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Differences Between Lead Screw and Ball Screw Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 8/10/2021
Choosing the right actuator for your product can be a challenge. Today, I want to clear up one of the main distinctions between different types of actuators.
How To Connect A Linear Actuator To A DPDT Switch
Posted by Mike Greig on 5/30/2021
There are many ways to control linear actuators. One of the most popular is via a DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch. DPDT switches are a simple way to control an actuator for a variety of applications.
How Do Stepper Motors Work?
Posted by on 4/18/2021
How do stepper actuators work? You're likely familiar with linear actuators, which use a rotary motor to produce motion in a straight line. Standard actuators are powered by a brushed DC motor. A stepper motor actuator is functionally similar to a standard linear actuator, but the drive motor, rather than a standard DC motor, is a stepper-style motor.
Introducing Our New P8 Line Of Stepper Motor Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 3/30/2021
At Actuonix, we pride ourselves on offering the widest variety of affordable micro actuators available anywhere. Our actuators drive the motion element of some fascinating and useful products. We regularly add new products to our lineup as the needs of our customers evolve.
How To Limit Travel On Linear Actuators Without Adjustable Limit Switches
Posted by on 3/1/2021
Though we carry more micro-linear motion products than anybody, there are times when our customers have a stroke-length requirement that can't be met with an off the shelf product. While some larger actuators come with adjustable end limit switches, this isn't practical on micro actuators.
Cheap Linear Actuators | How To Buy Inexpensive Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 1/24/2021
At Actuonix, we take pride in producing inexpensive linear actuators that are built to a high standard of quality. Our low-cost line of micro linear actuators is the result of years of product development and incremental improvement.
10 Different Options For Controlling Linear Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 1/3/2021
If you're new to linear actuators, you might not realize that there are many different options for linear actuator control. Long gone are the days where all you could get was a simple 2-wire device that operates via reversing polarity. Those are still available of course but manufacturers are offering a variety of different input modes to cater to hobbyists, Arduino enthusiasts as well as the technical needs of equipment manufacturers.
Below you will find ten different options for controlling linear actuators.
Below you will find ten different options for controlling linear actuators.
Why Choose Actuonix Motion Devices?
Posted by Mike Greig on 6/7/2020
News
The leader in micro motion since 2005.
Actuonix Motion Devices (formerly Firgelli Technologies) has been a leading manufacturer of micro linear actuators and servos since 2005. All of our products are designed from scratch, by our in-house team of engineers. We pride ourselves on providing affordable, quality micro-motion solutions to a wide variety of industries.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Linear Actuator Manufacturer
Posted by Mike Greig on 4/30/2020
Selecting a linear actuator manufacturer can be a critical part of the product design process. Building a relationship with a high-quality manufacturer that you can rely on can save you major headaches down the road.
Servo Actuators vs. Linear Actuators - What's The Difference?
Posted by Mike Greig on 4/21/2020
If you're searching for a linear motion solution for the first time, you might find yourself a little bit confused that there are several different terms used to describe what appear to be identical products: linear actuator, servo actuator, linear servo and several others.
Home Automation Ideas Using Micro Linear Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 3/28/2020
When it comes to home automation, there are more options available to you today than ever. From smart light bulbs to smart thermostats, camera systems, televisions, and smart appliances, there are a ton of options for you to consider when looking for ways to add automation to your home.
4 Different Types Of Linear Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 10/14/2019
Linear actuators are much more common than many people realize. In fact, many motion-enabled products these days contain linear actuators. From consumer products to robotics, automotive and aviation, we’re surrounded by actuators all the time.
Actuonix Motion Devices 2018 FIRST Robotics Sponsorship Program Winners
Posted by on 10/15/2018
Actuonix Motion Devices is proud to announce the winners of our 2018 FIRST Robotics Sponsorship Program. Dozens of teams from across North America entered to win one of five product or financial awards.
IOT WIFI CONTROL - NEW PRODUCT RELEASE!
Posted by on 7/30/2018
Internet of things or IOT has finally hit the mainstream. While home automation is still fragmented into many different standards and systems, Google and Amazon have brought simple and inexpensive WiFi home automation speakers to market, and services like IFTTT.com and Samsung Smartthings are making interfacing between standards much simpler. So the question is, how do we make our projects move?
How To Use An External Limit Switch Kit With A Linear Actuator
Posted by on 5/31/2018
Linear actuators come in many different stroke lengths to suit a variety of needs. That said, you may find yourself needing to customize your linear actuator by reducing the stroke. Usually, the simplest and fastest way to achieve this is by installing a linear actuator limit switch kit.
High Speed Linear Actuators
Posted by on 5/28/2018
Looking for a high speed miniature linear actuator for your next project or product? Look no further than our P16 and T16 lines. These devices are commonly used in applications that require a balance of speed and force.
How To Control A Linear Servo Using A DMX Stage Lighting and Special Effects System
Posted by on 3/13/2018
There are dozens of different ways to drive servos and linear servos. We semi-regularly hear about systems that we're not familiar with. Recently, we had a customer inquire about whether or not our linear servos work with a DMX Stage Lighting system. We'd never been asked that before, so we did some research.
How To Control A Linear Servo With Your Phone Via Bluetooth
Posted by Mike Greig on 2/21/2018
We use our phones for much of what we do these days, but did you know that you can control a linear servo with your cell phone? There are dozens of different ways to control linear actuators. From simple switches to more complex PLCs, RC control and arduino - no matter what you're trying to build, there's a control type to suit your needs.
Electric vs. Pneumatic Actuators
Posted by on 1/25/2018
When it comes to designing a motion-enabled machine, engineers often have to decide between different types of actuators. Two of the most common actuators available are Electric and Pneumatic.
How To Change An Actuator Rod End-Tip
Posted by on 1/18/2018
No matter how much we expand our product offering, it's impossible to have the exact solution for every single application. Every now and then our customers contact us asking about ways that they can modify their device to better suit their needs.
How To Use Relays To Control Linear Actuators
Posted by on 12/6/2017
In this post I'm going to go over how to use a relay to control the motion of a linear actuator. I'll cover not only how to use a relay to control your actuator, but also some situations where you might want to. We offer a simple relay kit in our store that is designed to work with electric micro linear actuators.
How To Use A Linear Actuator Control Board With Arduino
Posted by on 10/31/2017
Over the past few years, our support department has been receiving more and more questions about how to use a linear actuator with Arduino. We have never officially offered Arduino support. We have a couple of resources on our website and we've directed many people to Robot Geek and a couple of other Arduino pros.
Opening And Closing Windows With Linear Actuators
Posted by on 10/17/2017
It's becoming a fairly popular project to automate household windows. Using linear actuators is the most cost-effective and simple way to achieve this.
2017 FRC Team Sponsorship Winners
Posted by on 10/13/2017
The time has come to announce the winners of our 2017 FRC team sponsorships! In early 2017, we started looking for new ways to actively support young engineers and robotics enthusiasts. This lead to the creation of two brand new programs - our Scholarship Program and Our FRC Sponsorship Program.
Using Linear Actuators For Realistic Animatronics
Posted by on 9/29/2017
Building animatronic displays was once solely the domain of professionals in movies and television. These day, there are hobbyists and professionals all over the world working with animatronics. Motion-enabled elements can be found in Halloween and Christmas displays, museums, and of course, just for fun. It's an art that has come a long way in the last couple of decades.