Selecting Linear Actuators | MISUMI Mech Lab Blog

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Dear Misumi Engineering Team,
I&#;m in the process of selecting a linear actuator and it looks like Misumi has a lot of options to choose from. What do I need to know to choose the best actuator for my application?
&#; Justin 

A. Justin,

Thanks for your question. As you know, linear actuators are used in a variety of applications such as medical equipment, test instruments, factory processes and assembly machinery. Since each application will have its own performance and safety requirements, actuator selection can be tricky. Improper selection almost always results in premature failure and expensive maintenance cost when undersized, or high initial cost if oversized.

I frequently hear engineers express frustration when attempting to choose the correct linear actuator for their application because there are so many options to choose from. However, regardless of your application, there are some fundamental things you need to know when selecting your actuator: Actuator Orientation, Stoke Length, Force & Velocity, Loads & Moments, Environment, and desired Precision/Accuracy.

Actuator Orientation
The actuator orientation will dictate the size and type of motor needed to drive the actuator as well as the load ratings for the actuator motor combination. An actuator in a vertical orientation will have a lower load capability and the use of an electromagnetic brake motor is highly recommended to prevent the load from falling during a power failure event. In a horizontal orientation, the highest load capacity can be achieved and a brake will not be required. When comparing the two orientations using the same load, a vertical actuator will require a larger more powerful motor compared to the same actuator mounted horizontally.

Stroke length
When determining your application requirements to select your linear actuator, careful consideration needs to be taken to make your selection based on metric units. Choosing the correct actuator length will depend on whether one or two blocks are used, where an actuator with two blocks will have a longer overall length for the same stroke. Keep in mind the overall length of an actuator is going to be the working distance of travel plus the &#;dead length&#; at either end of the actuator typically consisting of the motor, coupler and mounting bracket.

Force & Velocity
If your application involves impact or an abrupt stop, you may need to consider the impact force to appropriately mount and insulate your system. Understanding the force and velocity of your application is critical because it can affect selection of other parts of your linear actuator such as the ball screws, nuts and the motors. The impact force (which is generally twice as much as the average force) will help you determine the inertial forces for cushioning. While the total force (the sum of acceleration force, frictional force and breakaway force) will help you understand the desired motion you&#;re attempting to generate and help select the right size actuator and motor.

Loads & Moments
The position of the load plays an important factor in choosing the correct actuator. Overhanging or cantilevered loads can create moments or twisting forces on the carriage of the actuator calculated by multiplying the force by the distance offset from the actuator axis. If the allowable moment is exceeded, the linear actuator could suffer damage. Based on the combination of the actuator orientation and the load position, there may be moment loads in as many as three directions. Each direction needs to be evaluated and verified against the allowable moment load of the actuator. The further the load is from the center axis, the larger the resultant moment.

Environment
Even if you take the time to determine all the above factors, if you fail to consider the part that your environment will play in the performance of your actuator you could be setting yourself up for disastrous results. Before you select your linear actuator, you also need to know if it will be used in extreme heat or cold temperatures, if it will be subject to dirty or wet conditions and if it will be in contact with any corrosive chemicals. These conditions can often times call for the use of cleanroom-rated actuators.

Precision & Accuracy
Before you select your actuator, you should also know what level of precision and accuracy is necessary for your application. While precision and accuracy may seem like the same thing, they aren&#;t and will produce different results both individually and combined.

Accuracy is the ability to hit within the same distance from the commanded position each time much like hitting the same ring from a bulls-eye. Precision or repeatability is the ability to hit the same spot each time. The actual position may not be the same as the commanded position; however, each consecutive motion will be in approximately the same location relative to the previous position.

Combining both accuracy and repeatability is the best possible scenario and is like hitting the bulls-eye every time. High grade and Precision grade linear actuators provide excellent accuracy and repeatability. Both grades have preloaded bearings on the side carriage and the ball screw. This preload limits the backlash, pitch and roll, and improves the overall precision of the actuators.

As I mentioned before, the linear actuator you select will vary depending on your industry and safety requirements. me at and I&#;ll walk you though selecting the Linear Actuator that is best suited for your specific requirements.

Thanks,

Vick Y.

Valve actuators are mechanical devices that move or control valves, and they are essential for industrial process control. But with so many types of valve actuators available, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your application. The type of control system, and overall cost are all important factors that determine the best solution for the particular application. Taking the time to consider each of these elements will ensure you find the valve actuator that fits your needs. Understanding these design considerations is key to making an informed decision on which valve actuator is right for your project. This blog post will outline the key design considerations you should take into account when selecting a valve actuator.

What is Valve Actuators?

A valve actuator is a device that moves a valve open or closed. It works in conjunction with two parts: the valve body and the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is typically either manual, electric, pneumatic (compressed air), or hydraulic (liquid pressure).

Types of Valve Actuators

There are a variety of different types of valve actuators available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. The most common types of valve actuators include electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic.

Air pressure actuates pneumatic valves which allow for precise control over the action of the valve.

