What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Linear Actuators with or without Couplings?
Whether the linear actuator uses a coupling will have a certain impact on its performance and application. Generally speaking, it can be analyzed from three aspects: structure, cost and accuracy. The following are some brief descriptions. Hope it will be helpful to you:
1. Linear actuator without coupling:
Advantages
The structure is simple. Since there is no coupling, there is no need to design a separate installation structure for the coupling;
Low cost, this type of linear actuator only consists of linear motors and slide rails, and is relatively simple to produce;
High precision, without the elasticity and hysteresis of the coupling, the response speed and precision of the system will be improved;
Disadvantages:
Higher precision requirements for manufacturing and installation are required. Without a coupling to absorb the deviation, the deviation between the motor shaft and the slide drive component may directly affect the performance of the linear actuator, so higher manufacturing and installation accuracy is required;
2. Linear actuator using coupling:
Advantages:
Able to absorb axial, radial and angular deviations. Due to manufacturing and installation errors, there may be certain deviations between the motor shaft and the slide drive components (such as ball screws). The coupling can effectively absorb these deviations and reduce the impact on the performance of the linear actuator;
Reduces load on drive components. The coupling can smoothly transmit the torque of the motor to the slide table, reduce the impact and wear of the driving components, and extend their life;
It is convenient for maintenance and replacement. If the motor fails, it can be disassembled and replaced with a new one in time;
Disadvantages.
Increases system complexity and cost. Using couplings requires more complex design and higher manufacturing precision, which may increase the cost of the system;
It may affect the response speed and accuracy of the system. Although the coupling can absorb deviations and reduce loads, it may also introduce some elasticity and hysteresis, affecting the response speed and accuracy of the system.
1. Linear actuator without coupling:
Advantages
The structure is simple. Since there is no coupling, there is no need to design a separate installation structure for the coupling;
Low cost, this type of linear actuator only consists of linear motors and slide rails, and is relatively simple to produce;
High precision, without the elasticity and hysteresis of the coupling, the response speed and precision of the system will be improved;
Disadvantages:
Higher precision requirements for manufacturing and installation are required. Without a coupling to absorb the deviation, the deviation between the motor shaft and the slide drive component may directly affect the performance of the linear actuator, so higher manufacturing and installation accuracy is required;
2. Linear actuator using coupling:
Advantages:
Able to absorb axial, radial and angular deviations. Due to manufacturing and installation errors, there may be certain deviations between the motor shaft and the slide drive components (such as ball screws). The coupling can effectively absorb these deviations and reduce the impact on the performance of the linear actuator;
Reduces load on drive components. The coupling can smoothly transmit the torque of the motor to the slide table, reduce the impact and wear of the driving components, and extend their life;
It is convenient for maintenance and replacement. If the motor fails, it can be disassembled and replaced with a new one in time;
Disadvantages.
Increases system complexity and cost. Using couplings requires more complex design and higher manufacturing precision, which may increase the cost of the system;
It may affect the response speed and accuracy of the system. Although the coupling can absorb deviations and reduce loads, it may also introduce some elasticity and hysteresis, affecting the response speed and accuracy of the system.
Updated on: 04/12/2023
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