Rigid electrical actuator challenges ballscrews and belts

Copley Motion Systems has developed a rigid industrial actuator based on its Servotube linear actuator which can support radial loads of up to 10kg. The company says that the self-contained ServoTube High Rigidity (shown below) will challenge traditional ballscrew- and belt-driven linear slides.

The single-part actuator with integral outrigger bearings is said to simplify machine integration. A radial load of 5kg will produce a deflection of less than 1mm when the actuator is extended 200mm. There are no conflicting bearings to cause jamming as can happen with other systems that integrate linear motors with outrigger bearings. The IP67-rated actuator needs no external encoder, cutting costs and simplifying cabling. Brakes are available as an option.