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Stepper motor driven screw linear actuators have been used for a while in a variety of applications. Integrated motor screw units used to only be available in high volume runs or too costly to consider. Building your own with expensive couplings and support bearings, mounting and aligning the assembly – add up to overwhelming costs.
Stepper motor driven screw linear actuators have been used for a while in a variety of applications. Integrated motor screw units used to only be available in high volume runs or too costly to consider. Building your own with expensive couplings and support bearings, mounting and aligning the assembly – add up to overwhelming costs. Helix has combined manufacturing technology, precision hybrid motors and standard lead screw components to make low volume runs an affordable modern option.
We have taken a look at the pieces that make up the whole linear system addressing cost, quality and performance factors for each of them.
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Eliminate costly couplings and support bearings, to lower system cost, and provide for more compact, stiffer, easy to mount and align assemblies
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Stepper motors' high torque at low speeds can eliminate gear boxes for precision positioning accuracy
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Selecting the appropriate lead screw may provide self braking in many applications, eliminating a costly brake assembly
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Stepper motors are also inexpensive to control and there are many low cost drives available to power and control stepper motors
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Optional motor encoders are available - fastened to the back for closing the loop, further enhancing system accuracy
Laser Welding
At Helix we utilize laser welding to attach the lead screws to the hybrid stepper motors. The stepper motor is beefed-up with deep groove ball bearings to maximize thrust loads and rigidity. Welded assemblies, provide better alignment, don't come apart and are lower cost. Helix has pioneered laser welding expertise to provide accurate, strong and reliable welds.
Laser welded linear actuators are typically manufactured by inserting a turned journal of the screw into a hollow cored motor and welding them together in a rotating fixture. On a NEMA 23 frame motor it only takes a few seconds to do this, providing a strong bond and precision alignment. As this procedure is done to assembled motors, they can be kept in stock separately and married to the customer's required lead screw for quick delivery and provide thousands of motor screw combinations.
PTFE Coating
Helix lead screws are PTFE coated in a computer controlled environment ensuring uniform coating, long life and the smoothest operation. Having this facility in-house also ensures prompt delivery and total quality control. We also manufacture our lead screws and injection mold our lead screw nuts in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant using the latest technology to ensure the highest quality.
Helix lead screws are PTFE coated in a computer controlled environment ensuring uniform coating, long life and the smoothest operation. Having this facility in-house also ensures prompt delivery and total quality control. We also manufacture our lead screws and injection mold our lead screw nuts in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant using the latest technology to ensure the highest quality.
Learn More in Our Newest Catalog
Helix Linear is the only manufacturer providing rapid prototyping services to custom design special actuators or your whole linear system. We are excited to offer our new catalog where you can learn more about Helix Hybrid Linear Actuators - click below to download the catalog.
Shop Linear Actuators
Additional Reading
Lead Screw Accuracy for Liquid Dispensing and Fluid Management Applications
Helix can Stack Linear Actuators
How Linear Actuators Improve HVAC Performance