Other Types of Actuators
Screw Actuators
There are several different types of screw actuators including lead screw actuators, ball screw actuators, and planetary roller screw actuators.
Lead Screw Actuator
Lead screw actuators have a threaded nut that moves with a screw, providing both simple construction and lowest cost. This type of actuator is mainly used when an industry needs a cost-effective solution. Lead screw actuators are quiet, flexible, corrosion-resistant, and have some self-locking capabilities.
Ball Screw Actuator
Ball screw actuators are essentially lead screw actuators that use ball bearings. They are usually chosen due to their faster rates of speed with continuous duty cycles and ability to carry higher loads. They are more expensive but offer less friction when compared to lead screw actuators.
Planetary Roller Screw Actuator
Planetary roller screw actuators are lead screw actuators that use threaded rollers surrounding the main threaded shaft. This actuator is the most expensive option, but also the most durable. Because their load-carrying rollers don’t contact each other, planetary roller screw actuators typically achieve higher speeds than ball screws.
Belt Actuators
Belt actuators are actuators based on belt drives and are often used where speed is important but with limited accuracy. These actuators operate under the same principle as the conveyor belt system; the belt drive translates rotary motion to linear motion via a timing belt. Belt actuators are designed for high speeds with long distances and are perfect for fast positioning and handling tasks
Integrated Actuators
Integrated actuators, as the name suggests, integrate a rod style actuator into a motor housing to eliminate the need for coupling. These actuators provide the lowest size and weight with easier maintenance, but at a higher cost.