Scanning for Ideas: Linear Actuator for Tight Spaces

Editted by Stephan J. Mraz

The DRL Series of linear actuators from Oriental Motors Corp., Torrance, Calif. (orientalmotors.com), is said to offer accuracy in a small package. (Actuator frame size is 1.2-in. square.) It uses a five-phase stepping motor and ground ball screw to provide consistent position accuracies of 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.). And it maintains a relatively small frame size despite having the rotating components as well as the linear-motion mechanism of the stepping motor in the same housing. An optional electromagnetic brake will hold a load in position despite the power being cut off.