Linear Actuator Control

[Johnny Rotten]

I have a SMC Linear actuator rated at 24vdc. 2 wires, do I assume I apply 24vdc to make it go one way, and reverse polarity to make it go the other? I don't know much about them. Do I control torque by controlling voltage?

John

 

[dmargineau]

Type,Model#?

 

[Johnny Rotten]

Smc lzbb3l-100a3.

Our millwright ordered it without the controller or anything, I just wanted one to play with. All the instructions refer to a controller but I wanted to perhaps make one myself. Two wire - blue and red to the motor. Rated at 24vdc.

 

[dmargineau]

I believe the SMT electric cylinders are usually being used connected to a SMT LC3F2 directional control driver sized up according to the respective cylinder's motor size.
See pages 20-23 of
http://content2.smcetech.com/pdf/LZ.pdf
There isn't much information out there, however, the LC3F2 is a simple DC drive which provides user control inputs (including thrust command switching between 100% and a user set value) and motor protection.

 

[Johnny Rotten]

That's perfect. I suppose I'm going to make my own control driver and control the pulse width (time) of applied power depending on where a certain process deviates from a set-point. Time to play!

 

[Johnny Rotten]

Another question, when the actuator is in desired position, I gather there is no way to hold it there?

 

[Peter Nachtwey]

It looks like fun. We are actually doing something similar only we are trying to make a cheap 6DOF platform so we will be trying to get 6 to go. Now we are working on the first one.

Keep us updated.

 

[dmargineau]

Turn supply power off when there; I dont't believe it's spring return since it is bi-directional.

 

[Johnny Rotten]

It is not spring return, and as the motor is permanent magnet, shorting the two leads together makes it hold - much better than not shorting them - puts motor in regen.

Will keep you updated - thanks and Happy Friday!!!