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Linak Develops New Plug and Play Linear Actuator Designed for Durability

February 23, 2021 by Seth Price

Linak recently designed and released the LA36 Long Life, a new linear actuator built for various environments.

Common actuation methods include pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric systems—all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. The LA36 is an electrically powered actuator, with multiple models available, depending on available electrical sources.

Linak claims the LA36 will have a minimum of 200,000 cycles at maximum load and maximum duty cycle.
 

Linak LA36 Linear Actuator. Screenshot courtesy of Linak.

 

Soren Buck, Business Development Manager at Linak, compares the LA36 to other linear actuators by stating, “[The LA36] roughly extends the working life to around 20x that of conventional actuators on the market.”

 

Common Uses of Linear Actuators

Linear actuators are used to place or move objects in a straight line. They can be fitted with cutting tools, suction cups, universal joints, or cams for circular motion. Their uses include cutting flashing from injection-molded parts, extending to push an integrated circuit with through-pins through a circuit board, propelling raw material into a feed ramp, and so on. 

They are also used in heavy equipment. As a few examples, a linear actuator can be used to elevate parts of a patient’s bed in a hospital, raise a boom or blade in construction equipment, or slowly track the sun for accurately positioning solar panels. 

To perform these tasks, linear actuators must be accurate, reliable, fast, deliver consistent pushing force, and require low maintenance. Linak’s LA36 looks to deliver on all of these properties. 

 

The LA36 Aims for Longer Lifetime

Some LA36 models can be supplied with 12, 24, 36, and 48 VDC supplies, each with similar drive characteristics. Regardless of the input power supplied, each LA36 is capable of delivering 10,000 N (2248 lb f), at a maximum speed of 160 mm/s (6.3 in/s), with a piston stroke length of 200 mm (7.8 in) to 1200 mm (3 ft 11 in). 

The Linak LA36 is designed to work for a minimum of 200,000 cycles at maximum load and maximum duty cycle. Often, lifetimes are specified as a best-case scenario. Linak aims for a high cycle count at the maximum load (10,000 N, 2248 lb f) at the maximum duty cycle (as fast as it can oscillate). 

This means these linear actuators require very little maintenance and could be a reliable part of any robotics system. They may outlast other system components, such as linkages and attachments to the piston for specific tasks. Linak attributes the long life to the brushless motor design used in their actuators.

 

LA36EX, the Explosion-Proof Model

Besides the base model, there is also the LA36EX, which is the explosion-proof model. Explosion-proof devices are used in environments where dust, flammable liquids, and vapors are present. 


A petrochemical refinery where the LA36EX model would be required. Image courtesy of Pixabay.

 

For an electrical actuator, the explosion-proof model provides special shielding to prevent any arc-flash at the electrical contacts from igniting flammable dust, liquids, or vapors outside of its housing. Explosion-proof equipment is required by code for most petrochemical, chemical, and particulate manufacturing environments.

Linak’s new LA36 is available in multiple ram lengths, input power requirements, and control connections, meaning they are flexible for various industries and applications. Their long life and low maintenance requirements can make them unique in the linear actuator industry.

 

Featured image courtesy of Linak.