Frequently Asked Questions

What is a linear actuator and what does it do?

A linear actuator is a mechanical device that enables rotary motion to be converted into linear motion. Through a drive mechanism – belt or ballscrew being common examples – linear actuators can transport a load in a precision linear motion.

How to choose a linear actuator?

Several key factors should be considered when selecting a linear actuator system for your specific application, so they meet your performance and functional requirements and to ensure a long lifetime.

Key factors such as payload, speed and environmental conditions should be at the forefront of any selection when incorporating linear actuators into your machine design.

By using Kiwi Motion data sheets, or by contacting us, a correct choice can be made.

If you still need advice and guidance the expert, helpful, friendly team at Kiwi Motion will be on hand to help.

What are the advantages of linear actuators?

Linear actuators are a ‘ready to go’ fully designed linear system. They can save a considerable amount of time and money in both the design stage and in fitment to the machine.

Specified to meet the needs of any automation system, and with off the shelf mounting fixtures, our linear actuators offer a simple method of achieving the linear motion required.

Where are linear actuator used?

Linear actuator systems are used in a huge range of applications where precise and repeatable motion is required.

They are used in applications all over the world and in almost every industry.

Common applications include:

• Printing and packaging
• Robotics
• Plasma cutting machines
• Automotive assembly lines
• Semiconductor machines
• Plus many more

Can you synchronise two linear actuators?

Yes, you can by two methods. The first and by far the most cost-effective method is to use two belt driven linear actuators and mechanically link them via a connecting drive shaft, enabling two actuators to be driven from one common motor.

Two linear actuators can also be synchronised by using two or more synchronous electric motors.

What are the common types of linear actuators?

The most common type of linear actuators includes belt driven, ball screw or leadscrew driven, linear motors and ball screw driven rodded type linear actuators. Each offer exclusive performance characteristics and will be better suited to certain types of application.

The two most common types of linear actuator are belt and ball screw driven. These types are cost-effective options and will meet the demands of most automation requirements. Kiwi Motion offers every type of linear actuator listed here to provide a linear actuator system to suit your application.

Can I use my own motor, or do you supply motors?

You can specify your own motor and/or gearbox and we will make the motor interface and provide the coupling to suit.

If you would prefer us to provide the complete linear solution, to specify the motor, gearbox assembly, this service is provided by Kiwi Motion.

How do I mount a linear actuator?

All Kiwi Motion linear actuators are complemented by a wide range of easy-to-fit mounts. These will either fit directly into the grooves of the actuator body, fit to the ends of the actuator, or in the case of rodded-type actuators, screw onto the piston rod. All mounts are available to download as models, so the complete linear actuator system can be incorporated into the machine design.

What are the most common linear actuator applications?

Kiwi Motion linear actuators are used all over the world, in many different applications and industries.

Some common industries and applications for linear actuators include:

• Machine Tools
• Printing Machines
• Packaging Machines
• Semiconductor
• Automotive
• Plasma Cutting Machines
• Pick and Place Systems
• Aerospace
• Special Purpose Machinery
• Pharmaceutical
• Food & Beverage
• Bottling Machines
• Laboratory Equipment

What are linear shafts and linear bearings?

A linear shaft, or commonly called hardened ground shaft, or precision shaft is an induction hardened, round, metal, straight rod used in conjunction with linear bearings (bushings) to provide low friction linear motion. They are available in a wide range of diameters and types of material to suit the demands of the application. The shafts will commonly be custom machined each end to suit the desired fixity.

Where are linear shafts and bearings used?

Linear shafts and bearings will appear in a huge range of applications and industries that require linear motion. Due to their self-aligning capabilities, they are particularly useful when, for whatever reason, a level of misalignment will occur.  They also offer a simple and quick mounting method due to the linear shaft only being required to be supported each end.

What are the benefits of linear shaft and bearings?

They offer simple and easy mounting due to the need to only support them on each end and in general, they require very little lubrication and maintenance.

Why use Kiwi Motion linear shafts and bearings?

Kiwi Motion continue to lead the market in offering cost effective, quality linear products that are delivered on time. By using Kiwi Motion linear shafts and bearings you are safe in the knowledge that you will receive a quality product, suited to the demands of your application.

With a wide range of types and sizes of linear bearings to choose from and with linear shafts offered with different corrosion resistance properties at differing price points, you have the flexibility and the choice to choose the correct linear system for your machine design.

How do I choose a linear shaft and bearing system?

