Motorized actuators convert electric motor rotary motion into linear motion for various applications. They use gears and limit switches or stepper motor technology to control motion in one, two, or three dimensions. They are compact, powerful, and accurate, making them ideal for precision applications like camera lenses and machining operations.
Motorized actuators are a family of mechanical devices that convert the rotary motion of an electric motor into linear motion used to do work. The working output of these devices is used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from large air vent dampers and transport channel diverters to small, ultra-precise optical stages in telescopes and camera lenses. The transfer or conversion of the rotary output of the engine is usually facilitated by gears of various types. The range of linear motion generated by a motorized actuator is controlled by limit switches or very accurate stepping motor technology. The motorized actuator can generate its output in a single plane or two or three dimensions depending on the specific application.
Electric motors are among the best working machines available. They are relatively small, yet powerful and reliable with stepper motor technology allowing for very accurate rotation control. In many applications, however, the challenge with any motor is to convert rotary motion into linear work. One of the commonly used solutions to this problem is the motorized actuator. By allowing the motor to drive, for example, a rack-and-pinion type gear train, the rotational motion of the motor is translated into straight-line work output.
This type of setup can be contained in a surprisingly small package, making the motorized actuator an ideal solution for compact applications such as autofocus and power zoom camera lenses. On the other hand, this type of motion conversion also benefits from the mechanical advantages inherent in gear drives, which means that a relatively small actuator is capable of generating considerable leverage. These characteristics of motorized actuators along with the accuracy possible with stepping control see them used in a wide range of applications from the previously mentioned optical devices to large industrial hopper chutes and conveyor diverters.
The motorized actuator can also produce its linear output in multiple planes. The simplest manifolds are one-dimensional and only move a device in a straight line, while the more complex types can move multiple stages or work platforms along additional XY and XYZ planes. These fixtures are typically used in precision machining applications, where tool holders or work pieces rotate extensively during machining operations. In these units, each axle platform will usually have a separate motor and gearbox. The amount of movement or output of the motorized actuator is controlled by mechanical or optical limit switches or electronically via stepper motor control.
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