Aerotech introduces the ACT linear motor actuator as alternative to ball screws and belt drives

Aerotech, Pittsburg, Penn., has introduced the ACT high performance, cost-effective linear-servomotor-driven actuator that is faster and more accurate than a ball screw or belt-drive without the costly, time-consuming maintenance they require.

Because the ACT is an integrated, assembled mechanical system, it also eliminates the design complexity and guesswork in choosing and assembling individual components. The ACT is good for applications including assembly, pick and place machines, electronic assembly and qualification, packaging, vision inspection, dispensing, life sciences, image scanning and processing, and inkjet printing.

Aerotech’s high-power, cog-free linear motors drive the ACT series to accelerations of 5 g and a top speed of 5 m/s, increasing throughput. The stiff mechanical structure gives good dynamic performance and reduces settling times. The non-magnetic forcer coil provides high force with zero cogging for smooth velocity and position control, and is good for applications requiring outstanding contour accuracy and smooth velocity profiling. The linear motor has zero backlash, no windup, zero friction, and good system responsiveness, and the magnetic field is totally self-contained within the U-channel design. Many high-performance applications cannot tolerate the stray magnetic fields generated by flat motor magnet tracks.

Noncontact linear optical encoders with micron-level repeatabilities are standard on all ACT series actuators. Either a line-driver output or amplified sine-wave output encoder is available for maximum flexibility. Optional factory calibration further increases standard accuracy and repeatability. Aerotech manufactures a wide range of matching drives and controls to provide a fully integrated and optimized motion solution.

ACT actuators consist of noncontact linear motors and encoders, making them virtually maintenance-free. Travel ranges from 100 mm to 1.5 m. Maximum continuous force output is up to 270.7 N.