Several key factors should be considered when selecting a linear shaft and bearing system for your specific application, so it meets your performance and functional requirements and ensures a long lifetime. Key factors such as payload, speed and environmental conditions should be at the forefront of any selection when incorporating them into your machine design. By using Kiwi Motion data sheets, a correct choice can be made. If you still need advice and guidance the expert, helpful, friendly team at Kiwi Motion will be on hand to help.

How good are linear shafts against corrosion?

Here at Kiwi Motion, we offer a varied range of linear shaft materials which offer varying levels of corrosion resistance. Linear shafts do offer very good corrosion resistance, and should the correct linear shaft be selected they are sure to meet the lifetime requirements for the machine they will be incorporated into. Salt spray tests have been carried out on each linear shaft supplied which reflect certain environments that automation systems might be subjected to, ensuring peace of mind.

What types of linear shaft do you offer?

Linear shafts are offered in CF53 steel, CF53 steel chrome plated, and X90 and X46 stainless steel. With differing price points and varying levels of corrosion resistance, there will be a linear shaft to suit any application and environment.

Can you cut linear shaft to any length?

Yes, all our linear shafts can be cut to your desired length. You can order set lengths online, or order custom lengths by contacting us.

Can you machine my linear shaft?

Yes, upon receipt of a drawing, we can machine any of our linear shafts to suit your requirements.

How do you support a linear shaft?

The most common and simple method to support a linear shaft is to use our SK shaft end supports. These are available to suit linear shaft diameters from 8mm to 40mm and they offer an easy and rigid support system. We can suggest alternative fixing methods should the application require something else, or you can design your own fixing layout.

A ball screw is a precision mechanical component that converts rotational motion into linear motion. Through a ball screw nut the system – via ball bearings moving around a circuit – transport a load to the desired location with precision and smooth motion.

Ballscrews are used in a huge range of applications where precise and repeatable motion is required. They are used in applications all over the world and in almost every industry.

Common applications include machine tools, printing and packaging, robotics, plasma cutting machine, automotive, semiconductor and many more.

Several key factors should be considered when selecting a ball screw system for your specific application, so it meets meet your performance and functional requirements and to ensure a long lifetime.

Key factors such as payload, speed and environmental conditions should be at the forefront of any selection when incorporating ball screws into your machine design. By using Kiwi Motion data sheets, a correct choice can be made. If you still need advice and guidance the expert, helpful, friendly team at Kiwi Motion will be on hand to help.

The high efficiency of ball screw systems makes them a popular choice for precision linear motion. Operating at more than 90% efficiency and requiring very low driving torque they are also a long-term cost-effective option. The load bearing capabilities of ball screws is also very high suiting them to high load applications. They are also extremely accurate and repeatable with accuracies available from just 3 microns.

Kiwi Motion continue to lead the market in offering cost effective, quality linear products that are delivered on time. By using Kiwi Motion ball screw systems you are safe in the knowledge that you will receive a quality product, suited to the demands of your application. With a wide range of types and sizes of ball screws to choose from, along with the varied range of ball screw end supports, you have the flexibility and the choice to choose the correct linear system for your machine design.

A rolled ball screw is manufactured by forcing ‘plain’ round screw material through dies which in turn form the threads on the screw by pushing material out of the way. The most cost-effective type of ball screw which still offers precision accuracy, low noise, and high load capacity.

A ground ball screw is manufactured by grinding away material in the ‘plain’ screw material to form threads. This typically occurs in a horizontal setup with the plain screw material rotating between two machining centres.

Abrasive cutters then cut a few threads at a time. Generally only used for high precision applications, they are the quietest, most repeatable type of ball screw.

The ball screw pitch or lead is the linear travel the ball screw nut makes per one screw revolution. Pitch and lead are equal for all single start ball screws.

The most common method to support a ball screw is to use an arrangement of a fixed type support bearing one end, with a floating (simple) end support the other. This offers good load bearing characteristics and speed profiles and allows for any thermal expansion in the ball screw.

Depending on the application there be a requirement for having two fixed ends, or even allowing one end of the ballscrew to be ‘free’. We stock and supply a wide range of ball screw end supports to suit your machine design and can offer help and guidance if you still aren’t sure as to which arrangement to use.

Yes, absolutely. We can machine our ball screws to your specific requirements, just send us a drawing. Or if you have chosen standard end supports, we can machine these without a drawing as they come with standard machining details.