Actuator Sizing Form
Enter the application, motion, and drive details. Results appear above this form after submission.
Example Data Table
These sample scenarios show how load path, speed, and safety margins can change actuator sizing.
| Scenario | Application | Load | Speed | Stroke | Estimated Required Force | Recommended Force |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliding inspection gate | Horizontal | 40 kg | 120 mm/s | 300 mm | 92 N | 152 N |
| Inclined service hatch | Inclined 25° | 18 kg | 60 mm/s | 200 mm | 95 N | 157 N |
| Compact lift column | Vertical Lift | 90 kg | 30 mm/s | 450 mm | 912 N | 1505 N |
Formula Used
This calculator uses a practical sizing model for screw-driven linear actuators.
W = m × gMass in kilograms and gravity at 9.80665 m/s².
Horizontal: 0Inclined: Fg = m × g × sin(θ)Vertical: Fg = m × g
Horizontal or Inclined: Ff = μ × NN = m × g × cos(θ)Vertical: Ff ≈ μ × WVertical friction is treated as equivalent guide drag.
a = v / tFa = m × a
Frequired = Fgravity + Ffriction + FaccelerationFper actuator = Frequired / number of actuators
Frecommended = Fper actuator × safety factor × shock factor
Travel time = stroke / speedDuty = (round trip time × cycles per hour / 3600) × 100
Pmech = Frequired × vPelec = Pmech / efficiencyI = Pelec / voltageT = (Frecommended × lead) / (2π × efficiency)
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the application type that matches the motion path.
- Enter the moving load mass and how many actuators share it.
- Provide speed, acceleration time, and required stroke length.
- Set friction, efficiency, safety factor, and shock factor.
- Enter cycles per hour and duty cycle to evaluate thermal loading.
- Add voltage and screw lead to estimate current, torque, and rpm.
- Click the calculate button to show the results above the form.
- Review the graph, design notes, and downloads before selecting hardware.
FAQs
1) What force rating should I choose?
Choose the recommended force per actuator, then round upward to the next catalog size. Also check motor curve limits, mounting strength, and side-load restrictions before final selection.
2) Why is a safety factor necessary?
Safety factor covers wear, misalignment, friction growth, voltage drop, and unknown load changes. Systems with poor data or uneven load sharing usually need a larger margin.
3) Does vertical motion usually need a brake?
Often yes. Vertical systems can back-drive when power is removed, especially with larger leads or efficient screw types. Use a brake or self-locking design when holding position matters.
4) How does screw lead affect performance?
A larger lead increases linear travel per revolution and changes required rpm and torque. It can also increase back-driving risk, so check holding behavior carefully.
5) What does duty cycle mean here?
Duty cycle is the percentage of one hour the actuator actively runs. Exceeding the rating can overheat the motor and shorten service life.
6) Can two actuators always share the load evenly?
Not automatically. Uneven geometry, stiffness, or timing can overload one unit. Use synchronization controls and a conservative margin when multiple actuators support one load.
7) Why does friction matter on horizontal systems?
On horizontal motion, gravity does not dominate thrust, so friction and acceleration often become the main sizing drivers. Better guides can greatly reduce required force.
8) Is this enough for final procurement?
It is a sizing tool, not a full certification method. Confirm mounts, buckling, side loads, environment, motor curves, and safety rules before purchasing hardware.