(1012 products available)
Linear actuators come in different ways. The type of actuator used for lifting platforms is especially crucial due to the demand for authority and stability in this application.
Ball Screw Actuators
These types offer high effectiveness and precision. The bionic metal screws convert rotational movements into linear movements. Thus, offering smooth, powerful thrusts for any heavy lifting.
Brushless DC Actuators
These are designed without a brush. They are more durable than normal DC motors. While not directly working on lifting, their constant, steady power and efficiency for longer work help in high-capacity lifting platforms.
Lead Screw Actuators
The lead screw linear actuators are cheaper but still provide decent service. The difference is notable in heavy-duty uses. Lead screws drive movements through screw mechanisms. This feature makes them simple and regulated, ideal for light lifting platforms.
Geared AC Motors
These are AC-powered actuators with gear systems that boost torque upon power reduction. Such characteristics make them desireable for commercial lifting platforms requiring constant and stable power in a capacity range way higher than 12V.
Hydraulic Linear Actuators
Hydraulic linear actuators are excellent for high power and weight. They provide forces through fluid pressures in the system's installed pumps and vents. These are not 12V perils. However, many hydraulic systems on platforms include electronically controlled 12V actuators for small functioning-up.
Load Capacity
A 12V linear actuator for a lifting platform performs better with a high load-carrying capacity. Its capacity goes up to 8000N. Hence it can lift common items like cars, wheelchairs, TVs, beds, and many more. These will never crush under pressure.
Speed
The standard speed of this linear actuator is around 3.7 millimeters per second. However, this can change due to the load and duty cycle. This makes it a good option for tasks where careful control is crucial to avoid damage to the items being lifted.
Stroke Length
Typical stroke lengths for these linear actuators are often from 50 millimeters to 300 millimeters. However, longer strokes can also be ordered. This makes them fit for a wide range of applications, from small adjustments to larger lifting.
Material
12V linear Actuators are made with high-quality anodized aluminum. Why aluminum? It is light yet very tough. Therefore, it ensures the actuator is easy to use, resistant to rust, and can withstand mechanical wear and tear, ensuring every task is completed safely and efficiently.
Power and Voltage
The power supply for the actuator is 12V DC. It uses Direct Current from a battery or an automobile. This makes it a good option for portable designs as well as for vehicles. That is an uncommon trait because it can have its own power source.
Duty Cycle
Duty cycle refers to the duration the actuator can work before it needs a break. The typical cycle of these lifting actuators is about 20-30%. This makes it ideal for intermittent operation. Common users include lifts that are not always fully loaded. Such lifts balance well between high performance and lifespan, meaning there is minimal overheating under heavy use.
Control System
These robotic arms come with advanced control options. They range from simple toggle switches to more complex remote controls. Hence, the type of control depends on the application. The lifting platforms benefit from these actuators because they can achieve precision lifting with little effort only.
The versatility of these 12V linear actuators makes them appropriate across a multitude of industries.
Automotive Industry
In the automotive realm, these actuators do magic in lifting systems, be it a car jack, a lift table, or even in robot arms for car manufacturing. The power they pack and the precision they bring to lifting heavy vehicle parts makes them a must-have for the various tough jobs that require reliability over a long period of time.
Medical Equipment
Medical beds, as seen, are never stable. They need to provide comfort; hence, they use 12V linear actuators. Wheelchairs and other medical devices use these small but powerful actuators to move patients safely and easily. Meanwhile, operating tables, etc., use them to adjust the patients for optimum treatment. The quiet and smooth operation of the actuators makes the patients feel better during operations and better treatment procedures.
Aerospace
The 12V linear actuator has a great contribution in the application of fuel systems and in the adjustment of the positions of the wings. In robotic arms used to manufacture components, these actuators facilitate the movements required for high accuracy, which is the mother of tough tasks like the ones in this industry.
Industrial Automation
In industrial machinery, 12V linear actuators are provided in automatic workstations, moving tables, and conveyor belts. These are used to boost efficiency by mechanically moving items within the production line. Their versatility means they can be employed in several mechanical automation processes.
