Duty cycle refers to the amount of on/running time of the actuator compared to the amount of off/dwell time of the actuator. It is used to ensure proper cooling of the system.
Continuous:
The actuator will move back and forth without stopping periods that allow the motor to cool. Typically, any run times greater than 5 minutes should be considered continuous duty applications. Consult Ultra Motion engineers for critical applications.
50% duty cycle:
The actuator will only be under load 50% of the time. For example, a ratcheting system where the actuator pushes a load during extension, and experiences no load during retraction.
Light duty:
The actuator will move infrequently.

Axial backlash arises due to clearances in both the bearing, and ball/acme nut. Backlash of up to 0.005” can be seen on the output shaft during load reversals (tension -> compression or vice versa). Backlash is direct position error that can only be detected with load side sensing, such as a potentiometer. This value of backlash will increase over time as the actuator begins to wear. Backlash can be eliminated by preloading the actuator with springs, disallowing load reversal, or by designing the actuator with preloaded components, or matched pairs.

High efficiency ball screws are used in applications requiring high force, high speed and high life. Ball screw linear actuators can be back-driven (move due to an externally applied linear force) when unpowered due to their high efficiencies. This can be desirable or a problem. For example, a load being driven against gravity would “crash down” in the event of a power failure or the actuator can be returned to a mechanical stop by means of springs after cutting power. If the performance advantages of a ball screw are needed and back-driving is unacceptable, a power-off brake can be used to hold the actuator’s position in the event of a power failure.
Lower efficiency leadscrews with efficiencies below 50% are known to be self-locking. An assistive torque must be applied to the screw in order to lower a load. This means that the screw cannot be backdriven under any load. It should be noted that in some cases, such as high vibration environments, a self-locking screw can still be backdriven.

Parallel Mount:

• Includes B1, B2, B3 and I1, I2 models.
• Multiple motor, belt ratio, and screw options make the B-series line of actuators extremely versatile.
• Brushed, BLDC, and stepper motor options are available.
• Shorter length compared to inline linear actuators.

In Line Mount:

• Includes D1, D2 and U1, U2 models
• Compact, lightweight design has the smallest overall footprint in our product line.
• BLDC and stepper motors available.

Our standard availability stroke lengths are 2, 4, and 8 inches. Actuators can be custom ordered with stroke lengths from 0.1 to 16 inches.