, screw type, feedback, motor, environment, and mounting requirements should be considered as part of the same application.

OEMs can review available linear actuator solutions based on their equipment requirements and determine which configuration fits their design.

For applications with more specific requirements, Venture’s OEM actuator solutions can also be considered when a standard actuator needs to be adapted to a particular machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most important specifications when selecting a linear actuator?

The main specifications include force, stroke, speed, duty cycle, motor, feedback, environment, and mounting requirements.

• How do I determine the required force?

Consider the load, mounting position, movement angle, friction, and acceleration. For angled or hinged applications, actuator position can significantly affect the required force.

• What feedback should an OEM choose?

It depends on the application. Limit switches may be enough for basic positioning, while potentiometers, Hall effect sensors, or encoders can provide more position information.

• When should an OEM consider a custom actuator?

Custom actuators can be useful when standard models cannot meet specific stroke, mounting, motor, feedback, space, or duty-cycle requirements.

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