Home Automation
In home automation, especially in lifting furniture like motorized beds and sofas, etc., these actuators are used along with some lifting platforms. Curtains, doors, and windows also operate on these small robots. Their compactness and quietness add to their suitability for domestic uses.
Marine Applications
Marine equipment such as hatches, winches, and even small robots used these 12V linear actuators. They are corrosion-resistant, which allows them to work effectively in the water-invading environment.
Robotics
They are used in many robotic systems, such as robotic arms for manufacturing, assembling, picking and placing, etc. They provide the capabilities needed in these operations, which require a high level of precision.
When selecting the right 12V linear actuator for a lifting platform, one must consider several key factors.
Load capacity
This directly applies to the weight that the platform is meant to raise. Choose an actuator whose load capacity exceeds the weight of the platform and its intended cargo. Quite simply, always ensure the load-bearing capability is rated at least 1.5 times the maximum load to avoid overworking the actuator.
Stroke length
It is equally important to get the right size of the actuator. The stroke length must be in tandem with the lifting height of the platform. The length should be adequate to provide the necessary height. Using an actuator with a shorter stroke than required would mean that the lifting capacity is limited, while a longer stroke would mean that the lifting would be redundant and that there would be an unnecessary extension.
Speed
Consider the lifting speed that the application calls for. Speed is affected by both the load and the voltage. Higher currents ensure more speed; hence, one should opt for an actuator with a high speed rating if rapid lifting is desired. On the contrary, if speed is not that essential and more power is needed, look for an actuator with good torque ratings.
Duty cycle
A duty cycle indicates how long the actuator can run before it has to cool down. This is important in applications that require long working hours. Fans with larger duty cycles are good for endless and constant use. In this case, if the duty cycle is low, then it is not useful in hours-long operations.
Control mechanism
Actuators can be controlled differently, conventionally by switches or more sophisticated methods, like programmable logic units. Platforms that require precise lifting will need more sophisticated control systems rather than simple ON-OFF switches in applications with general or occasional usage.
Environmental factors
Consider the operating circumstances in which the actuator will be used. For example, if the platform is exposed to moisture, dust, or extreme temperatures, select an actuator with a high IP rating and robust casings to resist those elements. Protection of the actuator from the elements will increase its longevity and, therefore, its efficiency.
Power consumption
As the power insulator is operating at 12V, it is prudent to investigate its power consumption. The more the consumption, the more the battery will be required to work if the power source is to be a battery. Lower power-consuming actuators will use less battery, thus making them more cost-effective for usage in lifting platforms.
A1: The 12V linear actuator converts rotational motion into linear motion. It helps to lift platforms by providing the thrust needed to raise the platform to a specific height or level. This makes it useful in elevating mechanisms.
A2: Depending on the model, the load capacity ranges from a few hundred grams to several thousand newtons. Choose an actuator whose load capacity exceeds the platform's weight and any additional cargo weight for optimal performance.
A3: These are widely used in many applications, such as hospital lifting beds, automated loading docks, robotic lifts, home elevators, work platforms, and even in some marine and aerospace technologies due to their compact size and power.
A4: Key aspects to consider include load capacity, speed, stroke length, duty cycle, control type, and environmental resistance. These will affect the performance and longevity of the actuator in the system.
A5: Stroke length refers to the distance that the actuator rod can extend or retract. It is the measurement of the motion. It means the actuator must be equipped with a stroke length that matches the platform lifting height, as too short or long would create problems.
A6: 12V actuators are handy since this voltage is safely used with vehicle systems, solar setups, and standard batteries. This versatility makes them ideal when the lifting platform is to be powered from several sources.
A7: The duty cycle is the percentage of time that an actuator can operate under load within a specified time period before it needs to cool down. It lets users know how long the actuator can run continuously before requiring a rest period to avoid overheating.
A8: Effectively using the actuator within its rated load, speed, and duty cycle parameters and protecting it from environmental factors like dust and moisture will maximize its operating capability.
A9: Many of these actuators have ratings for water and dust exposure, like the IP rating. The higher the IP rating, the greater the protection against the entry of water and dust into the actuator.
A10: These control options range from simple mechanical switches that toggle the actuator ON and OFF to more complex electronic controllers that allow for precise position control and automation. The controlling choice depends on the platform's needs in lifting and lowering.