Breakthrough claim for short-stroke actuator
A
NSF Controls product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Mar 13, 2003
NSF Controls is set to launch an exciting breakthrough in short-stroke actuator technology with the development of a servo linear positioner (SLP) system.
NSF Controls is set to launch an exciting breakthrough in short-stroke actuator technology with the development of a servo linear positioner (SLP) system.
Embodying a number of innovative and patented features, the SLP is an integrated and highly responsive linear actuator and position sensor contained within a single, compact unit.
The design meets a long-standing requirement for a short stroke actuator with ultrafine positional control.
Designers have previously chosen from a relatively limited selection of technologies to meet this requirement.
Typically these would be solenoids, moving coil motors, motorised screw units or pneumatic cylinders.
None of these technologies approaches the combination of performance and functionality afforded by the SLP - and few rival it for cost.
The SLP system owes its uniqueness and exceptional functionality to a compact and rugged moving magnet design, which, using an innovative dual function configuration of windings, creates both a high efficiency linear thrust motor and a fully integrated, high performance absolute position sensor.
The integrated sensor/actuator arrangement results in a compact assembly with a minimal number of electrical connections and a mechanically simple moving part.
The unit is also electrically symmetrical which contributes to highly stable temperature performance as well as making it extremely easy to design into a given application.
The SLP is extremely easy to use, offering direct digital or analogue control through a simple, adaptable interface.
The SLP is also easy to install, with direct coupling to driven parts and a straightforward, four-wire connection.
Direct coupling also gives continuous wear free operation even under the most arduous conditions, while the SLP is adaptable for operation in the most extreme environments, such as cryogenic temperatures and high vacuum.
Another outstanding feature of the SLP is its accuracy and controllability, with positional resolution to 1.0um (depending on stroke range), and a response time of 10 to 20ms.
Actuator response and load forces are monitored continuously in real time and the SLP is truly multifunctional, able to operate as an actuator, sensor or position controller.
In addition to its capabilities for replacement or upgrade of designs using existing technologies, the SLP with its unique sensory feedback capabilities, opens up unlimited design possibilities.
Such designs include: the upgrade of solenoid applications for controllability of movement or elimination of impacting; valve and regulator control applications with real time system conditioning or fault monitoring; remote/high reliability actuators operating in hazardous environments or extremes of temperatures; variable displacement pumping and metering system actuators, and servo force transducers.
Potential areas of application for the SLP include test/measurement and instrumentation, medical, acoustic control, machine tools, process equipment, robotics, probing, automotive and aerospace.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact NSF Controls
Tel +44 1535 661144
Other NSF Controls stories
-
NSF custom-designs solenoids
NSF Controls can custom-design solenoids to specific requirements, matching customer needs with its skills. -
NSF stepping solenoids provide self-locking drive
NSF Controls has introduced a range of unidirectional and bidirectional stepping solenoids. -
NSF introduces magnetic latching solenoids
NSF has brought out magnetic latching solenoids that employ permanent magnets coupled with the magnetic circuit of conventional DC solenoids. -
Open-frame solenoids available in 34 models
Open-frame solenoids from NSF Controls are available in more than 34 different models, including U-frame, flappers, and magnetic latching versions. -
Linear solenoids for short-stroke applications
NSF Controls has launched a range of low-profile linear solenoids that offer a compact and efficient package for short-stroke, high-force applications.
