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What is the difference between a linear actuator and a rotary actuator?

2020-06-22

In fact, linear actuators allow objects to move in a straight line, while rotary actuators allow objects to rotate at a certain angle. Therefore, the linear actuator performs the reciprocating motion, and the rotary actuator performs the rotary motion.

 linear actuator

Simply put, a single motor belongs to a rotary actuator. When current flows through the conventional servo motor, the motor rotates. Connecting the motor directly to the load constitutes a direct drive rotary actuator. Many rotary actuators are combined with mechanical devices to form a mechanical lever structure. This advantage helps reduce the degree of rotation and increase torque. If the component finally performs a rotary motion, then it also belongs to a rotary actuator.

On the other hand, it can also be converted into a reciprocating motion by connecting a rotary actuator to a mechanical device, and then it becomes a linear actuator.

 

It is worth noting that when motion conversion occurs between multiple devices, in order to achieve high bandwidth, some physical laws need to be observed to increase the response speed of the actuator. Therefore, the actuator should be as close as possible to the load, such as direct-drive rotary motor and direct-drive linear motor solutions can usually provide the highest bandwidth system.

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