MECHANICAL ACTUATOR

thingiverse

A Mechanical Actuator The mechanical actuator is a device that converts rotary motion into linear motion. It features an integrated gearbox to reduce motor speed and increase output force. All components are 3D printable, and its construction mimics industry-standard mechanical actuators. Three stages of gear reduction, dual roller bearings, and an acme screw are used. Gear Reduction The actuator uses three stages of reduction with spur gears to achieve a total ratio of 10.39:1. The teeth on the last stage are larger due to increasing torque through the gears. Stage #1: .577:1 (15 to 26 tooth, module 1) Stage #2: .417:1 (15 to 36 tooth, module 1) Stage #3: .4:1 (12 to 30 tooth, module 1.5) Total Reduction: 10.39:1 Lead Screw A twin lead 5/8” diameter x .375” acme screw is used, featuring two threads revolving around the screw for added strength. A coarse thread pitch was chosen for faster travel. Bearings Twelve 1/8” diameter x 3/8” long dowel pins are used as roller bearings on the drive shaft. Bearing cages ensure proper spacing, and set screws allow for preload adjustment. Actuator Speed A 1000rpm DC gear motor is utilized, with a maximum linear speed of: 1000 rpm / 10.39 ratio x .375 = 36 in/min Printing Instructions Files are oriented correctly for printing, and supports are not required. The max bed size needed is 120mm x 120mm x 120mm. Assembly Instructions This actuator is easy to assemble, taking less than ten minutes. A PDF shows the assembly view, with the following steps: 1. Print all required components. 2. Install heat-set inserts into bearing housing. 3. Put roller cages into bearing housing and cap, then install rollers into cages. 4. Insert drive screw into bearing cap and install cap onto housing. 5. Tighten four screws to set preload on bearings. 6. Bolt bearing assembly onto main plate. 7. Bolt gear motor onto main plate. 8. Bolt drive gear onto motor shaft. 9. Install stage 2 & 3 gears. 10. Bolt gear onto screw. 11. Bolt back cover onto main plate. 12. Screw actuator rod onto drive screw. 13. Slide guide housing onto drive screw, lining up anti-rotation keyway and bolt it on. Required Fasteners 1/8” Diameter Dowel Pins X 3/8” lg - 12X M3x.5 Socket Head Cap Screw X 6mm lg -21X M3x.5 Socket Head Cap Screw X 10mm lg -8X Purchased Components DC GearMotor: A14040300UX0970, Manufacture: Uxcell, Voltage: 24vdc/1amp, RPM: 1000 (20-1000 available same gearmotor) You can find it on Uxcells site or I got mine on amazon for $14. Thread Inserts M3x.5mm thread, 5.6mm od x 3.8mm lg brass QTY: 16 Motor Controller If you are looking for means to control the motor you can find the motor controller and a housing I designed for it the motor here under a previous project. Demo Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNvmMqN1tXA Video with Cover Removed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb93zWS8Fe8