Browse by category
-
Capital Equipment (3,507)
- Capital Equipment (1)
- Compressors and Air Treatment (537)
- Electrical hardware (131)
- Electronics Manufacturing, Tools, Instruments (192)
- Machinery and Production Equipment (1,128)
- Manufacturing Machinery and Plant Equipment (474)
- Production line blowers and fans (73)
- Robotics, Handling and Storage (971)
- Consultancy and Services (920)
-
Control and Instrumentation (5,117)
- Cabling, Conduit, Signal Conditioning (814)
- CNC and Motion Controllers (189)
- Control and Instrumentation (2)
- HMIs/Operator Interfaces (296)
- Logic Controllers, Timers and Relays (96)
- Mid-range and Large PLCs (203)
- Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications (1,201)
- Plantwide control (1,350)
- Power Supplies, Uninterruptible Power (574)
- Smaller-Sized PLCs (392)
-
Drives, Motors and Controls (3,432)
- Drives, Motors and Controls (2)
- Industrial Drives/Controls (1,290)
- Industrial Motors (501)
- Linear Drives and Motors (120)
- Precision Motors and Gears (429)
- Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls (1,088)
-
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Design (4,296)
- Batteries, chargers and circuit protection (582)
- Connectors, Terminals, Busbars, Slip Rings (715)
- Electrical and Electronic Components (647)
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Design (3)
- Electrical and Electronic Subassemblies (374)
- Enclosures and Equipment Cooling Fans (721)
- Knobs, Handles and Enclosure Hardware (430)
- PCs and Embedded Systems (824)
-
Engineering Design Software (6,348)
- 2D CAD software (203)
- 3D CAD software (1,187)
- CAM, CNC, production management software (581)
- Data, document management software (322)
- Electrical design software (166)
- Engineering Design Software (17)
- FEA and structural analysis software (376)
- File conversion software, data capture (358)
- Fluid, thermal, noise, vibration software (339)
- Materials design and moulding design software (152)
- Maths, charting, statistics, QA software (325)
- PLM and collaboration software (663)
- Process, instrumentation, automation software (269)
- Publishing and documentation software (234)
- Rendering, visualisation, styling software (206)
- Simulation, modelling, validation software (950)
-
Engineering Industry News, Resources (6,205)
- Electronic Resources for Engineers (278)
- Engineering Business News, Views (388)
- Engineering Conferences (438)
- Engineering Education, Resources, Standards (850)
- Engineering Exhibitions, Events (575)
- Engineering Guides, Newsletters (365)
- Engineering Industry Developments, Awards (636)
- Engineering Industry News, Resources (4)
- Engineering Industry Reports, Surveys (597)
- Engineering Recruitment, Employment (219)
- Engineering Seminars (415)
- Engineering Training Courses (457)
- Health and Safety Consultancy, Software (180)
- Health and Safety Events, Training, News (285)
- Health and Safety Legislation (403)
- Health and Safety Strategy, Risk Assessment (115)
- Machine Building (4,612)
-
Materials and Processing (3,025)
- Materials and components (2,263)
- Materials and Processing (5)
- Materials processing and testing (291)
- Rapid Prototyping (466)
-
Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (5,639)
- Data Acquisition Hardware and PC I/O Boards (488)
- Data acquisition Software and Communications (505)
- Data loggers (425)
- Electrical and Electronic Testing, PAT Equipment (642)
- Form/co-ordinate, optical, vision instruments (759)
- Gauges, Indicators and Instruments (448)
- Materials testing equipment (431)
- Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (1)
- Telecomms/network test equipment, software etc (158)
- Testing and Calibration Services and Information (518)
- Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment (1,264)
-
Powertrain Design (3,704)
- Bearings (977)
- Chains and belts (333)
- Gears, brakes, couplings and engines (1,474)
- Hydraulic Components (475)
- Lubricants (441)
- Powertrain Design (3)
-
Sensors (7,266)
- Accelerometers and Vibration Sensors (448)
- Barcode Sensors (103)
- Flowmeters and Flow Sensors (641)
- Gas, Chemical, Radiation, Magnetic Sensors (290)
- Humidity and Environmental Sensors (158)
- Level Sensors and Leak Detectors (537)
- Linear Position Sensors (413)
- Loadcells, Force Sensors, Torque Sensors (727)
- Pressure sensors (639)
- Proximity Sensors (712)
- Rotary Position, Tilt and Angular Sensors (560)
- Sensors (10)
- Temperature sensors (621)
- Vision and Colour Sensors (1,407)
- Small Mechanical Components, Joining, Tools (2,037)
- Valves, Pumps, Process Hardware (3,719)
