Linear Actuator - M4 Bolt variant

myminifactory

This is a Linear actuator design I'm using in my robotics projects. I've created an assembly tutorial on YouTube: https://youtu.be/grQYZmOEgX4   It works using a DC motor to rotate a M4 bolt, which in turn winds a nut back and forth and is in two motor size versions. Considering the cost of professional linear actuators being far too expensive for the hobby market, I thought I'd put together a variant of the nut running on a thread style actuator. Since a lot of the non-printable components I've used can be bought in bulk, the per unit cost of these is a lot lower. However, you are getting a drop in quality. That said, these do provide a nice entry-level into using linear actuators. The 3 volt motor version is okay, but a bit under-powered for my tastes. The 12 volt version rockets through everything, but will require a beefier power system.   Parts list:3 Volt Motorshttps://www.rapidonline.com/trumotion-3v-12200-rpm-miniature-motor-37-0146 3mm steel ball bearingshttps://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p221112/3mm-Diameter-Grade-100-AISI-316-Stainless-Steel-Ball-Bearings/product_info.html M4 50mm boltshttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A2-Stainless-Steel-Hexagon-Head-Fully-Thread-Set-Bolts-Screws-ALL-SIZES/181721390214?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=480673912077&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 M4 nutshttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A2-Stainless-Steel-Metric-Coarse-Hexagon-Full-Nuts-fit-Bolt-Screws-ALL-SIZES/181744712537?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=480692556316&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 Amazon Affiliate links (I get a bit of advertising money when people click on these) 12 Volt motorshttps://amzn.to/38w2miS Box of M3 Nylon nets & boltshttps://amzn.to/3f6Qdn2 If you find good use out of these, please consider clicking on the support button on my profile: https://www.myminifactory.com/users/andrewforster   Thank you and happy actuating!