Ball Screw Linear Actuator

thingiverse

Working on a new project demanding twelve ballscrew actuators prompted R&D to develop a cost-effective solution. This led to many months of developing a 3D printed ball screw with an encoder and hardware costing thirty-five dollars each. Multiple configurations were posted for different travel lengths. Travel Configurations: * 125-200mm * 150-250mm * 175-300mm * 200-350mm Specifications: Designed around 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters) ball bearing. * Screw Pitch Diameter: 12 millimeters * Screw Pitch: 4.5 millimeters * Actuation Speed: 23.1 millimeters per second * Encoder: Sixty-two point six six six seven pulses per millimeter * Gearmotor: No Load Five hundred sixty revolutions per minute, 0.5 amperes (See attached observations) * Force: One hundred five Newtons @ 1.0 ampere (assuming seventy-five percent efficiency) * Force: Three hundred sixty-seven Newtons @ 2.4 amperes (assuming seventy-five percent efficiency) I have not tested linear force because I do not have the appropriate hardware to do so. At 1.5 amperes, I am unable or unwilling to stop the actuator by hand in compression. Further testing will occur as I utilize this design. Example of encoder/PID positioning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTAoLJEhHUw Edit August 10, 2019: Updated bill of materials, replaced bearing with Delrin bearing. Cheaper and better wear for plastic on plastic.