Glideforce MD122008 Medium-Duty Linear Actuator: 100kgf, 8" Stroke, 0.58"/s, 12V

Overview

The Medium-Duty (MD) series of Glideforce linear actuators by Concentric International (formerly Iowa Export-Import) are 12V DC gearmotors that use a worm drive to move a shaft back and forth along its length. All of the actuators in this category have a 20:1 gearbox reduction with all metal gears, which allows them to move loads up to 100 kgf [225 lbs or 1000 N] and gives them a maximum speed of between 1.0 and 1.5 cm/s [0.4 and 0.6 in/s], depending on the load. The worm drive ensures that the shaft will hold its position even when unpowered and subjected to static loads up to 450 kgf [1000 lbs or 4500 N]. Two limit switches safely stop the motor at either end of its range, while integrated diodes allow it to reverse direction after reaching a limit point if the supplied voltage is reversed. The actuators have an all-aluminium frame and extension tube, and the entire case is sealed to protect against dust and water (rated IP65).

These actuators are available in a variety of stroke lengths, from 4″ to 12″, and with optional potentiometers that are linked to the shaft position, for use in feedback systems:

Mounting brackets made from machined aluminium or stamped steel are available for attaching the actuators to a structure; two are required for each actuator.

Details for item #3617

• Nominal stroke length: 8″ [20.3 cm]
• Actual stroke length: 7.87″ [20.0 cm]
• Retracted length: 12.01″ [30.5 cm] (from mounting hole to mounting hole)
• Extended length: 19.88″ [50.5 cm] (from mounting hole to mounting hole)
• Weight: 41 oz [1.2 kg]
• Gear ratio: 20:1 (standard)
• This version does not have a feedback potentiometer

MD series features and specifications

The following specifications apply to all Glideforce MD series linear actuators with the standard 20:1 gear ratio:

• Nominal operating voltage: 12 V
• Rated dynamic load capacity: 225 lbs [100 kgf or 1000 N]
• Maximum static load: 1000 lbs [450 kgf or 4500 N]
• Speed at 12 V, no load: 0.58 in/s [14.7 mm/s]
• Speed at 12 V, max load: 0.41 in/s [10.4 mm/s]
• Standard preset limit switches at both ends of stroke
• All aluminium frame and extension tube
• All metal gears
• Noise level: ≤ 70 dB
• Mounting hole diameter: 3/8″ [10 mm]
• Working temperature: -13°F [-25°C] to 149°F [65°C]
• IP rating: IP65 (total dust protection, water resistant)

For more details, see the MD series datasheet (709k pdf).

Dimensions

Diagrams of the linear actuators are shown below. The versions that include potentiometers have a larger gearbox, so their overall size and weight is larger. For more detailed information, including the retracted and extended lengths of each version, see the datasheet.

Using the actuator

To test-drive the actuator, simply connect a power source of up to 12 V to the motor leads. Reversing the applied voltage will reverse the direction of motion. A motor controller or motor driver is required for electronic speed and direction control. We recommend our Jrk 12v12 Motor Controllers for use with the feedback actuators and the Pololu Simple Motor Controller 18v15 for controlling the actuators without feedback, though many of our other motor controllers and motor drivers are capable of powering this actuator.

These actuators have a stall current of 14 A at 12 V, but they will, on average, draw far less than this when used within their load ratings. They draw around 1 A with no load and can exceed 4 A at their maximum rated dynamic load. Note, however, that the actuators can briefly draw close to their full stall current when abruptly started or on a sudden change of direction. Such current spikes can be dampened if you take steps to limit the acceleration of the actuator (many of our motor controllers offer optional acceleration limiting).

Actuator leads

Actuators with feedback have a 26″ (90 cm) cable that is terminated with special female connectors as shown in the left picture below, one for the three potentiometer leads and another for the two power leads. These connectors match male versions on the extension cable for LD/MD linear actuators. Actuator versions without feedback have a 36″ (90 cm) cable with two unterminated, stripped power leads as shown in the right picture below. Linear actuators without feedback do not have cables that are compatible with the linear actuator extension cable.

Dimensions

General specifications

Notes:

1

This represents the maximum in-rush current when starting a stationary actuator. These actuators are NOT intended to be stalled, and they will not stall as long as maximum load ratings are respected.

2

This is a dynamic load rating. The actuator is rated to withstand 1000 lbs when not moving.

3

Or one minute of continuous operation in four minutes.

4

Total dust protection, water resistant.