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Belt driven linear actuator

(640 products available)

About belt driven linear actuator

Types of Belt Driven Linear Actuators

A belt driven linear actuator comes in various types and is designed differently to accomplish distinct tasks. The following are some of the most common varieties of this linear motion module:

  • Coil Belt Driven Linear Actuator:

    This actuator has a belt coiled around two cylindrical pulley wheels acting as the driving mechanism. Coil belt-driven linear actuators are compact and suitable for applications with space constraints. However, they have limited stroke length due to the belt coiling. In a typical application scenario, a coil belt linear actuator can be used in a 3D printer to move the print head along the X or Y axis.

  • Belt Pulleys Linear Actuator:

    It features two or more pulley wheels as the primary driving force. The actuator can arrange the pulley wheels in a fixed horizontal or vertical plane, depending on the application's requirements. This design allows for longer stroke lengths and heavier loads compared to the coil belt variant.

  • Rack and Pinion:

    Rack and pinion design utilizes a gear and toothed rod to effect linear motion. The toothed rack engages with the pinion gear to convert rotational movement into linear motion. This design is suitable for applications that require high speeds and significant load capacities. It provides reliability, precision, and efficiency in demanding industrial settings.

  • Double Belt Driven Actuator:

    A double belt linear actuator has two opposing belts to provide high amounts of thrust force and support in heavy load capacities. This daunting task is made possible without taking up extra space.

  • Floating Nut Linear Actuator:

    This type of belt-driven actuator has a nut that floats or freely moves within the assembly. This unique construction offers flexibility and adaptability in application use. The actuator provides smooth and efficient linear motion.

  • Guided Actuator:

    A guided linear actuator makes use of a sliding guide to allow for smooth and precise motion. This mechanism enables control of the linear movement direction as well as the frictional resistance. The combination of these characteristics improves the accuracy of positioning and repeatability. A guided belt-driven actuator is very popular in robotics...

Specifications & Maintenance

  • Load Capacity:

    Belt-driven linear actuator can support load mass in the range of milligrams up to hundreds of kilograms. However, the precise load capacity is subject to the individual design of the actuator.

  • Speed:

    The moving speed of a belt-driven actuator may fall between a few millimeters per second to a couple of meters per second. The specific speed depends on the motor and control methods.

  • Stroke length:

    Generally, the stroke length of a belt-driven linear actuator ranges from tens of millimeters to several meters. Also, customized length is possible by using a specific length of the belt.

  • Accuracy:

    Belt-driven linear actuators typically provide positioning accuracy within ±0.5 mm to ±0.01 mm. The exact precision is decided based on the actuator's design and configuration.

  • Environmental resistance:

    Some belt-driven linear actuators possess environmental resistance. For instance, those with dust resistance can operate in environments with limited cleaning possibilities, and those with corrosion resistance can withstand exposure to chemical substances or moisture environments.

To prolong the lifespan of belt-driven actuators and ensure their performance consistency, routine maintenance is vital. Here are some general maintenance instructions:

  • Regular cleaning:

    The dust, debris, and contaminants on the actuator surface should be cleaned promptly. As for the cleaning methods, the surface of the actuator can be wiped with a damp cloth or clean air blow, and detergents can also be used. Nevertheless, the cleaning solution should be non-corrosive and neutral so as not to damage the actuator.

  • Lubrication:

    Proper lubrication can reduce belt-driven actuator maintenance. Lubricants can be applied to sliding parts and rail lines to enhance the movement smoothness and decrease the friction and abrasion. When choosing the right lubricant, factors, such as the working environment and load conditions, should be taken into consideration. Additionally, the excess lubricant should be removed to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris.

  • Regular inspection:

    Conducting inspections periodically can identify potential problems in time. Specifically, the components of the belt-driven actuator should be inspected, including the belt, pulley, sliding rail, connecting parts, etc. Also, the wear and tear of these components should be checked.

  • Pay attention to environmental adaptability:

    Make sure the working environment of the actuator accords with its specified application. In particular, keeping the humidity, temperature, and cleanliness of the surroundings within the proper range can avoid damage to the actuator.

Applications of Belt-driven Linear Actuators

  • Industrial Automation

    Belt-driven linear actuators are central to assembly lines, robotic arms, and material handling systems. They offer precise control over component positioning, enabling automated tasks like picking, placing, and adjusting with speed and accuracy.

