Mounting configurations can be used with any of the motor options available. These include NEMA 11, 14, 17, and 23 stepper motors with either a single, double, or triple stack as well as state of the art servo motor options.
Surpassing other mini-actuators with enhanced design
The ML series features several design features that promote high performance, precise travel, and power. The outer body profile is precision machined using our patented SIMO® process. This process uses multiple synchronized cutters that produce an actuator with concurrent and consistent machining on all critical edges, ensuring extremely tight tolerances, high accuracy mounting, and low costs. It also reduces weight, allowing for a smaller motor to drive the actuator. The ML series “dovetail” style carriage comprises 14 plain bearing surfaces that support low-friction, smooth motion, and quiet travel. Optional single or dual external linear guide supports can be added for enhanced stability and load capacities.
Internally, the ML series mini-actuators are built for performance. With a larger diameter lead screw, these miniature actuators can support higher load capacities at greater accuracy. Duplexed and lead screw support bearings provide high stiffness, increased thrust load, and repeatability. An optional anti-backlash nut is also available on the ML series for applications that require high bi-directional accuracy. The final assembled product offers users both precision and performance, while delivering long-lasting linear guidance in tight, diminutive spaces.
Installation is easy
The lightweight ML series, with its precision-machined outer profile, can be easily fit on to any axis. Motor mounting is also a snap, as they can be mounted in-line, on the side, or top or bottom of the actuator as space permits. This is a crucial benefit when implementing a multi-axis design. Furthermore, PBC Linear has compiled a full assortment of accessories, design options, and replacement kits, along with full ML specifications within our new ML series catalog. ML miniature actuators in the medical industry
Our miniature linear actuators have been showcased within the medical laboratory environment, but recently a medical supply company decided to incorporate the small actuator into a cabinet locking system. Using their smallest model, our application engineers were able to collaborate with this medical company to design an automated keypad lock for a transportable medical storage unit.
Security is of the utmost importance when housing delicate and expensive medical supplies. To maintain control over their stock of medicine, tools and other delicate devices used, the medical supply company required a linear positioning system small enough to fit into their compact drawers and install into a keypad lock system. The lock required precise, smooth, and quiet linear motion to successfully operate the locking pin in and out of position. Traditionally in these systems, a solenoid is used to operate the locking mechanism. However, the clinic found solenoids to be too inaccurate for reliable and repeatable performance on necessary tasks. The ML is also equipped with a special, no maintenance self-lubricated polymer slider to support the actuator’s compact design and facilitate stable linear guidance.
After installation, the medical clinic reported satisfaction with their locking systems. The compact linear actuator easily fit into the small space, supplying efficient and dependable motion to lock and unlock the portable medical cabinets whenever they were needed.