TUBULAR LINEAR ACTUATOR

Since the input to our test rig needs to be velocity or displacement, linear actuators serves the
best to provide such disturbances as required. Linear actuators provide a well-controlled and
wide range of varieties in input displacements to the test rig.

Linear actuators, unlike electric motor which gives circular motion, provide linear motion.
Linear actuators are a practical solution to numerous actuation requirements. A wide range of
varieties of these motors are available and the type of motor best suited for the application can be
decided based on the specific requirement. There are rotary, flat or tubular linear actuators. Some
tubular actuators consists of hydraulic or pneumatic rams which are suited for applications
requiring high force and no or very less precision in a small space. Hydraulic pumps, driven
easily from the drive-train of the engine can be used in hydraulic actuators. Hydraulic actuators
are used mostly in heavy equipment vehicles like cranes, bulldozers etc. Hydraulic actuators are
slow and occupy large space, and are not used in compact and high precision applications.
Pneumatic actuators have a very good power density, but are less precise when compared to
electrical actuators.

Other linear motors use an electric rotary motor with a leadscrew or other linkage to
transform the rotary motion to linear translation. However, this mechanism gives significant
complications like backlash and increased mass of the moving part due to connecting linkages or
conversion components like gears, to the system. However, leadscrew linear motors find
applications in precision manufacturing equipment.

A tubular linear motor consists of a series of tubular coils wrapped around a rod which
contains a number of strong cylindrical permanent magnets aligned in alternating and opposing
directions. Tubular linear actuators are used in applications that cant be met by other actuators
like lead screw actuator. Unlike pneumatic cylinders, which provide only two positions, the
position of a linear motor is constantly controlled and monitored. This helps to control the
motion axis at all times, which in turn helps in correcting minor deviations when needed.