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Actuator Design

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by BM114, Jun 21, 2019.

  1. BM114

    BM114 New Member

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    Hey all,
    I've been working on an actuator design using the 1605 ballscrew, ballnut and a Nema 34 style motor for a 6dof style platform simulator. Ideally I would be able to use the Clearpath series servo from clearpath, but it is pretty pricey so I may end up using a closed loop stepper with a 1610 ballscrew to compensate for the slower rpm. My design uses 19x90 extrusion provided by minitec (https://www.minitecautomation.com/products/configurable_products/47-profile-19x90-20-0995-0) that I believe will be strong enough to withstand the forces involved while also keeping my profile slim as possible. These lengths of extrusion also serve as a roller guide for the ballnut that is guided by two bearings(one on each side riding the extrusion slot). I hope to upload a BOM of what I've got so far, but I need to tweak it just a little bit first. I think it will come out close to $1200 per actuator if I use the Clearpath motors, but I consider it to be very solid and hopefully quiet. I have a .stp of the assembly, but it seems too large to attach. Perhaps there is another way to reference large files?

    It's something I would really like to try out sometime when money allows, but there's got to be a way to reduce cost. Any tips on where cost can be cut would be appreciated.
    Let me know your thoughts, thanks.

    perspective 1.PNG perspective 2.PNG
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Have you tried uploading it as a zip file?
  3. joe extraknow

    joe extraknow Member Gold Contributor

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    For $1200 each, you probably can buy industrial ones, what diy?
    Try at PT-actuator, I believe the model is pt25:
  4. BM114

    BM114 New Member

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    @noorbeast I'm surprised it reduced it by that much to be honest. Thanks for your input.

    @joe extraknow
    Thanks for the reference. I don't seem to see any pricing on their website and I can't watch the video you linked to see if it is mentioned. I will be sure to later when I have sufficient data.

    I started designing because I couldn't find anything nearly fast enough (300mm/s or better) for any reasonable price and being an M.E. I thought it would be a nice challenge. In fact, I'd say the prospect of building the flight simulator is more exciting than using it for me. So I went into CAD and did a few iterations of this until I was reasonably happy with the result.

    Attached Files:

    • zip.zip
      File size:
      2.9 MB
      Views:
      236
    • Like Like x 1
  5. BM114

    BM114 New Member

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    Hey Joe, I got some pricing information from the supplier. I wanted to attach it for a reference if anyone else needs info on it. The actuators are quite a bit cheaper than my design and I'm definitely considering them. Shipping is not included, but $975.83 each is hard to beat for a linear actuator.
    "
    1. Actuator mechanics specs:
    a. Speed :300mm/s

    b. Stroke:300mm

    c. Ball screw Taiwan brand: PT1610.

    d. rod end in front ,and universal joint on the rear

    2. Servomotor

    a. Model aasd 750watts

    b. Motor flange size 80mm

    c. Motor watts :750

    d. Motor speed :3000rpm

    The whole unit(actuators+joints+servos) for this 6dof is only 5855USD.
    "
    • Like Like x 2
  6. 姚妙震

    姚妙震 New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform, 6DOF
    Why do you try to use hydro cylinder ? I think it will make your work easily and lower fare than electric cylinder.
  7. BM114

    BM114 New Member

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    Do you mean make it hydraulic? Or perhaps a water driven piston setup?

    I personally shy away from using anything with a fluid media as its driving component. There is always a risk of leaks or ruptures and I'm not as familiar with the control of fluid media.

    Hope that answers your question.