Linear Actuator Recommendations

[jason010]

Hi,

Could someone kindly recommend a fast linear actuator for use with the Raspberry Pi within the UK? I have seen a few on other sites, but they seem to be too slow.

I would like something as per the video below, is there anything within this site that fits this requirement - my apologies in advance, I have tried to research into how to monitor how to measure speed/strength, to minimal success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKaQEFF ... u.be&t=36s

Thank you in advance

[OutoftheBOTS]

Your video is not viewable check that it is not set to private.

I have looked at linear actuators many times but have never endded up buying 1 becuase never can find something that can meet my needs.

Here's a few problems: Most actuators r designed to move slowly but with a huge force. Also most actuators aren't capable of running continuous but need to do only a couple of movements then rest to cool down or the screw threads and motors over heat.

I have though a few times about maybe building ym own actuators using some pulleys and belts to gear down on top a rack and pinion style actuator to avoid both the overheating and efficiency loss because of the resistance in the thread.

[jason010]

Hi,

Thanks for your response, I wasn't aware of the overheating issues - thank you for pointing this out.

Based on what you have said and some online reading, what spec motor should I look for if I need a weight/force of 5 to 7KG smoothly?

Your video is not viewable check that it is not set to private.

I have looked at linear actuators many times but have never endded up buying 1 becuase never can find something that can meet my needs.

Here's a few problems: Most actuators r designed to move slowly but with a huge force. Also most actuators aren't capable of running continuous but need to do only a couple of movements then rest to cool down or the screw threads and motors over heat.

I have though a few times about maybe building ym own actuators using some pulleys and belts to gear down on top a rack and pinion style actuator to avoid both the overheating and efficiency loss because of the resistance in the thread.

[DougieLawson]

Your video is not viewable check that it is not set to private.

Because the URL has been mushed with copy'n'paste.

[jason010]

Your video is not viewable check that it is not set to private.

Because the URL has been mushed with copy'n'paste.

Apologies - hopefully it should be working now

[OutoftheBOTS]

Based on what you have said and some online reading, what spec motor should I look for if I need a weight/force of 5 to 7KG smoothly?

OK specs on actuators.

They normally give a number of specs.

Newtons of force, 9.8 Newtons of force will lift 1kg of mass under earths gravity so to lift 7kg u need 68.6N
m/s speed of motion in meters per second
duty cycle, the lenght of running to rest ratio. if the actuator is rated for a duty cycle of 30% then it can only run 30% on to 70% rest or it will over heat.
normally also have motor specs so you know what power supply will be needed and h-bridge to drive it.