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Linear actuators from FAULHABER

 

A linear actuator converts the rotary movement of a DC-motor into a linear movement. Its purpose is to move objects backward and forward along a straight axis. Linear actuators from FAULHABER are characterized by their compact design. Depending on the version, they achieve peak values in terms of force and accuracy. They are suitable for applications where strong linear forces or an extremely high positioning accuracy are required in constrained spaces.

FAULHABER Linear Actuators Group  selection
High accuracy
Wide range of lead screws available
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How does a linear actuator work?

A linear actuator requires three basic components: motor, threaded lead screw and nut. The rotation of the motor causes the threaded lead screw to turn. The nut is mechanically connected to the actual application and transfers the linear movement to it.

Geared linear actuators have an additional component. The gearhead reduces the speed of the motor, depending on the reduction ratio of the gearhead, and at the same time increases the torque.

In addition to the variants with and without gearhead, users of FAULHABER linear actuators can also choose between a number of other equipment options: various thread geometries as well as two different lead screw designs are available.

Customer-specific applications

The individual components of the linear actuators from FAULHABER are available in many different variants and designs. The standard range alone offers a wide selection of options and combination possibilities for a huge variety of application requirements.

Furthermore, FAULHABER offers the design and fabrication of customer-specific components to find the perfect solution for your project.

Linear actuators for every application

Geared linear actuators

FAULHABER geared linear actuators can be operated with brushless or brushed DC-motors. With its reduction ratio, the gearhead between the motor and threaded lead screw increases both the supplied force and the positioning accuracy. Numerous, evenly distributed reduction ratios are available. These actuators can support high input speeds, deliver high output forces and are suited for a wide range of applications like robotics, industrial machines or laboratory equipment. A broad range of equipment options enables easy mechanical integration as well as implementation in different ambient conditions.

Linear actuators with direct drive

In the case of the linear actuator with direct drive, the threaded lead screw is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor. FAULHABER uses only stepper motors for this variant. Actuation in stepper mode makes them the ideal drive type for application areas in which exact linear movement is required – e.g. to adjust a lens (zooming, focusing) or for welding fiber optic cables together. Moreover, FAULHABER linear actuators with direct drive can often also be found in medical technology.

Threaded lead screw or ball screw

Threaded lead screws and ball screws differ from each other with respect to their design. Which of the two linear actuators is more suitable depends on the application in question.

A threaded lead screw is essentially a threaded rod with a nut. Rotation of the threaded lead screw causes the nut to move along the threaded rod. The pitch of the thread determines the displacement per revolution. However, losses caused by the continuous sliding friction result in lower efficiency compared to ball screws. This sliding friction can be minimized by using different thread geometries.
Apart from the nut, the threaded lead screw has no other moving parts and is therefore extremely robust and maintenance-friendly. This type of linear actuator generates little noise and retains its position even with the motor switched off.

Ball screws use recirculating ball nuts. As a result of the recirculating balls in the lead screw nut, there is almost no play between the threaded lead screw and lead screw nut. In contrast to metric or trapezoidal threaded lead screws, the principle of ball recirculation allows a significantly more precise linear movement to be achieved. Wear is minimal owing to the low rolling resistance, thereby ensuring an extremely long service life. A linear actuator with ball screw can move large loads very efficiently and heats up only slightly when in operation.

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The tool that developers can count on

You are looking for the perfect drive for your application? The FAULHABER Drive Calculator is the perfect tool for developers to find a suitable drive system for a specific application in record time.

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Linear actuator or linear motor?

Linear motors from FAULHABER can achieve considerably higher speeds than linear actuators. They are predominantly used in applications where high dynamics are required. The very long service life without maintenance is yet another of the outstanding strengths of this drive type.

In comparison, linear actuators can achieve much higher output forces as well as a particularly high level of accuracy in the case of positioning tasks.

Selection of FAULHABER Linear DC-Servomotors portfolio

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