# Linear Actuators

Linear actuators are a device that creates motion in a straight line, as opposed to the rotational motion of a motor. It consists of a motor, a lead screw, and a moving rod or shaft. The rotation of the motor turns the lead screw, this screw is threaded in a way that converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, causing the rod or shaft to extend or retract. Linear actuators are commonly used in applications that require precise and controlled straight-line movement, such as climbing tasks, driving arms, actuating intakes, and deploying other diverse mechanisms. Their design allows for efficient, reliable, and smooth operation in various mechanical systems. 

<figure><img src="https://2800450911-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4vnkeyE3Rv32OmveFas2%2Fuploads%2FdbZget6vkn9ZJa2oHPzN%2FREV-21-2735-LinearActuatorKit-12inStroke-ISO-EDITED.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e31f5c38-235e-42d8-94ed-0ca232d7b13a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Linear Actuator - 12in Stroke

{% hint style="info" %}
Looking to assemble a Linear Actuator - 12in Stroke? Check out our [Linear Actuator Assembly guide!](https://docs.revrobotics.com/ion-build/build-guides/linear-actuator-assembly)&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Specifications&#x20;

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="263"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Parameter</strong></td><td><strong>Value</strong></td><td><strong>Units</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Outer Body Width Size</td><td>2x2</td><td>Inches</td></tr><tr><td>Inner Body Width Size</td><td>1x1</td><td>Inches</td></tr><tr><td>Minimum Retracted Length</td><td>16</td><td>Inches</td></tr><tr><td>Minimum Extended Length †</td><td>28</td><td>Inches</td></tr><tr><td>Body Material</td><td>Aluminum</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Screw Material </td><td>Steel</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Nut Material</td><td>Brass</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="58"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>†</td><td>Minimum Retracted Length + Stroke Length</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Lead Screw Specifications&#x20;

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="268"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Parameter</strong></td><td><strong>Value</strong></td><td><strong>Units</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Stroke Length</td><td>12</td><td>Inches</td></tr><tr><td>Diameter</td><td>10</td><td>mm</td></tr><tr><td>Pitch</td><td>2</td><td>mm</td></tr><tr><td>Starts</td><td>6</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Lead Angle</td><td>22.26</td><td>Degrees</td></tr><tr><td>Pitch Diameter</td><td>9.33</td><td>mm</td></tr><tr><td>Forward Efficiency</td><td>65</td><td>Percentage</td></tr><tr><td>Buckling Critical Load †</td><td>500</td><td>lbs</td></tr><tr><td>Thread Type</td><td>Metric Rounded ACME</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="58"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>†</td><td>The safety pin on the leadscrew is rated to shear at 500lbs of tensile load GIVEN that the linear actuator is mounted rigidly as demonstrated in this application example - <a href="https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0f093ebe7a82128aa18cb56e/w/e3eebd7cb87c35bac8e9a428/e/e1fb92b96e22645647d861c9">Rigid Linear Actuator</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Motor Tables

The below tables provide the mathematical performance possibilities, and assume 1:1 gearing and 100% vertical load. Cantilever load and gear reductions will change these numbers. We recommend using a lead screw calculator such as the [AMB Robotics Calculator for Lead Screws](https://ambcalc.com/lead_screw?=) to find the numbers for your application.&#x20;

|                                                                                                      Link to pre-filled AMB Linear Actuator Calculator                                                                                                     |
| :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| [Linear Actuator - 12in Stroke (REV-21-2735), Lubricated](https://ambcalc.com/lead_screw?od-u=0.001\&od=10\&starts=6\&force=500\&screw-mat=Steel\&angle=22.26\&pitch=2\&traise-u=0.113\&nut-mat=Brass\&lube=%5E&=\&traise-c=%5E\&traise=\&rot-c=%5E\&rot=) |

{% hint style="info" %}
Special thanks to Ari Meles-Braverman for creating and maintaining the AMB Robotics Calculator!&#x20;
{% endhint %}

#### NEO Vortex Brushless Motor

| **MAX RPM Percentage** | **Input RPM** | **Applied Torque (N\*m)** | **Maximum Output Load (N) @ Stall** | **Maximum Linear Speed (m/s)** @ Zero Load |
| ---------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| 20                     | 1357          | 2.88                      | 1508                                | 0.27                                       |
| 40                     | 2714          | 2.16                      | 1131                                | 0.54                                       |
| 60                     | 4070          | 1.44                      | 754                                 | 0.81                                       |
| 80                     | 5427          | 0.72                      | 377                                 | 1.08                                       |
| 100                    | 6784          | 0                         | 0                                   | 1.35                                       |

#### NEO Brushless Motor V1.1

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th width="157"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>MAX RPM Percentage</strong></td><td><strong>Input RPM</strong></td><td><strong>Applied Torque (N*m)</strong></td><td><strong>Maximum Output Load (N)</strong> @ Stall</td><td><strong>Maximum Linear Speed (m/s) @ Zero Load</strong></td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>1164</td><td>2.40</td><td>1257</td><td>0.23</td></tr><tr><td>40</td><td>2328</td><td>1.80</td><td>942</td><td>0.47</td></tr><tr><td>60</td><td>3492</td><td>1.20</td><td>628</td><td>0.70</td></tr><tr><td>80</td><td>4656</td><td>0.60</td><td>314</td><td>0.93</td></tr><tr><td>100</td><td>5820</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1.16</td></tr></tbody></table>