  • Conveyor Systems

    Pulley-driven linear actuators are workhorses in conveyor system design. They provide smooth and consistent motion for product transfer, sorting, and stacking operations. Their scalability and reliability make them ideal for efficiently moving goods along conveyor belts.

  • Packaging and Printing

    In the packaging and printing realms, belt-driven linear actuators are integral to tasks like label application, packaging sealing, and print head positioning. Their high precision ensures accurate placement, while their high speed maximizes productivity in these fast-paced environments.

  • Medical Equipment

    Pulley-driven linear actuators can provide precise, repeatable motion in medical equipment like infusion pumps, MRI machines, and robotic surgical systems. Actuators with low noise are preferred in these applications to minimize the impact on patient care and comfort.

  • Office Automation

    In office automation, belt-driven linear actuators streamline document handling in printers, scanners, and shredders. Their compactness and efficiency contribute to the seamless operation of these essential office devices, enhancing productivity and reducing manual intervention.

  • Smart Furniture

    Pulley-driven linear actuators are transforming smart furniture, such as adjustable beds and sit-stand desks. Their motion control enables user-friendly customization of furniture to cater to individual preferences, promoting comfort and wellness in the modern workplace and home.

  • Agricultural Equipment

    Belt-driven linear actuators facilitate precision farming by automating equipment like planters, sprayers, and harvesters. Their accurate positioning and repeatability are essential for optimizing crop management, enhancing efficiency, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

  • Automotive Applications

    Pulley-driven linear actuators play a pivotal role in automotive manufacturing, enabling motion control for assembly robots, vehicle testing rigs, and interior component positioning. Their dependability and accuracy are crucial in ensuring quality and efficiency in vehicle production and enhancing functionality and comfort in the finished automobile.

How to Choose Belt Driven Linear Actuators

  • Load Capacity:

    Belt-driven linear actuators are commonly used in high-speed applications. When selecting a specific model, users should first understand their load requirements. The load capacity of a belt-driven linear actuator is determined not just by the actuator itself, but also the belts, pulleys, bearings, and other components involved in its design. Choosing an actuator with a load capacity that suits the specific application ensures not just good performance, but also the actuator's long-term durability.

  • Speed and Stroke Length:

    Another important factor to consider when selecting a belt-driven linear actuator is its speed of motion. The acceleration and speed of the actuator directly affect how fast the application can function as well as its efficiency. Also, strike length is equally important, as it dictates the distance over which the load can be moved. Most times, the stroke length of the actuator has to be in agreement with that of the task or application.

  • Motor:

    As discussed previously, the type of motor that drives the belt-driven linear actuator is crucial to its operation. While several options exist, such as stepper to servo motors, each with its particular advantages suitable for certain applications. It is, therefore, very important for users to carefully analyze the role of each motor and how well suited they are to different kinds of tasks and choose one that goes well with their needs.

  • Guides and Bearings:

    The precision and repeatability of the motion of a belt-driven linear actuator heavily depend on the guided systems and bearings integrated into its design. The selected guiding system determines the path along which the actuator will travel, and this is fundamentally important when considering laydowns and spaces required for various applications. In addition, the load-carrying capacity and supporting ability of the selected rail systems are also significant factors that go hand in hand with the guiding system. On the other hand, the type of bearing selected also depends on the kind of application at hand. For instance, selecting a linear bearing system may be more suitable for users than others.

Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between a belt-driven actuator and a screw actuator?

A1: The main difference between a screw actuator and a belt actuator lies in the motion they create and how they generate linear motion. A belt-driven linear actuator uses a motorized belt to push or pull an object, while a lead screw actuator uses a motorized screw to push or pull an object. This means that a belt-driven actuator will have faster speeds and smoother motions compared to a screw actuator.

Q2: How much load can a belt-driven linear actuator support?

A2: This entirely depends on the specification of the linear actuator in question. A small belt-driven actuator can support a few kilograms, while larger models like the heavy-duty linear slide can support anything above 200kg.

Q3: What is the lifespan of a belt-driven linear actuator?

A3: If an actuator is well maintained, it can last up to 5 to 10 years or more. These days, many manufacturers subject their actuators to harsh testing environments to determine the lifespan, and it's not uncommon to find actuators that can last up to 20 years with proper lubrication and maintenance.