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.
Rod vs Rodless Actuators
Posted by on 9/18/2017
Rod and Track (rodless) actuators ultimately perform the same function - they move loads back and forth. Depending on your application however, there can be significant advantages to either rod or track actuators in your design.
Linear Actuators and IP Ratings
Posted by on 9/7/2017
When selecting a linear actuator for a project, there are many different things to consider. Stroke, speed, physical dimensions and force requirements are the most common, but there are other things that you may need to account for when choosing an actuator to include in your design.
2017 Engineering Scholarship Winners
Posted by on 8/15/2017
Earlier this year, we launched a scholarship program for engineering students. Our aim was to give back to the engineering community by supporting talented young engineers who had trouble meeting their financial needs for school.
How To Prevent Actuator Side Load Failure
Posted by on 8/8/2017
Let's talk about side loads (also called overhung loads) for a minute. A side load is any load that is exerted perpendicular to the direction of a linear actuator's travel.
Can I Modify My Actuator?
Posted by on 8/4/2017
For some customers, a stock unit will not do the trick. Integrating our products into your designs can take some level of customization.
Quiet Linear Actuators
Posted by Mike Greig on 7/21/2017
For many applications, linear actuators must not only be small and discreet, but also quiet. A quiet linear actuator is important in places such as medical facilities where increased noise could distract a healthcare worker or patient, or in product applications where too much sound could distract from the intended function of the product.
Choosing The Correct Actuator For Your Application
Posted by on 7/18/2017
If you're looking for a micro linear actuator to suit your application you may have found the options a little overwhelming. Under the Actuonix brand, there are 6 unique micro actuator lines. These lines feature strokes ranging from 10mm through to 300mm, forces between 2-67lbs and five different control options.
Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Linear Actuator
Posted by on 6/20/2017
It's easy to get a long service life out of your micro linear actuators. Actuonix devices are built to last and each unit is tested before it leaves our facility. That said, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to get the most possible life from your linear actuators.
Micro Linear Actuators In Prosthetics
Posted by on 6/15/2017
As a manufacturer of electric micro linear actuators, one of the industries that we're most excited to be directly involved with is the production of prosthetics. In recent years, we have had the privilege of working with several companies that manufacture prosthetics.
How To Adjust Linear Actuator Speed
Posted by on 6/2/2017
It can still be difficult however to find a device that suits your specific needs. In a previous post we covered how to adjust linear actuator end limits. Today I'm going to show you four ways that you can adjust the speed of a linear actuator. Depending on your needs, skills and budget, you have some options.
How To Automate A Chicken Coop Door Using Micro Linear Actuators
Posted by on 5/8/2017
The local food movement is inspiring more and more families to install backyard chicken coops. This is the time of year when people are considering installing a coop for the first time or perhaps upgrading an existing chicken coop door.
How To Make A DIY Remote Controlled Door Lock For Your Home
Posted by on 5/2/2017
Everybody loves a nice simple home automation project. In this article, we're going to show you how to build a DIY remote control door lock for your home or office.
How To Use An S Series Micro Linear Actuator With RC
Posted by on 2/24/2017
If you're familiar with our products, you may already know that we offer an entire line of linear servos that are plug and play compatible with most RC receivers. These are the PQ12-R, the L12-R and L16-R in their various different gearing ratios. These are ideal for most RC projects that require linear motion.
Attention All Makers!
Posted by on 2/20/2017
Do you love to be create? Maybe you have a great idea for a linear motion project but lacking the cash or motivation to build it. Have you used YouTube, Instructables or another such platform to feature your projects in the past? Actuonix Motion Devices is interested in partnering with YOU.