Hydraulic valve actuators use hydraulic pressure to control the movement of the valve, which is often more powerful than other types and ideal for applications that require a heavy-duty solution.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of China Valve Actuator. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Electricity can power electric actuator systems and can provide even greater precision in controlling the motion of a valve, making them suitable for many industrial or laboratory applications.

Other options include manual or manual/automated systems that allow for more flexibility when it comes to controlling the different aspects of the system. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the application, allowing for an optimal solution for any project.

Key Design Considerations for Selecting Valve Actuators

When selecting a valve actuator system, we should take a few key design considerations into account. These considerations involve the overall cost, type of control system, and compatibility with other components. It is important to take the time to evaluate each option in order to find the best solution for your particular application. Additionally, understanding how certain design elements will affect the performance of the valve actuator is essential for finding an effective yet cost-efficient solution. Here we introduce several key design considerations you should take into account:

1. Power source &#; What type of power source do you need? Electric? Pneumatic? Hydraulic?

The type of power source used with a valve actuator depends on the application and the desired output.

    (1) Electric power sources

Electric power sources are one of the most common types of actuator power sources used in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. Electric actuators provide precise control over the action of a valve, allowing for exact timing and positioning. These types of actuators use electronic circuitry to control each component within the system. This type of power source is well-suited for high-precision applications that require tight control of the movement of the valve. Additionally, electric power sources are reliable and durable, making them ideal for long-term projects. Although they have many advantages, electric actuators can also be expensive when compared to other options.

    (2) Pneumatic power sources

Pneumatic actuator power sources are a popular choice for valve actuators. It requires faster or larger movements than electric systems can provide. Powered by a pressurized gas such as air, these types of actuators use pressure to control the movement of each component. This makes them ideal for applications involving quick action, such as valves in high-pressure lines. They also tend to be more cost-effective than their electric counterparts, meaning they are often chosen for large and long-term projects. However, pneumatic power sources require more frequent maintenance due to the need to regularly inspect and replace components such as hoses and seals. Additionally, it is important to ensure to use of the correct type of gas in order to maintain optimal performance.

    (3) Hydraulic power sources

Hydraulic power sources are a type of actuator that uses pressurized liquid to control the movement of each component.  These types of actuators are often used in industrial and manufacturing settings due to their ability to produce powerful, reliable and precise movements. Furthermore, since the fluid is already pressurized, they can be operated at much higher speeds compared to pneumatic systems. A key benefit of using hydraulic power sources is that they require less maintenance than pneumatic systems as they do not need frequent inspection or replacement of components such as hoses and seals. However, this advantage also comes with some drawbacks such as higher initial costs and greater potential for leaks. Additionally, these systems tend to be quite noisy when in operation, making them unsuitable for certain environments.

Each type of power source has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it&#;s important to understand which one best suits your particular application before making a decision.

2. Operating environment &#; What kind of environment will the valve be operating in? Will it be exposed to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals?

Knowing the environment in which a valve will be operating is essential to choosing the correct actuator. Certain operating environments can put additional strain on certain types of actuators and may require modifications or special considerations. For example, if a valve is exposed to extreme temperatures, then a motorized actuator that requires cooling might not be suitable for the application. The same is true for harsh chemicals. If the valve is located in an area with high concentrations of corrosive agents, then it might be necessary to choose an actuator made from materials with high resistance to chemical attack. It&#;s important to consider all aspects of the operating environment when selecting an actuation system so that it can perform optimally and safely in its intended application.

3. Control system &#; Do you need an integrated control system or just an individual component?

Deciding between an integrated control system or individual components is a major consideration when selecting a valve actuation system. Integrated control systems tend to provide the greatest degree of efficiency, safety, and reliability in operations that require complex control logic. These systems typically consist of multiple components such as sensors, motors, encoders, and digital controllers that work together in order to achieve the desired outcome. Individual components may be more suitable for simpler applications where a single actuator is all that&#;s needed to perform the task at hand. In either case, it&#;s important to make sure that the chosen solution meets all safety requirements.  Also, it should be compatible with other components in your process.

4. Cost &#; How much money do you have budgeted for this project?

Cost is an important factor when selecting a pneumatic valve actuation system. Because it will ultimately determine which components and features you have available in your system. Knowing how much money you have budgeted for the project is helpful. It can ensure that you don&#;t overspend. Also, it can ensure you don&#;t end up with a solution. That&#;s either not reliable or doesn&#;t fit within your budget. It&#;s always best to carefully consider your specific needs before committing to any particular system. Because there are usually multiple options available for each application that vary in cost. Make sure to also take into account any additional costs associated with installation and maintenance. Because these can have a significant impact on the total price of the project.

Conclusion

Understanding design considerations when choosing a valve actuation system is key to ensuring your project&#;s success. Things like cost, type of control system, and compatibility with other components are all important factors that require careful consideration. Taking the time to weigh the pros and cons of each option will ensure you find the right solution for your specific application. Utilizing the expertise of a qualified specialist can also help you make an informed decision based on their experience in this field. With so many options available on the market today, there&#;s sure to be one that meets your needs perfectly!

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