If you’re looking to know how to power a micro linear actuator easily, it means you already have the one. In case you don’t know about linear actuator, let me tell you that it is a kind of actuator or mover that creates motion in a straight line, in contrast to the circular motion of a conventional electric motor.
Linear actuators are used in many machine tools such as computer peripherals and many other places where linear motion is required.
There are the four most important features your electric linear actuator needs to have. They are its technical specifications and capabilities; push & pull force, operating cycle, load factor and speed.
Before trying to power up the linear actuator, all these specifications must meet general requirements for an actuator so that it could perform its work appropriately. Each linear actuator has a manual describing these specifications, so it won’t be a big deal to look through.
Still, to make it further easier, following are the 6 most important things that you should consider before powering a micro linear actuator.
#1. Actuators are Powered by DPDT Switch
Powering the linear actuator you just bought is easy as a piece of cake and the model or size of it does not really matter. Most linear actuators, be it direct current (DC) actuators or alternative current (AC) actuators are powered by a DPDT (Double Plie, Double Throw) switch.
#2. How Much Force is Applied to Each Strut
Having a 12V output cable of a 6A will allow managing all your struts simultaneously even at a time of being under a full load. It is necessary knowing the exact number of struts that should be used at the same time.
In case of using solely one strut, 3A supply will make everything work. The next important calculation to know is how much force is applied to each of your struts because the amount of current consumed depends on this force.
#3. Connecting all the Struts is a Challenge
Connecting all the struts concurrently might be the easiest way, however, rises a possibility that they will not work synchronously. To avoid this, all the struts must be bolted together. Misaligning them increases the probability that the thing you install linear electric actuator on will break.
Nevertheless, making separate switches for each strut will help to avoid the breakage and at the same time will provide the possibility to control each linear actuator separately.
For example, PA-14 Micro Linear Actuator manufactured by Progressive Automations is capable to perform an impressive work with a low current draw being easily connectable with most of the control systems also manufactured by Progressive Automations, and serving the plug-n-play function as well.
With a help of AC and DC, control boxes can be activated and power the linear actuators up. And it is not even mentioning the Wi-Fi and temperature-controlled models available to be operated wired or wireless remote and offering simultaneous and non-simultaneous function.
#4. A Range of Additional Control Options
Together with powering micro-electric actuator, it is possible to embody a range of additional control options to meet the customers needs to the greatest extent possible.
Rocket switch technology is also used here providing momentary, non-momentary, latching & non-latching options. Variety of relays, control modules, and wiring kits broadens the list of possible options available when powering micro linear actuator.
#5. Powerful Battery For Faster Performance
A simple 6V battery is capable to supply the 12V actuator with a current, however, it would not perform its maximum speed of contracting or retracting under such a battery power.
Its best performance will only be presented with a 12V battery, which would move the actuator much faster.
#6. Control Boxes to Change Polarity of Energy Supplied
Whether your micro actuator is supposed to perform the retracting or contracting function, to make it perform the opposite movement which is only needed to reverse the polarity of the energy supplied, can be made through control boxes either manually or automatically, which are capable of instantly change the polarity via a single button press of the remote control.
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Summing all the above-mentioned, micro electric linear actuator is quite easy to install and plug into a power source, which automatically makes it one of the most convenient linear motion mechanisms available at the industrial market. Moreover, the variety of such automation mechanisms constructed for different purposes is stunningly great.
