What exactly is a Stepper Motor Based Linear Actuator?

Need to know how a Stepper Motor Linear Actuator works?

Suppose you, as an engineer, are tasked to design a machine or part of a machine that requires precise linear positioning.   How would you go about accomplishing this?  What is the most straightforward and effective method?

When students are trained in classic mechanical engineering, they are taught to construct a system using conventional mechanical components to convert rotary into linear motion.  Converting rotary to linear motion can be accomplished by several mechanical means using a motor, rack and pinion, belt and pulley, and other mechanical linkages.   The most effective way to accomplish this rotary to linear motion, however, is within the motor itself.

This White Paper, from Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, discusses the technology behind stepper motor linear actuators, what makes them different, and concludes with a detailed example illustrating how they should be sized to move a given load.  

Click on the link below to download it.

Haydon Kerk Stepper Motor Linear Actuator White Paper