A voice-coil actuator for a spectrometer application had to perform at an ambient temperature of 400°F. The actuator dithers a mirror at high frequency to move a laser beam when the spectrometer is identifying materials in a given sample. BEI Kimco Magnetics, Vista, Calif., developed the actuator within the Model LA13-12-000A package to handle the job. The new design included special samarium-cobalt magnets and reinforced magnet-wire insulation that withstands the high ambient temperatures while delivering a continuous stall force of 0.5 lb over a 0.25-in. stroke.
Lee Teschler served as Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design until 2014. He holds a B.S. Engineering from the University of Michigan; a B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan; and an MBA from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining Penton, Lee worked as a Communications design engineer for the U.S. Government.